Deadline: 21-Jun-2026
The opportunity from Hivos seeks a Capacity Strengthening and Consortium Governance Support Partner to strengthen coordination, organizational systems, and collaborative learning under the Urban Futures Project. The assignment focuses on improving governance, financial and operational systems, and regional collaboration across Zambia and Zimbabwe to support climate-resilient and inclusive urban food systems.
About the Urban Futures Project
The Urban Futures Project was launched in 2024 by Hivos in partnership with the Botnar Foundation and local implementing partners. It responds to interconnected challenges in urban regions, including:
- Climate change impacts on cities
- Rapid urbanization pressures
- Food insecurity in urban populations
The project promotes:
- Inclusive and climate-resilient cities
- Sustainable urban food systems
- Youth participation in decision-making
- Access to opportunities in food-related value chains
- Availability of healthy, affordable, and attractive food options
The initiative operates across city-regions in Zambia and Zimbabwe, specifically Chongwe, Kitwe, Bulawayo, and Mutare.
Purpose of the Assignment
The assignment is designed to strengthen the overall functioning and effectiveness of the consortium by improving governance, coordination, and organizational capacity.
Key objectives include:
- Strengthening consortium governance structures and coordination mechanisms
- Improving organizational systems and documentation practices
- Enhancing financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes
- Strengthening communication and collaboration between partners
- Supporting leadership capacity of Lead Partners
- Facilitating collective learning and reflection processes
- Building trust and conflict-sensitive collaboration
- Improving knowledge management systems
- Supporting adaptive management and regional coordination
Scope of Work
The selected partner will provide technical and facilitation support across multiple areas.
Governance and Coordination Strengthening
Activities include:
- Reviewing existing consortium governance structures
- Clarifying roles and responsibilities across partners
- Strengthening decision-making and accountability mechanisms
- Improving communication channels between Lead and Consortium Partners
- Enhancing coordination efficiency across city-regions
Organizational Capacity Assessment
The partner will:
- Conduct participatory assessments of consortium systems
- Review financial, administrative, and operational processes
- Analyze collaboration practices among partners
- Identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement
- Produce a Capacity and Consortium Governance Assessment Report
Capacity Strengthening Planning
Based on the assessment, the partner will:
- Develop tailored capacity strengthening plans for each consortium member
- Design practical tools, templates, and implementation timelines
- Align interventions with organizational needs and consortium roles
- Provide guidance for strengthening internal systems
Financial and Operational Systems Support
Focus areas include:
- Planning and budgeting processes
- Financial reporting systems
- Documentation and compliance systems
- Internal coordination structures
- Staff onboarding processes
Coaching and Learning Support
The assignment includes:
- Remote and in-person coaching sessions
- Support for implementation of agreed action plans
- Facilitation of reflective learning processes
- Strengthening collaboration across partners
Regional Learning and Reflection
The consultant will:
- Organize and facilitate a Regional Urban Futures Reflection and Learning Meeting in 2026
- Support peer learning across Zambia and Zimbabwe city-regions
- Strengthen trust-building and collaborative problem-solving
- Document key lessons and shared insights
Geographic Scope
The assignment covers urban regions in:
- Zambia: Chongwe, Kitwe
- Zimbabwe: Bulawayo, Mutare
Deliverables
The selected partner will be responsible for producing:
- Inception report
- Capacity and governance assessment report
- Organizational strengthening plans
- Facilitation tools and training materials
- Coaching and accompaniment documentation
- Meeting reports from learning sessions
- Final report with lessons learned and recommendations
Budget and Contract Value
- Total contract value: €65,000
- Covers all assessment, facilitation, coaching, reporting, and learning activities
Key Focus Areas (Summary)
This assignment prioritizes:
- Consortium governance and accountability systems
- Financial and operational strengthening
- Organizational learning and adaptive management
- Cross-country collaboration and coordination
- Trust-building and conflict-sensitive cooperation
- Youth-centered urban resilience and food systems
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants are expected to have expertise in:
- Organizational development and capacity strengthening
- Consortium or multi-partner governance systems
- Financial management and planning processes
- Facilitation of multi-stakeholder learning processes
- Urban development, climate resilience, or food systems (advantage)
- Regional or international development programmes
Applicants should demonstrate the ability to work across multiple countries and support collaborative systems strengthening.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Urban regions in Zambia and Zimbabwe face growing challenges linked to climate change, food insecurity, and rapid urbanization. Strong coordination between partners is essential to ensure effective implementation.
This assignment supports:
- Stronger and more transparent governance systems
- Improved efficiency across consortium partners
- Better financial and operational accountability
- Enhanced collaboration and trust
- Stronger learning and adaptation across regions
- More impactful urban food system interventions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the purpose of this consultancy?
To strengthen consortium governance, coordination, and organizational capacity under the Urban Futures Project in Zambia and Zimbabwe. - Which countries and cities are involved?
The assignment covers Zambia (Chongwe, Kitwe) and Zimbabwe (Bulawayo, Mutare). - What is the total contract value?
The contract is valued at €65,000. - What are the main areas of work?
Governance strengthening, capacity assessments, financial systems improvement, coaching, and regional learning facilitation. - What will be the main deliverables?
Reports, capacity strengthening plans, facilitation materials, coaching documentation, meeting reports, and a final lessons learned report. - What is the role of the selected partner in learning activities?
The partner will organize and facilitate a regional reflection and learning meeting in 2026. - What kind of expertise is required?
Experience in organizational development, consortium governance, financial systems strengthening, and multi-stakeholder facilitation is required.
Conclusion
The Hivos Urban Futures Consortium Governance Support assignment offers a structured opportunity to strengthen collaborative systems across Zambia and Zimbabwe. By improving governance, financial systems, and learning processes, the initiative aims to enhance coordination among partners working toward inclusive, climate-resilient urban food systems with strong youth participation.
For more information, visit Hivos.
