Terms of Reference: Digitalization of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in Zimbabwe's Mining Sector
Consultancy, Research Jobs
Job Description
1. Introduction and Background
Building on the findings of an initial audit of Environmental Court Judgments, there is a proposal to modernize the management of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in the mining sector in Zimbabwe. This project will focus on creating a digital EIA management portal to replace the current manual system, which is inefficient and lacks transparency.
2. Project Objectives
The main objective of this project is to improve the management of EIAs in the mining sector through digitalization. This will lead to:
• Improved operational efficiency by reducing administrative burdens and human interaction, which will help to mitigate corruption risks.
• Enhanced transparency and accountability by providing easy access to information for stakeholders.
• Increased ease of doing business for mining companies by creating a streamlined, cost-effective, and interactive process for managing environmental compliance.
Duties and Responsibilities
3. Scope of Work
The scope of work for this project includes three key phases:
Phase 1: Baseline Study and Benchmarking
A comprehensive baseline study will be conducted to assess the current manual EIA management process. This will involve:
• Identifying gaps, strengths, and opportunities for improvement in the current system.
• Conducting a consultative process with stakeholders, including mining companies, communities, and government agencies.
• Benchmarking Zimbabwe's current practices against regional and international standards to identify best practices for a digital solution.
• Producing a final report that is peer-reviewed and validated to ensure quality.
Phase 2: Digitalization and Capacity Building
This phase will focus on developing and deploying the digital platform and ensuring all users are equipped to use it effectively. Key activities include:
• Developing a Digital EIA Management Portal that can handle the entire EIA lifecycle, including:
o Submitting and tracking EIA applications.
o Facilitating stakeholder consultations and managing objections.
o Tracking and approving EIAs.
o Managing compliance reports from field visits (routine, complaint-driven, etc.).
o Processing renewals and generating notifications.
o Generating real-time reports on environmental risks, fines, and compliance performance.
• Creating an Interactive Online Learning Facility within the portal to provide training content for mining companies, and other stakeholders.
• Implementing a Training of Trainers (ToT) Program for staff to ensure they can provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, and train other employees.
Phase 3: Continuous Technical Support
Following deployment, a technical consultant will be engaged to provide ongoing support to staff, helping them to resolve any glitches and ensure the smooth operation of the new digital portal.
4. Anticipated Results and Deliverables
Upon completion, this project is expected to deliver the following:
Outcomes
• Ease of Doing Business: Companies will be able to manage their environmental risks more effectively through the digital platform.
• Improved Transparency: Stakeholders will have better access to information, and the organization’s management will have fingertip access to key reports.
• Reduced Corruption and Inefficiency: Digitalization will minimize unnecessary human interaction, leading to a more streamlined and secure process.
Outputs
• A Baseline Survey Report detailing the state of EIA management practices and recommendations for reform.
• A fully functional Interactive Digital EIA Management Platform.
• An in-built virtual assistance feature within the platform for user support.
• A team of at least 30 trained trainers capable of supporting and training other employees.
Qualifications and Experience
5. Academic Qualifications, Skill and Experience
• Experience software soft-ware development, IT and Environmental Management
• Demonstrated experience of at least 10 years in soft-ware development
• Understanding of environmental management and soft-ware management systems.
How to Apply
6. How to apply
Submissions of CVs and proposal, with a clearly laid out methodology to execute the task, time frames and a cost should be made to procurementzw@gmail.com by 16 October 2025. The subject on the email must be EIA Digitalisation.
