Senior Consultant for SME Incubator Pilot in Non-Timber Forest Product Value Chains

Senior Consultant for SME Incubator Pilot in Non-Timber Forest Product Value Chains

AVSF Zambia, an affiliate of Agronomists & Veterinarians Without Borders, is seeking a qualified consultant to provide strategic leadership for the Mateo bioeconomy incubator pilot cohort, focusing on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating within Non-Timber Forest Product Value Chains. This critical role contributes to agricultural and veterinary development in the region. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in sustainable agriculture, livestock management, or rural development, with a strong commitment to improving food security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers. Responsibilities include designing and implementing training programs, conducting field assessments, and collaborating with local stakeholders to enhance agricultural productivity and animal health. Fluency in English and a working knowledge of a local language are essential, along with a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects that address pressing challenges in Zambia’s agricultural sector.

Consultancy Duration: A 70-day engagement to be completed within a seven-month timeframe. Expected Start Date: September 1, 2026.

The project aims to achieve specific objectives within a defined scope, building upon an existing foundation. The initiative seeks to address key challenges and capitalize on opportunities to drive measurable progress. Its development stems from a comprehensive analysis of current needs and strategic priorities.

Agronomists & Veterinarians Without Borders (AVSF), a French non-governmental organization, is currently executing the ‘Bush 2 Business (B2B)’ initiative in Zambia’s Mike and Lavushimanda districts. This initiative, financed by the French Development Agency (AFD) through its FETE fund, aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Community-driven initiatives foster the establishment of green jobs and sustainable income opportunities, with a deliberate emphasis on empowering women and youth by enhancing market accessibility and adding value to local products at the grassroots level.
• A robust and environmentally sustainable private sector focused on biodiversity and forest-based non-timber products is actively fostered and strengthened across value chains, encompassing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of producers, off-takers, and French enterprises.
• Investments in biodiversity and forest conservation play a crucial role in strengthening integrated landscape management while enhancing resilience to climate change.To ensure ongoing growth, the initiative has facilitated the creation of a bioeconomy incubator and a commercial-ecosystem platform dedicated to non-timber forest product (NTFP) value chains in Zambia, with an early emphasis on honey and wild mushroom sectors within the project’s designated region. This platform operates as a Zambian not-for-profit enterprise, structured as a company limited by guarantee, and was officially registered in April 2026 under the name Mateo. Mateo strategically positions itself at the demand-driven end of NTFP value chains by cultivating market demand, analyzing commercial feasibility, and bridging community producer groups with commercial buyers and off-takers. To achieve this, Mateo deploys a dual-track operational model: Track 1 focuses on direct engagement with the demand side of the value chain, while Track 2 leverages partner collaborations to provide tailored support to community-level producer groups.

AVSF is currently seeking a consultant to spearhead the implementation of Track 1—a structured incubation program tailored for startup entrepreneurs, adjacent-sector small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and value chain service providers. The initiative aims to equip participants with the tools and support necessary to thrive as commercially viable entities within Zambia’s non-timber forest product (NTFP) value chains. The program will commence with an initial pilot cohort of around five participants, operating over a four-to-six month cycle, with the first cohort set to launch in September 2026. This pilot phase is deliberately designed as a hands-on learning opportunity, enabling Mateo to refine and enhance its incubator model based on insights gained before expanding to future cohorts.

Purpose and Objectives of the Assignment

This assignment is designed to achieve specific outcomes that align with organizational goals and strategic priorities. Its primary aim is to deliver measurable results by executing key tasks and fulfilling critical responsibilities. Additionally, the assignment seeks to enhance operational efficiency, support team objectives, and contribute to the overall success of the project or initiative. The goal of this assignment is to oversee the finalization of the design and the successful delivery of the inaugural pilot cohort for the Mateo bioeconomy incubator (Track 1a). Specifically, the assignment will:

• Refine the operational design of the incubator program, leveraging the implementation plan while tailoring it to align with the unique dynamics of the Zambian market and the specific attributes of the candidate participant pool.
• Spearhead the participant recruitment campaign and the selection process, collaborating closely with the AVSF and the Mateo Board.
• Facilitate the pilot cohort via a blend of individual online advisory sessions, monthly in-person group meetings, expert external inputs, and organized site visits.
• Craft tailored business plans and twelve-month growth strategies for each participant, empowering them to implement these independently upon program conclusion.Location

Compile insights and key takeaways from the pilot cohort’s journey, encapsulating both successes and areas for improvement, to shape the refined structure and strategic direction of Mateo’s incubator program in Year 2 and subsequent cycles. The pilot cohort is intentionally limited in size, with approximately five participants. The program’s strength lies in the high level of tailored support provided, rather than the breadth of its reach. Applicants are encouraged to tailor their proposals to reflect this focus.

Scope of Work

The project is divided into two distinct phases, with candidates required to specify the allocation of time and resources for each phase within their technical and financial proposals.

Phase 1 — Finalization of the Design

In Phase 1, the consultant will collaborate with AVSF and Mateo to finalize the operational design of the pilot incubator. Key responsibilities involve developing and refining the operational framework in partnership with both organizations.

• Upon careful examination of the current implementation strategy and other pertinent Mateo resources—including the Strategic Business Plan, concept note, off-taker mapping outputs, and B2B project diagnostic reports—thorough analysis will be conducted to ensure alignment and identify potential areas for enhancement.

• The cohort design parameters—including size, duration, cadence, and the proportion of online to in-person delivery—must be finalized, drawing from the foundational design assumptions outlined in the implementation plan.Profile Recherché

• The role involves creating curriculum content and corresponding delivery materials tailored to five key program themes: business fundamentals; the NTFP value chain context; sourcing, sustainability, and fair trade practices; quality, standards, and certification requirements; and the finance landscape along with growth opportunities.

• Developing a comprehensive participant assessment framework, which encompasses a meticulously structured business plan and a twelve-month growth roadmap, to be created by each participant throughout the cohort cycle.

• The incubator’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) indicator framework will be finalized by refining the proposed indicators outlined in Annex F of the implementation plan and aligning them with the Bush2Business project log frame in collaboration with Mateo and the B2B project team.

• The role involves engaging and contracting at least four to six external specialists to provide targeted expertise for the program.

• In collaboration with Mateo, we are responsible for developing and executing the participant outreach and marketing campaign, which aims to identify potential first-cohort participants from three distinct target categories: startup entrepreneurs, adjacent-sector SMEs, and value chain service providers.

• The selection process is overseen by this role, which involves reviewing applications based on pre-established eligibility and selection criteria, performing structured interviews, and submitting cohort recommendations for final approval by the AVSF and Mateo, subject to an independent Board review.

• At the conclusion of Phase 1, the deliverable will be a finalized design document, serving as the foundational framework for Phase 2 execution.Phase 2 — Pilot Cohort Execution

This phase focuses on the implementation and delivery of the pilot cohort, ensuring the program’s objectives are met through structured execution. The pilot cohort will undergo rigorous evaluation to assess its effectiveness, feasibility, and scalability before broader deployment. Key stakeholders will collaborate closely to refine processes, address challenges, and optimize outcomes. Delivery will be closely monitored to maintain quality standards and alignment with strategic goals. In Phase 2, the consultant will execute the pilot cohort as outlined in the agreed-upon program design. Key responsibilities encompass executing specific activities, which include:

• A structured kickoff event initiates the cohort onboarding process, establishing clear expectations, key milestones, and the operational cadence for the entire cohort cycle.
• Conducting weekly personalized online advisory sessions for every participant throughout the cohort cycle, these discussions are tailored to each individual’s unique business context rather than following a standardized curriculum approach.
• Monthly in-person group sessions will be conducted in Lusaka, where feasible, to facilitate the structured curriculum themes, foster peer learning, and promote collaborative problem-solving among participants.
• The role involves identifying, preparing briefs for, and conducting external specialist sessions focused on key topics such as organic certification, supermarket procurement, export logistics, or specific financial pathways.
• Facilitating organized site visits to producer groups in the Mulching region and to established off-takers, ideally in collaboration with the B2B field team.
• With the lead consultant serving as the primary advisor, you will assist each participant in creating their structured business plan and a twelve-month growth roadmap throughout the duration of the cohort cycle.
• Performing a mid-cycle evaluation of cohort progress to determine if any participants need enhanced assistance or if engagement should be terminated.
• To ensure successful cohort graduation, participants must meet the established criteria, including the completion of a business plan and roadmap, sustained engagement throughout the program, and clear evidence of operational progress.
• A Year 2 program close out report and lessons-learned note, including actionable recommendations, will be developed.
• The AVSF and Mateo will receive concise briefings regarding graduates whose business development progress indicates suitability for Track 1b business linkage facilitation.Deliverables and Timeline

The project will result in the completion of the following deliverables, with indicative timelines provided for the two phases. Prospective candidates are invited to suggest precise dates within their technical and financial proposals, ensuring alignment with the specified deliverables.

Phase 1 encompasses the following key deliverables:

• The program design document has been finalized, encompassing the cohort design, curriculum, methodology, selection process, MEL indicator set, and operational arrangements.

• Based on outreach efforts and application interviews, recommendations regarding cohort selection are submitted to Mateo for consideration.

• Kickoff activities and onboarding processes for the cohort have been successfully finalized.Phase 2 will encompass the following key deliverables:

• Monthly status updates will be required throughout Phase 2.

• Mid-cycle review report.

• Develop one comprehensive business plan and a corresponding twelve-month growth strategy for each participant.

• The incumbent will be responsible for finalizing the cohort graduation report and completing all close out procedures for the program. This includes compiling comprehensive data, ensuring accuracy in all documentation, and submitting the report within the designated timeframe. Additionally, the role may involve coordinating with stakeholders to verify completion milestones and address any outstanding requirements for program closure.

• Lessons learned notes and recommendations will be compiled for the subsequent cohort. These insights will be formalized and shared to enhance the effectiveness of future iterations.Consultant Profile and Key Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in consulting, demonstrating expertise in [specific industry/field, if applicable]. We seek a professional with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, capable of delivering strategic insights and actionable solutions to clients. The role demands a minimum of [X years] of relevant experience, along with proficiency in [specific tools, methodologies, or certifications, if applicable]. Additionally, the candidate should exhibit exceptional interpersonal abilities, adaptability to dynamic environments, and a commitment to achieving measurable results. A [specific degree or qualification, if required] from an accredited institution is preferred, along with experience in [relevant sector or function].

Proposals are being solicited from individual consultants as well as corporate service providers that are either domiciled in Zambia or maintain a well-established operational presence within the country. The chosen consultant or service provider will be required to meet the following criteria:

• With a minimum of five years of practical experience in business advisory roles, specifically supporting early-stage Zambian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), you have engaged directly with founders and owner-managers to deliver tailored guidance and solutions.
• Delivers structured cohort-based programs tailored to small groups of entrepreneurs or SMEs, specifically within incubation, accelerator, or equivalent frameworks.
• Proficiency in NTFP value chains within Zambia is essential, or a robust strategy for swift sector integration utilizing Mateo’s current resources, including the B2B project team, off-taker mapping, and sector-specific publications.
• Hybrid delivery proficiency is required, involving a regular schedule of weekly virtual engagements with participants, supplemented by monthly face-to-face sessions held in Lusaka when applicable.
• Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in written English, with a proven capacity to craft well-organized business plans, program reports, and lessons-learned documentation to the highest professional standards.
• Based in Lusaka, or with a consistent and dependable operational presence in the city to execute the in-person components of the program.Corporate service providers must designate a primary lead

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