Westminster Foundation for Democracy Opens Consultancy Opportunity in Zambia

The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), the United Kingdom’s leading organisation dedicated to strengthening democracy and governance globally, is seeking an individual consultant or organisation to represent WFD in Zambia.

This consultancy presents an exciting opportunity for governance professionals, democracy experts, policy specialists, parliamentary strengthening practitioners, and organisations with strong networks across Zambia’s governance ecosystem to contribute to democratic development and institutional strengthening in the country.

The selected representative will work closely with WFD’s Africa team to explore strategic opportunities for WFD’s long-term engagement in Zambia. This includes partnership development, stakeholder engagement, programme identification, fundraising exploration, and supporting the organisation’s future operational presence in the country.

Applications close on 17 July 2026.

About Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD)

The Westminster Foundation for Democracy is the UK’s premier democracy-support organisation, working internationally to strengthen democratic institutions, accountability systems, policymaking processes, citizen participation, and inclusive governance.

WFD collaborates with parliaments, governments, political parties, civil society organisations, election management bodies, and development actors to support democratic reforms and improve governance outcomes.

Across Africa, WFD has delivered governance and democracy programmes since 2001, helping countries strengthen political participation, transparency, inclusion, public accountability, and institutional effectiveness.

WFD’s Previous Work in Zambia

WFD has already established a strong track record of engagement in Zambia through several impactful governance initiatives and partnerships.

Some of WFD’s recent work in Zambia includes:

1. Roadmap of Electoral and Related Reforms (2022)
   • Supporting discussions and policy engagement around electoral reform processes.
2. First-Time Voters Project (2022)
   • Delivered in partnership with the London School of Economics (LSE) to encourage youth participation in democratic processes.
3. Zambian Parliamentary Caucus on Environment and Climate Change (2023–2024)
   • Supporting environmental governance and climate-related parliamentary initiatives.
4. Environmental Democracy Study on Climate Change Adaptation Citizen Participation (2025)
   • Examining public participation and democratic engagement in climate adaptation policies.
5. Costs of Politics in Zambia Report (2023)
   • Research focused on the financial barriers and political participation challenges in Zambia.
6. Parliamentary Caucus on Post-Legislative Scrutiny (2024)
   • Supporting scrutiny of Zambia’s Food Reserve Act (2020).
7. Support to Joint Political Party Caucus on Electoral Reforms (2026)
   • Facilitating collaborative engagement around electoral reform proposals.

Building on these initiatives, WFD now seeks to establish a stronger and more sustainable operational presence in Zambia.

WFD Representative Zambia Consultancy: Main Purpose of the Role

The selected consultant or organisation will support WFD in identifying strategic entry points where the organisation can add value to Zambia’s democracy and governance landscape.

The role involves:

• Identifying new programme opportunities
• Developing partnerships
• Raising WFD’s visibility in Zambia
• Engaging governance stakeholders
• Exploring donor and funding opportunities
• Advising on legal and operational requirements for establishing a local presence

The consultancy combines strategic analysis, stakeholder engagement, programme development, and representation responsibilities.

Location and Contract Details

Consultancy Location

• Lusaka, Zambia

Contract Duration

• August 2026 – March 2027
• Possibility of extension depending on:
  • Progress achieved
  • Funding availability
  • Performance outcomes

Time Commitment

• Approximately 50–80 hours per month

Remuneration

• Estimated between:
  • £1,100 and £1,600 per month

Contract Type

• Consultancy / Service Contract
• Open to:
  • Individual consultants
  • Organisations

Key Responsibilities of the WFD Zambia Representative

The successful candidate will work closely with WFD’s UK and Africa teams to deliver a broad range of governance and programme-development activities.

Core responsibilities include:

1. Identifying Programme Opportunities

The representative will identify areas where WFD can support democratic governance, inclusion, transparency, and accountability in Zambia.

This includes:

• Governance reform opportunities
• Parliamentary strengthening initiatives
• Civic participation projects
• Electoral reform engagement
• Public policy initiatives
• Political inclusion programmes

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Networking

The consultant will build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across Zambia’s governance ecosystem.

Stakeholders may include:

• Government institutions
• Parliamentarians
• Political parties
• Civil society organisations
• Election management bodies
• International donors
• Development agencies
• Research institutions
• Governance networks

3. Raising WFD’s Visibility in Zambia

The role requires representing WFD at relevant governance events and helping increase awareness of WFD’s expertise and mission.

Activities may include:

• Organising governance events
• Hosting policy dialogues
• Facilitating stakeholder meetings
• Showcasing WFD research
• Convening thematic discussions
• Supporting governance-focused collaboration

4. Exploring Funding and Partnership Opportunities

The consultant will map potential donors and funding opportunities relevant to governance and democracy programming in Zambia.

This includes:

• Identifying local and international funding agencies
• Tracking governance funding priorities
• Exploring partnership opportunities
• Supporting future programme proposals

5. Advising on WFD Country Presence

The representative will provide strategic advice regarding WFD’s potential operational establishment in Zambia.

Areas of assessment include:

• Registration options
• Legal implications
• Tax considerations
• Hosting arrangements
• Operational models
• Administrative requirements

Expected Deliverables

WFD expects several major outputs from the consultant during the contract period.

Deliverables Include:

1. Stakeholder Mapping

Comprehensive mapping of:

• Parliament
• Government institutions
• Political parties
• Civil society organisations
• Governance actors
• Donor agencies
• Potential implementing partners

2. Opportunity Assessment

Identification of:

• 3–5 priority thematic areas for WFD engagement
• Governance gaps and challenges
• Potential programme concepts
• Risk analysis
• Alignment with donor priorities

3. Partnership Development

Evidence of engagement with:

• 15–20 stakeholders
• Funding organisations
• Governance actors
• Local implementing partners

4. Funding Pipeline Assessment

Development of:

• Donor landscape analysis
• Governance funding trends
• Upcoming funding opportunities
• Local funding prospects

5. Country Presence Assessment

Recommendations covering:

• Registration structures
• Legal and tax implications
• Hosting arrangements
• Operational options

6. Zambia Engagement Strategy (2027–2029)

A long-term strategic engagement roadmap for WFD’s future work in Zambia.

Qualifications and Experience Required

WFD is looking for highly experienced governance professionals or organisations with strong sector credibility and established networks.

Applicants should demonstrate:

Required Experience

• Approximately 10+ years of professional experience in:
  • Democracy
  • Governance
  • Public policy
  • Political participation
  • Parliamentary strengthening
  • Accountability
  • Human rights
  • Inclusion
• Strong experience engaging with:
  • Government officials
  • Parliamentarians
  • Political parties
  • Civil society organisations
  • Development partners
• Existing professional networks across Zambia’s governance sector
• Experience working with:
  • International organisations
  • Donors
  • INGOs
  • Multilateral institutions

Required Skills

Applicants should possess:

• Excellent communication and representation skills
• Strong stakeholder engagement abilities
• Excellent English writing and reporting skills
• High-level interpersonal and diplomatic skills
• Ability to work independently
• Strong organisational and strategic thinking abilities

Applicants must also:

• Demonstrate political neutrality
• Align with WFD’s democratic values
• Have legal status and the right to work in Zambia

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Applicants must disclose:

• Political party positions
• Elected office roles
• Any interests that could create actual or perceived conflicts of interest with WFD’s work

What to Include in the Cover Letter

Applicants should explain:

• Relevant experience connected to the Terms of Reference
• How they intend to organise and manage the consultancy workload
• How the consultancy fits alongside current commitments
• Proposed remuneration:
  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Or full 8-month contract rate

Important Operational Information

The selected consultant or organisation will be responsible for:

• IT equipment
• Communication expenses
• Tax obligations
• Social security responsibilities
• Local travel within Lusaka
• Administrative costs

WFD notes that this initiative operates with modest resources and seeks the best-qualified applicant at reasonable cost.

Deadline for Applications

Application Deadline: 17 July 2026

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early to avoid missing the deadline.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This consultancy offers governance professionals a unique opportunity to contribute to democratic development and institutional strengthening in Zambia while working alongside an internationally recognised democracy-support organisation.

It is particularly valuable for professionals seeking:

• International governance consultancy experience
• Strategic programme development work
• High-level stakeholder engagement opportunities
• Democracy and policy sector leadership exposure
• Long-term development partnership opportunities

Professionals and organisations with strong governance expertise and established Zambia networks are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit:

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. CV (in English)

Applications should be sent via email to:
Recruitment@wfd.org

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