Deadline: 24 December 2020

Timeframe: 2 Months

Reports to: Research Officer

Introduction and background

Public procurement involves all processes related to the acquisition of goods and services by the government or a respective parastatal or local public authority (Roodhooft & Abbeele 2006). There are inherent challenges in the public procurement processes in Zimbabwe that continue to contribute to leakages of funds and increase of rampant levels of corruption. Such leakages have been evident during emergencies such as COVID-19 and Cyclone Idai. Despite the existence of legal frameworks and the enactment of the Public Procurement legislature which introduced the registration of bidders and contractors by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, there are continued reports of limited contract transparency. There is a need to investigate in detail the corruption risks within the public procurement process during emergencies in order to give recommendations and improve systems of procurement in Zimbabwe. A local organisation seeks the services of a consultant or academic researchers to investigate the risks within public procurement especially during the emergencies.

Objective

A local organisation seeks to promote transparency, accountability and integrity within procurement processes during emergencies

Expectations

In consultation with the organization’s research team, develop a detailed and precise research methodology and conceptual framework.; Conduct a thorough literature review on procurement processes in Zimbabwe; Develop data collection tools relevant to the research study; Present his / her approach to the study during the Consultative Workshop on the study; Incorporate comments and suggestions from stakeholders from the Consultative Workshop into his/ her methodological approach; Collect and analyse data relevant to Corruption risks within public procurement during emergencies; Produce a well-written and comprehensive research report based on the outcomes of the study. The report should also present an objective analysis of the findings, considering comments and inputs from the organization and other relevant experts. Further, the report should provide sound and solid recommendations considering the research findings.; Present the research findings and recommendations at the Validation Workshop and Final Launch of the Report

Deliverables

Submission of periodic progress reports as agreed in the contract; A well-written and comprehensive research report; The consultant is also expected to present the research findings and recommendations at the Validation Workshop and Final Launch of the Report.

Scheduling

The assignment is scheduled to run for three months from the date of awarding of the contract.

Payment

Payments by the organization are delivery-based. Any deliverable not meeting the required specifications will have to be reworked and resubmitted at no additional cost to the organization. The proposed payment schedule for this assignment is upon submission of progress reports on completed tasks, outlined against planned outputs. Based on the report and satisfactory performance, payments will be approved by the Executive Director.

Role of local organisation

The organization through its research team will work together with the consultant on this assignment. The organization will also avail all the necessary documentation and information required for the execution of the assignment and review the draft report.

Qualifications and Experience

Advanced university degree (MA or PhD) in social sciences preferably Social Work, Administration, Sociology, Psychology, Governance, Project Management or any other relevant subjects.; Minimum five years of work experience in the areas of humanitarian issues or aid, social welfare, and anti-corruption related issues.; Demonstrated knowledge and experience in undertaking research studies, both quantitative and qualitative, especially in the areas of governance; Knowledge of Zimbabwe’s socio-political and cultural contexts is an added advantage.; Excellent English language skills and ability to write clear and compelling content for a wide variety of audiences.; Ability to work with minimum supervision and deliver the outputs with high quality.; Ability to meet deadlines.