JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Consultant: planetGOLD Criteria Capacity Building and Training
Length of Contract: Capacity building and training on compliance with the planetGOLD Criteria for environmentally and socially responsible operations
Consultancy
30 days
About planetGOLD Zimbabwe
The planetGOLD Zimbabwe project 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 outcome of the planetGOLD Zimbabwe project is to build awareness and understanding of the planetGOLD Criteria for Environmentally and Socially Responsible Operations among stakeholders across the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. Promoting the adoption of the planetGOLD Criteria will strengthen the readiness of Zimbabwean ASGM entities to participate in responsible gold supply chains, meet market expectations for responsible sourcing, and improve access to responsible markets and financing opportunities.
The project seeks to engage a qualified Consultant to design and deliver a comprehensive training programme on the planetGOLD Criteria for Environmentally and Socially Responsible Operations. The training will target contracted local consultants, relevant Project Steering Committee members, and the project team. Through this training-of-trainers approach, participants will be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and practical understanding necessary to effectively disseminate, communicate, and promote the planetGOLD Criteria among mining entities and other stakeholders across Zimbabwe's artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector, supporting their progressive adoption and implementation.
Objective of the Consultancy:
- The overall objective of the consultancy is to support the implementation of the project by:
- Training of local consultant(s); PSC members (e.g. FGR, ZMF); and planetGOLD Team on the planetGOLD criteria.
- Creating sensitization material for a broad range of Zimbabwe’s ASGM stakeholders (e.g. miners, buyers, financiers, government agencies) to raise awareness of responsible gold standards.
Scope of Work:
The consultant shall undertake the following tasks:
Task 1: Creation of Training materials:
Review relevant project documents, including:
- planetGOLD Criteria for Environmentally and Socially Responsible Operations (which incorporates elements of the CRAFT Code, and three criteria that are specific to the planetGOLD programme, i.e. eliminating mercury in the mining process; respecting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples; and minimizing impact on biodiversity.
- OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains;
- LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance;
- Design and deliver a detailed virtual training programme.
Topics shall include:
- Overview of the planetGOLD Criteria;
- Environmental and social performance expectations;
- Responsible sourcing requirements;
- Traceability and transparency;
- Market expectations of downstream buyers;
- Access to finance through responsible supply chains;
- Anti-corruption measures;
- Prevention of bribery;
- Anti-money laundering requirements;
- OECD Due Diligence principles;
- Responsible business conduct.
Task 2: Creation of generic sensitization material for ASGM stakeholders
Development of core awareness content and stakeholder-specific messaging frameworks, including:
- Presentation slides.
- Key messages and talking points.
- Training and sensitization facilitator guides.
Deliverables:
- A brief inception report outlining the Consultant's understanding of the assignment, methodology, workplan, and proposed approach for delivering the training and developing sensitization materials.
- Conduct a Train-the-Trainer programme on the planetGOLD Criteria for selected participants, covering the principles, requirements, compliance pathways, and practical application of the Criteria within ASGM operations.
- A comprehensive training package including training curriculum, presentation slides, facilitator notes and reference materials
- Awareness and sensitization materials that can be adapted and used by trained local consultants when engaging ASGM stakeholders.
Duration of Assignment:
The assignment is expected to be undertaken over a period of 30 days.
Qualifications:
The consultant or consulting firm MUST bring the following experience and skills:
- Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering training programmes, workshops, or capacity-building initiatives for mining stakeholders.
- Expert knowledge in ASM gold mining, the planetGOLD criteria, OECD Due Diligence Guidance, LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance and related responsible mineral sourcing frameworks.
- Degree in mining, environmental management, natural resource governance, sustainability, business administration, law, or related discipline.
Submission Requirements:
Expression of Interest: Interested consultants must submit an Expression of Interest that includes:
- A cover letter indicating interest in the assignment titled
- Copy of CV with a detailed description of qualifications relevant to the assignment showing evidence of experience in similar or related assignments.
- 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.
Apply Here:
https://atlas.workland.com/work/85882/consultant-planetgold-criteria-capacity-building-and-training