CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – Consultancy to Develop Simplified Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy Materials for the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Program (CATSP)

1. Introduction ActionAid Zambia (AAZ) is part of the ActionAid Federation, a global movement working towards social justice, gender equality, and poverty eradication. Our vision is of a just, equitable, and sustainable Zambia where every person enjoys freedom from poverty and oppression, living in dignity. ActionAid Zambia, with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is implementing a project titled “Strengthening the Capacity of Civil Society and Non-State Actors in the Implementation of Inclusive and Accountable CAADP and CATSP Processes in Zambia.” The project seeks to strengthen the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs), non-state actors, farmers, women, youth, and marginalized communities in agricultural governance, policy implementation, and accountability processes. It supports the realization of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) commitments and Zambia’s Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Program (CATSP). CATSP serves as Zambia’s primary framework for transforming the agricultural sector through increased productivity, resilience, food security, value chain development, and inclusive agricultural growth. However, despite its strategic importance, awareness and understanding of CATSP among communities, smallholder farmers , civil society organizations, women, youth, and local leadership structures remains limited. Existing policy documents are largely technical and do not adequately explain how different stakeholders can practically engage with, benefit from, and contribute to CATSP implementation. To address this gap, ActionAid Zambia seeks to engage a qualified consultant to develop simplified, user-friendly stakeholder engagement and advocacy materials that clearly define the roles, responsibilities, opportunities, and entry points for various stakeholders, particularly civil society organisations, smallholder farmers especially women and the youth within CATSP. The assignment will focus on translating CATSP commitments into practical actions that enable meaningful participation, accountability, and ownership by rights holders particularly women, youth, civil society organisations and other key actors. 2. Purpose of the Consultancy The purpose of the consultancy is to develop simplified, accessible, and action-oriented stakeholder engagement materials that explain CATSP in practical terms and clearly outline how different stakeholder groups can participate in, influence, monitor, and benefit from CATSP implementation. The assignment is not intended to rewrite or simplify the CATSP policy document alone but rather to develop practical guidance that supports awareness raising, advocacy, citizen engagement, and accountability. 3. Objectives of the Assignment The overall objective of the consultancy is to develop a simplified and user-friendly version of the Comprehensive Agricultural Transformation Support Programme (CATSP) for farmers, civil society organizations, women, and youth. Specific objectives are to:

• Review the CATSP document and identify information most relevant to farmers, CSOs, women, and youth.
• Translate technical policy language into simplified and accessible content suitable for non-technical audiences.
• Clearly define the roles, responsibilities, opportunities, and benefits available to farmers, CSOs, women, and youth under CATSP.
• Identify and communicate practical entry points for participation, engagement, advocacy, and accountability
• Develop a visually appealing and easy-to-understand simplified CATSP guide that can be used for awareness raising, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement with a particular focus for Non-State Actors, farmer organizations and Women and Youth. 4. Expected Content of the Simplified CATSP Guide The simplified guide should include:
• What is CATSP and why it matters.
• Key priorities and objectives of CATSP.
• What does CATSP mean for farmers?
• What CATSP means for women in agriculture.
• What does CATSP mean for youth in agriculture?
• The role of civil society organizations in CATSP implementation.
• Opportunities and benefits available to different stakeholder groups.
• How stakeholders can participate in implementation and monitoring.
• Entry points for advocacy, engagement, and accountability.
• Key messages and practical actions stakeholders can take.
• Simple graphics, illustrations, and infographics to enhance understanding. 5. Deliverables 0. Draft Inception Report (methodology, tools, and workplan). First draft of CATSP guide for review and validation. A professionally designed and simplified CATSP guide suitable for dissemination among farmers, CSOs, women, youth, and community stakeholders. Final report. 6. Methodology The consultant is expected to use a participatory approach including: Desk review Key informant interviews Stakeholder consultations Validation workshop(s) Review of existing communication materials 7. Duration of Assignment The consultancy will be conducted within a maximum of twenty-five (25) working days inclusive of validation of draft reports and submission of final report. The final report must be submitted by the Consultant no later than 30th October 2026 8. Reporting Arrangements The consultant will report directly to the Program and Policy Manager at ActionAid Zambia and work closely with the AgSys Project Team. 9. Consultant(s) Qualifications The consultant should possess: Advanced degree in Agriculture, Development Studies, Public Policy, Governance, Communications, Rural Development, or related field. At least ten (10) years of relevant experience in policy analysis, agricultural governance, advocacy, or stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated knowledge of CAADP, agricultural policy processes, and agricultural transformation frameworks. Strong experience in developing simplified policy communication products and advocacy materials. Excellent analytical, facilitation, writing, and communication skills. Experience working with government institutions, CSOs, farmers’ organizations, and development partners. 10. Ownership of Outputs The consultant will develop materials in formats that are practical and accessible for use by ActionAid Zambia, GIZ, Government, CSOs, Rural Women Assemblies and Social Change Agents. Dissemination and uptake of the materials will primarily be achieved through existing stakeholder and extension services that routinely engage farmers and communities, including extension officers, lead farmers, farmer groups, and CSO partners. The consultant will present and share the materials during validation and stakeholder engagement processes conducted under the assignment and provide recommendations for their wider use through ongoing programmes and outreach activities. All reports, tools, communication materials, and products developed under this consultancy shall remain the property of ActionAid Zambia and GIZ, and the consultant shall not reproduce or distribute any materials without prior written authorization. Bid Submission Prospective consultants should submit the following: Not more than two (2) pages technical proposal highlighting how they intend to undertake the required deliverables – inclusive of timelines. Not more than two (2) pages of a detailed financial proposal. A CV outlining demonstratable experience in carrying out similar work. At least two (2) traceable references. Application Process Applications must be submitted to [Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally] with the subject line: Consultancy Application – Advocacy Materials for the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Program (CATSP) no later than 6 September 2026 at 5:00 PM Zambian Time (CAT). No physical applications will be considered.

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