Commissioning Organization Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zimbabwe in cooperation with Weltfriedensdienst e.V. Local Implementing Partners TSURO Trust, PORETO Project Location Chimanimani District, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe Assignment Participatory Action Research (PAR) Accompaniment Consultancy Accompaniment Period 12 months Project Context Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zimbabwe, Towards Sustainable Use of Resources Organisation (TSURO) and Participatory Organic Research Extension and Training Organisation (PORETO) with support of Weltfriedensdienst e.V. (WFD) are jointly implementing a development project titled, “Bringing back biodiversity and groundwater: Scaling agroecological practices for food security, resilience and environmental protection” in Chimanimani District. This 55-months project is running from 01 June 2024 to 31 December 2028 and it builds on the successes and lessons learned from previous WFD-supported initiatives in the district. The project’s overall goal is to improve the resilience of landscapes in Zimbabwe, creating sustainable and resilient livelihoods for smallholder communities whilst enhancing ecosystem services, contributing to the achievement of SDGs 1, 2, 6, 13, 15, and 17. Approximately 13,000 people are direct beneficiaries, and over 800,000 are expected to benefit indirectly. The initiative is structured around four sub-objectives: * Sub-objective 1: Improving sustainable livestock and land management through Holistic Land and Livestock Management (HLLM) and agroecology, * Sub-objective 2: Improving the management of water resources and ecological assets, with a focus on watershed areas and ecologically sensitive zones, * Sub-objective 3: Expanding value creation, market access, and income generation for smallholder farmers, * Sub-objective 4: Promoting joint learning, policy change, dialogue, and coordination among stakeholders. Profile of the commissioning organisation The Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zimbabwe is an initiative under the Zimbabwe Institute of Permaculture (ZIP). PELUM Zimbabwe was established in 1995 as a network of civil society organisations, private companies and individuals that are working to upscale participatory ecological land use management “pelum” practices for improved nutrition security, livelihoods and environmental sustainability in Zimbabwe. In this joint programme with TSURO and PORETO, PELUM Zimbabwe is facilitating Participatory Action Research (PAR), movement building and advocacy. The consultancy being sought under these TORs is for a PAR expert for a 12-month period during which the PAR expert will accompany small-scale farmers working with PORETO and TSURO in Chimanimani in conducting PAR in Chimanimani district. This PAR initiative is premised on the fact that knowledge about agroecology, its benefits for the population and the environment, remains hidden and not adequately documented as a concept for sustainable agriculture. On the other hand, the capacity to create fact-based content that can be made accessible to policymakers and thus persuade them is lacking in the PELUM Zimbabwe network. These factors are a setback to the growth of a vibrant agroecology movement that is able to influence policy makers to make behavioral, structural, and political decisions to recognize and promote agroecology in Zimbabwe. In order to generate fact-based content that can then be applied in advocacy work with policy makers, the PELUM Zimbabwe network promotes participatory action research as a way of decolonizing research and giving farmers and their communities the confidence to generate content on their practices and take the centre stage in developing their own solutions to their challenges.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Harare
- Category: Research
- Closing Date: 2026-08-26
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct practical hands-on training for PELUM ZWE partners (TSURO and PORETO) and smallholder farmers on the application of Participatory Action Research (PAR), focusing on building participants’ capacity to implement PAR in the project through practical exercises rather than extensive theoretical instruction.
- Guide the identification of key focus areas for the PAR based on needs of smallholder farmers focusing on the following thematic areas: Holistic Land and Livestock Management, Water Harvesting, Farmer Field Schools, and Market Linkages.
- Strengthen the documentation and communication of Participatory Action Research (PAR) work across PELUM. Within the first six months (August – December 2026) of the assignment, produce a synthesized case study and one journal article based on data collected by smallholder farmers during the 2025/2026 agricultural season. The case study will focus on the following thematic areas: Holistic Land and Livestock Management, Water Harvesting, Farmer Field Schools, and Market Linkages.
- Over the 12-month period commencing in August 2026, the consultant will accompany and support smallholder farmers engaged in Participatory Action Research (PAR) to co-design research activities, facilitate data collection, and synthesize the findings into five case studies and one journal article. The case studies will focus on the following thematic areas: Holistic Land and Livestock Management, Water Harvesting, Farmer Field Schools, and Market Linkages. The journal article and case studies should be finalized and published by August 2027.
- Create and manage a PAR virtual platform where PELUM partners can interact with each other for peer learning.
- Develop and share research and facilitating tools (handouts) that PELUM partners can use while undertaking PAR.
- Develop a communication mechanism with project partners to strengthen the accompaniment.
- Participate in learning visits and national dialogues (and make presentations) that are facilitated and organised by PELUM Zimbabwe, and that aim to bolster the work done in participatory action research.
- Design appropriate methodology and tools for the PAR data collection and guide the entire research process to ensure scientifically sound research design, data collection and analysis.
- Train PELUM Zimbabwe partners in indicator development, systematic data collection and documentation.
- Strengthen the capacity of PELUM Zimbabwe project partners in presentation and negotiation skills.
- Participate in PAR agroecology activities building towards the crafting/consolidation of 5 case studies and a policy brief document.
- Participate in designing a concept note/proposal/Press Briefings and Joint statements for long term PAR work by PELUM Zimbabwe.
- Provide technical support as and when needed.
Requirements
- At least a master’s degree, in any social science, preferably development studies, evaluation or social research
- Proven experience in PAR, including 5 years of working experience in carrying out PAR trainings
- demonstrated understanding of Agroecology
- good understanding of Zimbabwe, particularly rural contexts within Zimbabwe
- ability to speak and understand local languages will be an advantage
How to Apply
Apply by email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a PAR Accompaniment Consultancy role in Zimbabwe?
A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, development studies, agriculture, or a related field is usually required; many employers prefer candidates with a postgraduate qualification (e.g., MSc in Participatory Development or Rural Sociology) and demonstrable training in PAR methodologies. Certification in facilitation, adult education, or community-based monitoring—such as those offered by local institutions like UZ’s Institute of Continuing Education or ZIMSEC-accredited short courses—is highly valued.
What does a typical day look like for a PAR Accompaniment Consultant working with PELEUM Zimbabwe or similar NGOs in Zimbabwe?
You’ll spend time co-facilitating community dialogues, supporting farmer groups to design and reflect on action cycles, documenting findings using local languages and visual tools, and mentoring extension staff or community animators. Fieldwork dominates the schedule—often 4–5 days/week in rural districts—with weekly coordination meetings in Harare or regional offices, and report writing aligned with donor reporting timelines common in Zimbabwe’s NGO sector.
How does Zimbabwean work culture influence expectations for this role, especially regarding hierarchy, communication, and community engagement?
Respect for elders and local leadership structures is essential—you’ll need to align closely with village heads, church leaders, and ward development committees before initiating PAR processes. Communication is relationship-first: trust-building through consistent presence, humility in listening, and use of Shona/Ndebele where appropriate matters more than technical fluency, and decisions are often consensus-driven rather than top-down.
What realistic career progression paths exist for someone starting in PAR accompaniment consultancy in Zimbabwe?
Entry-level consultants often progress to Senior PAR Facilitator or Programme Officer roles within 3–5 years, especially with proven success in influencing policy at district level or contributing to national frameworks like the National Agricultural Policy Framework. With experience, some transition into research management at institutions like ARDA, UNDP Zimbabwe, or academic roles at universities such as Midlands State University’s Department of Development Studies.
What benefits (leave, medical aid, pension) can I realistically expect from employers offering PAR consultancy roles in Zimbabwe’s NGO and development sector?
Most reputable NGOs provide at least 22–30 days annual leave, basic group medical aid (often via providers like NSSA-affiliated schemes or private insurers like FBC Health), and mandatory NSSA pension contributions. Some larger donors-funded programmes may offer additional allowances (e.g., rural hardship, transport), but comprehensive private medical cover or retirement benefits beyond NSSA remain uncommon outside international agencies.
How do I apply for PAR Accompaniment Consultancy roles in Zimbabwe, and what do employers specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are typically submitted via email or online portals with a CV, cover letter, and two professional references—preferably including a community-based organisation or past PAR project supervisor in Zimbabwe. Employers prioritise demonstrated field experience applying PAR with smallholder farmers, fluency in local languages, familiarity with Zimbabwe’s agrarian context (e.g., communal lands, A1/A2 models), and evidence of ethical, non-extractive research practice aligned with national guidelines like the NSSA Code of Conduct for Researchers.