ASI Call for Managers and Technical Experts - Zambia

Introduction

Adam Smith International is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lies by making economies stronger, societies more stable and governments more effective. We work on behalf of governments, foundations and companies that share our ambition to take on the big challenges facing the world.  

About ASI’s Economic Growth Practice

ASI fosters economic systems that create opportunities for all, with a focus on sustainable growth, climate and nature, and job creation. We reduce inequalities, empower local businesses, and develop solutions to build resilience, reduce emissions, and leverage nature to address environmental challenges.

Programme Preview

ASI is preparing for two key tenders in Zambia.

The first will take a systems approach to address the interlinked challenges of climate change, low agricultural productivity and nature loss. It aims to build more sustainable agri-food systems and improve natural resource management, contributing to poverty reduction and climate resilience. The programme will focus on three key areas:

• Policy reform and technical assistance

• Market systems development

• Climate finance and information access

The second will improve productivity of and market access for small and growing businesses (SGB) as a key engine of job creation in the Zambian economy, in aid of Zambia’s Eight National Development Plan. The programme will focus on:

• Policy and Learning Support

• Growth Oriented Advisory Services to SGBs

• Facilitating large firm small firm linkages

We are seeking ambitious professionals to join our team across the following areas. We invite applications from national and international consultants with 5 to 20+ years of experience in the following areas. Successful candidates may be included at bid stage or retained on a roster for future engagement. Preference will be given to national candidates and those with experience in Zambia.    

• Climate Finance and Risk Information Systems: Proven ability to mobilise public and private climate finance, including through de-risking mechanisms for SMEs and smallholders. Experience in developing and disseminating climate and weather information systems to support adaptive decision-making at farm and policy level.

• Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Agri-Food Systems: Experience supporting smallholder farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices. Familiarity with integrating farmers into climate-resilient value chains and improving productivity.

• Policy Reform and Institutional Strengthening: Experience providing technical assistance to government ministries to design and implement policies that promote climate resilience, natural resource governance, agricultural diversification, enabling environment for SGBs, and inclusive growth. Familiarity with Zambia’s policy landscape and political economy is a plus.

• Market Systems Development and SME Support: Experience in strengthening rural market systems to improve access to inputs, finance and buyers for smallholder farmers. Expertise in supporting climate-resilient SME growth and facilitating inclusive value chain development. Expertise in business planning and modelling, market research, systems development, large-firm-small-firm linkages, and post transaction support.

• Enterprise Development and Business Support Services: Experience in delivering tailored support to small and growing businesses through business planning and modelling, market research, and team building. This includes systems development to strengthen internal operations, financial readiness support to attract investment, and post-transaction services to ensure sustainable growth. A key focus is on facilitating linkages between small and large firms to enable knowledge transfer, access to markets, and integration into inclusive value chains—enhancing SME competitiveness and long-term resilience within evolving market and climate contexts.

• Financing Mechanisms and Fund Management: Expertise in the design and management of funds and blended financing mechanisms to support climate resilience, SME growth, and inclusive value chains. Capabilities in fund governance, pipeline development, due diligence, and performance monitoring ensure transparent, efficient, and impactful capital deployment.

• Gender Equality and Social Inclusion: Experience mainstreaming GESI into climate resilience and agricultural programmes.

• Policy and Learning: MERL expertise, adaptive programming, and research.