Technical Implementation Services for Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund Grant Scheme

The Contractor shall provide comprehensive end-to-end services for the design, management, and implementation of Grant Scheme I (Growth and Scale Facility) of the Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund 2.0 (EZCF 2.0).

The services cover the full lifecycle of competitive Calls for Applications and associated capacity development, from pipeline development and call management through pre-award technical assistance, facilitation of selection decisions, and post-award strategic advisory support. The Contractor will work in close coordination with, and under the oversight of, the GIZ project team.

While GIZ retains responsibility for grant contracting, financial administration, donor relations, and overall governance, the Contractor will be responsible for the technical and operational execution of the services described below.

Pipeline Development and Outreach The Contractor shall design and implement a structured pipeline development strategy to identify, mobilise, and engage eligible agribusinesses aligned with EZCF 2.0 objectives, with a focus on legumes and horticulture value chains and priority economic corridors.

This includes stakeholder mapping, outreach campaigns, information sessions, and marketing activities that promote inclusive participation, particularly of women-led, youth-led, and locally rooted enterprises. Call for Applications Management The Contractor shall prepare, launch, and manage up to four competitive Calls for Applications using transparent, standardised, and well-documented procedures.

This includes the development of all call documentation and tools (e.g. SOPs, application guidelines, eligibility and evaluation criteria, templates, and review materials) and the establishment and operation of a secure digital system for application submission, screening, evaluation, and documentation.

The Contractor shall conduct comprehensive due diligence, including Commercial and Legal Eligibility Checks (KEP), and prepare shortlists of qualified applicants for review by GIZ and the Independent Investment Committee (IIC).

Pre-Award Technical Assistance and Capacity Development For shortlisted applicants, the Contractor shall provide structured pre-award technical assistance to support the preparation of complete, high-quality, and decision-ready proposals.

This includes proposal writing support, budget formulation aligned with GIZ grant templates, business viability and market feasibility advisory services, strengthening of inclusive business models (including SHF integration), facilitation of access to co-financing, and preparation for pitch events before the IIC.

Facilitation of Selection and Grant Award Process The Contractor shall organise and facilitate pitch events and support the final selection process by compiling complete proposal packages, supporting IIC deliberations, documenting decisions, and communicating outcomes to applicants.

The Contractor shall liaise with applicants and GIZ during the transition to grant contracting, ensuring that all required documentation is complete and consistent. Post-Award Strategic Advisory and Market Support Following grant award, the Contractor shall provide post-award strategic advisory services to grantees throughout implementation.

This includes periodic portfolio reviews, biannual strategic check-ins with grantees, targeted business and market advisory support, facilitation of linkages to financial institutions and market actors, and contribution to relevant sector platforms and multi-stakeholder dialogues.

The Contractor"s role focuses on strategic, market-oriented, and adaptive support, complementing GIZ"s compliance and monitoring-focused functions.

Expert Pool Management and Quality Assurance The Contractor shall recruit, manage, and coordinate a pool of qualified short-term technical experts and administer the Independent Investment Committee, ensuring impartiality, transparency, and adherence to conflict-of-interest requirements.

The Contractor shall ensure consistent quality delivery across all services through robust project management, monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management systems.