Expression of Interest (EOI): Partnership Opportunity for the Implementation of Sponsorship Programme Activities in Eastern, Luapula, and Central Provinces of Zambia.

1.0 Organisational Background 

Organisational Background Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. However, this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination, and it is girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners in more than 70 countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas, Plan International’s purpose is to strive for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality of girls. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. We enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. Plan International has been operating in Zambia since 1996 with operational presence in Eastern, Central, and Luapula provinces.

Plan International Zambia invites qualified and experienced local organisations to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for potential partnership opportunities to support the implementation of sponsorship programme activities across selected districts in the Central, Eastern, and Luapula Programme Area

2.0 Scope of Work

Plan International Zambia has implemented the Child Sponsorship Programme for several years, delivering long-term, community-based interventions that enhance the well-being of children, adolescents, and young people, particularly girls and young women. The programme adopts a gender-transformative approach and focuses on the following thematic areas:

·        Education and Early Childhood Development (ECD)

·        Health, Nutrition and WASH

·        Livelihoods, Skills and Employment

·        Protection from Violence and Harmful Practices

·        Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

Programme activities are currently implemented across selected districts in Luapula (Chembe and Mansa), Eastern (Katete, Chadiza, and Vubwi), and Central (Chibombo and Chisamba). To advance its localisation agenda and enhance project quality, sustainability, and impact, Plan International Zambia seeks to establish implementation partnerships with capable competent local organisations that have demonstrated expertise and a strong presence within the target communities.

3.0 Purpose of the Partnership

The partnership aims to strengthen the delivery of sponsorship programme activities and project implementation through local leadership and expertise. Selected partners will be expected to:

·        Implement community-based sponsorship programme interventions, including mobilisation, household follow-ups, data collection, and of the formation and establishment of community groups or cooperatives.

·        Manage and deliver programme portfolios with annual budgets ranging between EUR 800,000 and EUR 1 million.

·        Integrate cross-cutting priorities, including Gender Equality and Inclusion, Youth-Led Change, and Climate Resilience, across all programme interventions.

·        Support advocacy initiatives, community engagement processes, and stakeholder collaboration at community and district levels.

·        Contribute to sustainable development outcomes through strengthened community ownership and local capacity building.

4.0 Eligibility Criteria

Interested organisations should meet the following requirements:

·        Be a legally registered local Civil Society Organisation (CSO) or NGO operating in Zambia.

·        Have a strong presence or demonstrable programming experience within the Central, Eastern, or Luapula Programme Areas.

·        Demonstrate proven technical and operational capacity to engage effectively with communities, government institutions, the private sector, children, adolescents, and youth.

·        Possess a track record of successfully implementing programmes in the following areas:

o  Education and Early Childhood Development

o  Health, Nutrition and WASH

o  Livelihoods, Skills and Employment

o  Protection from Violence and Harmful Practices

o  Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

·        Have established governance board, senior management, programme management, financial management, procurement , human resource and  administrative, and programme participant safeguarding systems.

·        Demonstrate commitment to transparency and accountability, inclusion, gender equality, child safeguarding, and ethical programming practices.

5.0 Required Submission Documents

Interested organisations are requested to submit the following:

1.   A Letter of Expression of Interest (maximum two pages).

2.   An organizational profile detailing mandate, organisational structure, and key programme areas.

3.   Evidence of relevant experience, including examples of similar projects implemented and geographical areas of operation.

4.   Copies of valid legal registration certificate including, statutory obligation compliance with ZRA and NAPSA, constitution/statutes, and any other relevant compliance documents

5.   Contact details of the designated focal point person for this application process.

6.0 Selection Process

Expressions of Interest will be assessed against the following criteria:

·        Relevance of organisational experience and expertise

·        Technical and operational capacity

·        Programmes, Financial, and institutional management systems

·        Geographic operational areas including community presence

·        Alignment with the values, mission, and programme strategic priorities of Plan International Zambia.

Shortlisted organisations will be invited to participate in a more detailed due diligence and capacity assessment process, including submission of supporting documentation related to legal status, governance structure, financial management systems, safeguarding, and organisational capacity.

7.0 Submission of Applications

Expressions of Interest should be submitted electronically to:

planzamtenders@plan-international.org

Submission Deadline: 14th October 2026 at 23:59 CAT.