Documentation and Research on Women Empowerment in Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) through Responsible Investments
Consultancy, Research Jobs
- Expires 20 Feb 2026
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
Background
The government is reviewing the legal, policy and institutional frameworks to ensure communities equitable benefit from the resources in their localities in line with the Constitution, Section 13 (4) on national objectives. The Mines Bill is in the pipeline with an eye of regulating artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). Artisanal mining is now a reserved sector for Zimbabwean citizens under Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025. This prohibits foreigners from operating, financing or controlling artisanal mining operations, a development that is contract to what is obtaining on the ground. Aside from government initiatives, some mining companies, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), are sharing their mining claims with ASM, supporting them with mechanisation, among others. There is no standard CSR template on how mining companies can play a role in empowering communities through ASM. While these various empowerment initiatives are welcome, special attention must be paid to ensure women and youth in ASM.
About ZAWIMA
The Zimbabwe Women in Mining Association (ZAWIMA) is implementing an intervention aimed at promoting the empowerment of women in Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) through responsible investments. The initiative builds on ZAWIMA’s work in mining sector reforms, collaboration with government institutions, mining companies, and community-level stakeholders.
There are several undocumented cases where women miners benefit from public and private sector initiatives—particularly tributary and secondary mining rights arrangements supported by large scale and small scale mining companies. ZAWIMA seeks to document these emerging practices, assess lessons learned, and generate evidence to inform policy and practice reforms that advance women’s empowerment in ASM.
Objectives of the Consultancy
The overall objective is to influence public and private sector legal, policy, and institutional reforms for community empowerment through ASM value chains, in particular women and youth.
Specific objectives
• To understand the current contextual factors with implications on ASM, emerging risks and opportunities
• To document CSR practices of mining companies related to ASM to establish what is or not working and why.
• To document ASM businesses owned by women to come up with key lessons for empowering women.
ZAWIMA invites qualified consultants to undertake documentation and research on women empowerment in ASM through responsible investments, with a focus on identifying, analysing, and documenting emerging practices, lessons, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of Work
The consultant will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
• Conducting a literature review on public and private sector initiatives promoting women’s empowerment in ASM
• Holding inception meetings with relevant stakeholders at national and district levels
• Conducting key informant interviews and focus group discussions with women miners and other stakeholders
• Developing detailed case studies of selected mining companies and ASM arrangements that support women miners (including tributary arrangements)
• Analysing what is working, what is not working, and why
• Facilitating validation meetings at local and national levels
• Producing a comprehensive documentation and research report with clear lessons and recommendations for policy and practice reforms
Expected Deliverables
• Inception report (methodology and work plan)
• Literature review summary
• Detailed case studies
• Draft research and documentation report
• Final validated report incorporating stakeholder feedback
Qualifications and Experience
Interested consultants should demonstrate:
• Proven experience in research, documentation, or policy analysis related to mining, gender, or natural resource governance
• Strong understanding of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) and gender issues, preferably in Zimbabwe or similar contexts
• Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative research (interviews, FGDs, case studies)
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills
• Experience engaging government institutions, mining companies, and community stakeholders
Duration
The assignment will be implemented over a short-term period of 21 days.
How to Apply
Interested consultants are invited to submit:
1. A technical proposal outlining understanding of the assignment and proposed methodology
2. A financial proposal (budget)
3. Curriculum Vitae(s) highlighting relevant experience
4. At least two samples of similar work undertaken
Applications should be submitted electronically to procurementzw@gmail.com with the subject line:
“Consultancy: Documentation of Women Empowerment in ASM through Responsible Investment
Deadline
Applications must be received by 20 February 2025
