Development of a Model Local Development Plan for Mineral Resource Rich Rural District Councils Consultancy,

Research Jobs

Local Organisation

Location: Harare / National

Deadline: 17 February 2026

Type: Consultancy (5 weeks)

Remuneration: Negotiable

1.      ARDCZ Background

The Association of Rural District Councils of Zimbabwe is the collective representative body of all 60 Rural District Councils established under the Rural District Councils Act Chapter 29:13. ARDCZ exists to promote, protect, and advance the collective interests of its member councils while strengthening their institutional capacity to fulfil their constitutional developmental mandate. Through this assignment, ARDCZ seeks to develop a practical, scalable, and policy aligned Model Local Development Plan that responds to the realities of mineral rich Rural District Councils and strengthens development planning across the local government system.

2.      Background

Zimbabwe is endowed with a wide range of mineral resources including gold, platinum group metals, diamonds, lithium, chrome, and other strategic minerals. A significant proportion of these resources are located in rural districts where mining is a dominant economic activity. Despite this mineral wealth, most Rural District Councils continue to experience persistent development challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to basic services, environmental degradation, and weak local economic diversification.

3.      Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to develop a comprehensive Model Local Development Plan for mineral resource rich Rural District Councils, using Runde Rural District Council as a pilot case.

4.      Overall Objective

To strengthen local development planning in mineral rich Rural District Councils by designing a practical, policy aligned Model Local Development Plan framework and supporting its effective application within Runde Rural District Council.

5.      Specific Objectives

1. To review existing local development planning frameworks, legislation, and policy instruments applicable to Rural District Councils.
   1. To draw lessons from the gap analysis study on mining fiscal linkages by the ARDCZ.
   1. To design a Model Local Development Plan framework that integrates mineral resource governance, local economic development, service delivery, environmental management, gender responsiveness, and public financial management.
   1. To develop a pilot mineral wealth driven development plan for Runde Rural District Council based on the model.
   1. To generate practical lessons and guidance to support replication and scaling across other resource rich Rural District Councils.

6.      Scope of Work

The assignment covers two closely related outputs:

1. Development of a Model Local Development Plan framework applicable to resource rich Rural District Councils.
2. Targeted technical assistance to support Runde Rural District Council to integrate the model into its own development planning processes.

7.      Expected Outputs

1. Inception Report with refined methodology and workplan.
   1. Model Local Development Plan.
   1.  Pilot Local Development Plan for Runde Rural District Council.
   1. Technical Support Report for Runde Rural District Council.
   1. Validation workshop report and stakeholder presentation materials.
   1. Final consolidated consultancy report.

8.      Consultant Qualifications and Experience

The assignment requires a consultant or consulting team with the following qualifications and experience:

1. Postgraduate qualification in development planning, public policy, economics, governance, or a related field.
   1. At least five years experience in local development planning, decentralisation, or natural resource governance.
   1. Demonstrated experience working with Rural District Councils and government institutions.
   1. Strong analytical, facilitation, and report writing skills.
   1. Proven understanding of Zimbabwe’s local government and mining governance context.

9.      Consultancy Fees

Consultancy fees will be negotiated with the selected consultant in line with the scope of work, agreed deliverables, and timelines.

10.  Application Procedure

Interested consultants or firms should submit the following as one document to projects@ardcz.org.zw and copy recruitment@silveirahouse.org.zw with email subject “EOI – Model Local Development Plan”:

• Technical proposal (outlining understanding, methodology, work plan, timeline).
• Financial proposal (in USD).
• CVs / profiles of key personnel (with relevant experience).
• At least two references from similar work.
• Valid tax clearance certificate

Applications must be received by 17 February 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

11.  Download Full Terms of Reference (TOR)

Access the full Terms of Reference here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11_ei8DBLnOXpTrroHlbAuY1bxcQ1edwL/view?usp=sharing