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About planetGOLD Zimbabwe
The planetGOLD Zimbabweproject is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). In Zimbabwe, IMPACT is the executing agency, in partnership with the Ministries of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, and Mines and Mining Development.
The project will work together with local communities to reduce the use of mercury in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM), the world’s largest source of anthropogenic emissions of mercury pollution while improving the health and lives of local mining communities. This project is expected to support 7,500 direct beneficiaries (30% women, 70% men) across Zimbabwe, prevent the release of 4.85 tons of mercury emissions over its lifetime and contribute to the sustainable management of approximately 76,000 hectares of landscapes. The Zimbabwe project is part of a global program similarly implemented in 25 countries. Learn more: https://planetgold.org
Background
The ASGM sector is a significant contributor to Zimbabwe’s gold production, employment, and rural livelihoods. However, persistent challenges within ASGM supply chains, particularly related to financing, trading arrangements, and market access, continue to limit the sector’s ability to operate responsibly, transition away from mercury use, and fully integrate into formal and international gold markets.
A key component of the planetGOLD Zimbabwe project is to improve access to responsible markets and financing opportunities for ASGM operators. Experience from the global planetGOLD programme demonstrates that access to finance and responsible gold markets requires ASGM entities to demonstrate compliance with internationally recognized responsible sourcing standards and expectations. To this end, the project seeks to promote adoption of the planetGOLD Criteria for Environmentally and Socially Responsible Operations, which are aligned with international responsible sourcing frameworks, including the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains.
The project will prioritize preparation of upstream actors, including mining cooperatives; associations; and mining enterprises, to understand and progressively implement responsible gold production and sourcing practices. As such, the consultancy will first undergo training and then provide support awareness and capacity building among actors throughout the ASGM value chain, including miners; gold buyers; aggregators; financial institutions; government agencies; and civil society organizations. This assignment will also explore opportunities to collaborate with Fidelity Gold Refineries on a pilot traceability programme for artisanal gold aligned with planetGOLD Criteria and market expectations for responsible sourcing.
2. Objective of the Consultancy
The overall objective of the consultancy is to support the implementation of the project by:
Raising awareness among ASGM stakeholders on the planetGOLD Criteria and international responsible sourcing expectations.
Building the capacity of selected ASGM entities to progressively adopt and implement the planetGOLD Criteria.
Supporting the development of systems and approaches that strengthen responsible sourcing, transparency, traceability, and market access.
Establishing mechanisms for monitoring and reporting compliance among project-supported ASGM entities.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant shall undertake the following tasks:
Task 1: Capacity building for Trainers on the planetGOLD Criteria
Participate in specialized training on the application and implementation of the planetGOLD Criteria.
Task 2: Inception and Stakeholder Mapping
Review relevant project documents, including:
planetGOLD Criteria training package
Relevant Zimbabwean mining, environmental and financial sector regulations.
Develop an inception report and detailed implementation methodology.
Task 3: Stakeholder Training on planetGOLD Criteria and Responsible Sourcing
Design and deliver a training targeting:
ASGM miners and mining associations;
Gold buyers and aggregators;
Fidelity Printers and Refiners;
Financial institutions;
Government agencies;
Civil society organizations;
Mining associations.
The consultancy shall ensure that at least 75 ASGM beneficiaries are sensitized.
Task 4: Capacity building for selected ASGM entities
Support selected ASGM entities to:
Conduct baseline assessments against the planetGOLD Criteria;
Identify compliance gaps;
Develop improvement plans;
Introduce management systems and procedures;
Strengthen documentation and record-keeping systems;
Improve environmental and occupational health and safety practices;
Improve governance and organizational management;
Strengthen financial transparency and accountability.
Task 5: Technical support for compliance with planetGOLD Criteria
Provide ongoing technical support to participating ASGM entities to facilitate:
Progressive implementation of the planetGOLD Criteria;
Development of corrective action plans;
Internal monitoring systems;
Documentation of evidence of compliance;
Preparation for external verification where applicable.
Particular emphasis should be placed on long-term sustainability and replication of good practices.
Task 6: Monitoring, Reporting and Knowledge Products
Develop a monitoring framework to track progress of supported ASGM entities towards compliance with the planetGOLD Criteria.
Document lessons learned, challenges, opportunities and recommendations for scaling up responsible sourcing initiatives nationally.
4. Deliverables
Inception report containing the methodology, workplan, stakeholder mapping and implementation approach.
Sensitization materials fit to local context, including training manuals, presentations, handouts and awareness materials.
Sensitization workshops that provide awareness sessions to at least 75 beneficiaries.
Baseline assessment report for selected ASGM entities against planetGOLD Criteria.
Compliance roadmap plans and technical assistance reports documenting the support provided to participating ASGM entities and the progress achieved toward meeting responsible mining and sourcing requirements.
Monitoring and reporting templates to support the assessment and documentation of progress against responsible mining and sourcing requirements.
A comprehensive report documenting activities undertaken; outputs delivered; progress achieved; key findings; lessons learned; and recommendations.
5. Expected Outputs
The consultancy shall contribute to the following project outputs:
At least 75 stakeholders sensitized on the planetGOLD Criteria; Responsible sourcing requirements; OECD Due Diligence expectations; and Anti-corruption and anti-money laundering practices.
Selected ASGM entities assessed against the planetGOLD Criteria and supported through compliance improvement processes.
Monitoring and reporting systems established to track compliance among project-supported mining entities.
6. Reporting Requirements
The consultant shall report to the planetGOLD Zimbabwe Project Manager. Monthly progress reports shall be submitted documenting:
Activities undertaken;
Stakeholders engaged;
Number of beneficiaries reached;
Challenges encountered;
Corrective measures proposed;
Progress toward compliance targets.
The consultant shall specifically report on efforts undertaken to ensure that all planetGOLD beneficiary mining entities conform with the planetGOLD Criteria for Environmentally and Socially Responsible Operations.
7. Duration of Assignment
The assignment is expected to be undertaken over a period of 6–9 months.
8. Qualifications
The consultant or consulting firm MUST bring the following experience and skills:
Minimum 10 years’ experience in the mining sector, with demonstrated expertise in ASGM formalization and responsible sourcing
Degree in mining, environmental management, natural resource governance, sustainability, business administration, law, or related discipline.
Knowledge of OECD Due Diligence Guidance, LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance and related responsible mineral sourcing frameworks.
Experience delivering stakeholder engagement and training programmes.
Strong understanding of Zimbabwe’s mining sector and institutional landscape.
Submission Requirements:
Deadline: 4 August 2026 at 17:00 hours (GMT+2)
Expression of Interest: Interested consultants must submit an Expression of Interest that includes:
A cover letter indicating interest in the assignment titled
Copies of CVs of all experts with a detailed description of qualifications relevant to the assignment showing evidence of experience in similar or related assignments.
Maximum 3 paged description of the proposed methodology showcasing how they propose to handle this assignment.
Proposed budget estimate.
Two (2) written copies of previous work conducted in similar or relevant areas demonstrating appropriate skills and capacity to perform the assignment.
How to apply
All applications must be submitted online through IMPACT’s recruitment portal. To apply, go to https://atlas.workland.com/careers/impacttransform/jobs?page=1
[link to the job on the IMPACT recruitment portal], create your profile and upload the following documents:
A cover letter explaining your interest in the position
Your resume
Only applications submitted through the portal will be considered. Please complete your application by the deadline indicated above. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
IMPACT is an equal opportunity advocate and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We thank all the candidates; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications received, please do not follow up.