EOI - Call for Experts Z4ABC Expert Evaluation Panel

Follow us@ngobox

About the Organization

Zambia for Agroforestry, Biodiversity and Climate (Z4ABC) is a development initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and partners in the Lower Zambezi–Luangwa–Nyika corridor (ZLN). The initiative is working towards the transformation of agricultural, forestry, and wildlife-based value chains to become more sustainable, climate- resilient, and productive while at the same time improving local livelihoods, food security, biodiversity and mitigating climate change. Z4ABC currently operates in pilot sites to scale up sustainable practices and new solutions in value chains focusing on bamboo products, legumes, legume seeds, non-timber forest products, edible caterpillars, community-led ecotourism and game ranching in Eastern province (Nyimba, Katete and Petauke districts), Lusaka province (Rufunsa district) and Muchinga province (Lavushimanda, Kanchibiya districts).

About the EOI  

The Z4ABC initiative will provide grants to private sector actors in implementing innovative activities that create value addition to products and services within the target value chains and pilot sites. To support transparent, technically rigorous, and impartial grant-awarding under this initiative, Z4ABC seeks to recruit an expert evaluation panel.

Purpose of the expert panel:

The panel will provide independent technical review and scoring of proposals submitted under the Z4ABC matching grant scheme. The panellists will assess applications within a specific value chain based on predefined evaluation criteria and scoring tools. The panel will help identify the most promising, impactful, and feasible proposals aligned with the Z4ABC project objectives and funding conditions.

Scope of work and responsibilities:

Each expert panellist will:

• Review and score applications using predefined scoring and ranking templates.
• Conduct independent, objective technical assessments based on value chain focus, market potential, expertise and team profile, risk management, impact on the organization, environmental impact and sustainability, social impact, inclusion, budget, project feasibility, business model strength, value addition, market access, and alignment with biodiversity and climate-smart objectives.
• Provide written justifications for all scores and comments within the official scoring sheets.
• Join a consensus meeting (online or in-person) to discuss high-scoring proposals and finalize rankings.
• Support pitch evaluations for shortlisted applicants, asking clarification questions and adjusting scores based on new insights.
• Contribute to a consolidated report of recommendations for funding.

Panellists will be expected to operate under strict confidentiality and must not engage with applicants directly.

Deliverables:

Each panellist is expected to deliver:

• Completed scoring sheets for each assigned application.
• Notes and observations to support scoring decisions.
• Participation in at least one consensus meeting and pitch session.
• Contribution to a final recommendation report and ranked applicant list.

Duration of the Assignment

• The duration of the engagement to this assignment will be 45 days.

Eligibility

Panel members must demonstrate the following qualifications:

Education & Technical Background

• At least a bachelor’s degree in agroforestry, environmental science, agriculture, natural resource management, climate science, finance, law, economics, or related fields. A master’s degree or higher is an advantage.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in value chain development, business incubation, biodiversity/climate-focused programming, impact investing, financial structuring, legal analysis for agribusinesses, or grant/program management. 10+ years of experience is a plus.
• Previous participation in evaluation panels, donor-funded project assessments, or technical selection committees is preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of rural enterprise ecosystems and climate-smart practices in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Zambia.

Cross-Cutting Competencies

• Understanding of gender, youth, and community dynamics in rural and environmental interventions.
• Experience with sustainability frameworks, including the SDGs and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

Conflict of Interest Compliance

• No personal or professional affiliation with current grant applicants
• Willingness to sign a confidentiality and conflict of interest declaration

How to Apply

To be considered, applicants must submit the following documentation:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) clearly outlining relevant professional experience and educational background, with contact details for at least three (3) traceable referees.
• Summary of Relevant Experience – Two short descriptions (1–2 paragraphs each) of previous assignments related to value chain development, grant/project evaluation, business or environmental consulting, or rural enterprise support. Please outline the objective, your role, and the outcomes achieved.
• Supporting Work Samples (optional but encouraged) – You may attach relevant work products such as reports, evaluation summaries, technical briefs, or published materials. Evidence of research papers, technical publications, or knowledge products will be considered an added advantage. Please ensure that all materials respect any confidentiality or publication agreements.
• Academic and Professional Certifications – Attach copies of all relevant degrees and certifications that support your qualifications for this panel.
• Proof of Identity and Registration – Attach a scanned copy of your National ID and TPIN registration certificate.
• Proposed budget - Indicate daily or input-based rates, inclusive of all applicable taxes and fees.
• Proposal – A short proposal (2 pages) outlining your understanding of the assignment, your methodological approach to carrying out the evaluation, and how your expertise (or team’s expertise) aligns with the panel composition requirements.
• Team Applications: Preference will be given to organisations submitting applications with a team comprised of the requested expertise.

Preferred team Composition:

• Two Value Chain Experts – together bringing expertise across Non-Timber Forest Products (including ecotourism and game ranching), agroforestry, and legume value
• One M&E Expert – with expertise in impact investing and practical knowledge of value chains and business.
• One Compliance and Risk Expert – with a background in financial, legal, or risk management and familiarity with value chains.
• One Business and Enterprise Expert – with experience in business investment, enterprise growth, and sustainability, together with understanding of value chains and impact investment.

The CVs of each proposed team member must be included.

Submission Instructions:

• All submissions must be emailed to: procurement@prospero.co.zm
• Deadline: No later than 29 August 2025
• Email Subject Line: Z4ABC Expert Panel Application – [Full Name or Organisation Name] – [Value Chain/s] (e.g., “Z4ABC Expert Panel Application – Jane Zulu – Certified Legume Seeds”) or (e.g., “Z4ABC Expert Panel Application – Organisation ABC– Certified Legume Seeds, Bamboo, Pigeon Peas”)

For more information please check the Link

Join us for the 12th Edition of India CSR & ESG Summit 2025 | Register Now

Tags Environment and Sustainability Food, Agriculture and Nutrition Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Others