Consultancy: Research on the Labour Market Displacement and Digitalization in  Zimbabwe

DUE: 13 JUNE 2025

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Research on the Labour Market Displacement and Digitalizationin  Zimbabwe

1. Background:

The Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF), established through the Tripartite Negotiating Forum Act of 2019, has been at the forefront of fostering Social Dialogue in Zimbabwe. Although it began informally in 1998, the TNF was formalized to address the nation’s socio-economic challenges by uniting Government, Organized Business, and Organized Labour. This collective effort is essential for achieving sustainable economic growth and addressing the myriad issues faced by Zimbabwe.

As Zimbabwe navigates its path towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy under Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), digitalization is transforming the labour market at an unprecedented rate. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies are reshaping industries and, in turn, displacing workers in sectors reliant on manual labour. While digitalization promises increased productivity, innovation, and efficiency, it also threatens the livelihoods of many Zimbabweans who are not equipped with the necessary digital skills to transition into new roles.

This research aims to provide an in-depth analysis of how digitalization is affecting the Zimbabwean labour market. The objective is to identify the sectors and occupations most vulnerable to displacement, assess the skill gaps, and propose policy recommendations for reskilling and upskilling Zimbabwe’s workforce. By proactively managing these transitions, Zimbabwe can avoid potential socio-economic disruptions and instead harness the full potential of digital transformation for inclusive growth.

2. Objectives:

The primary objectives of the research project are to;

1. Identify sectors and occupations most vulnerable to job displacement.
2. Analyse the skill gaps created by digitalization.

• Assess the socio-economic impacts of job displacement.

1. Propose policy recommendations to mitigate negative effects and promote reskilling.
2. Scope of Work:

The scope of work includes:

1. Literature review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature on digitalization and labour market trends globally and in Zimbabwe.
2. Data collection and analysis: Gather and analyse quantitative and qualitative data from national statistics agencies, labour surveys, and other reliable sources.

• Stakeholder consultations: Engage representatives from government, employer organizations, labour unions, and other relevant stakeholders to gather perspectives on labour market impacts.

1. Policy analysis and recommendations: Based on findings, develop evidence-based policy recommendations to address the challenges posed by digitalization and leverage its opportunities.
2. Final report and presentation: Prepare a comprehensive report on research findings and policy recommendations, and present the findings to the TNF and other stakeholders.

4. Timelines and Deliverables:

The research project is expected to be completed within 90 days, with the following key deliverables;

1. Inception report (2 weeks): Detailing the research plan, data sources and stakeholder engagement strategy.
2. Interim report (6 weeks): Presenting preliminary findings.

• Final report (12 weeks): Comprehensive report with research findings and policy recommendations

5. Payment Schedule

Payments will be made upon submission and acceptance of the following deliverables:

1. Inception Report -20%
2. Interim report – 20%

• Final Report – 60%

6. Duration of the Contract

The assignment will be for a duration of 90 working days.

7. Consultant’s Profile

Competencies

1. A minimum of fifteen (15) years of work experience in labour, economic and social science research will be a significant advantage
2. Intensive knowledge of the socio-economic and political environment in Zimbabwe will be an asset

• Strong analytical and organizational skills and ability to deliver results.

1. Ability to work independently.

Requirements

1. Education: At least a Masters’ degree or PhD in the field of Economics, Labour Economics or relevant Social Science qualification.
2. Work experience: Relevant work experience of at least 10 years in socio-economic research.

• Languages: Fluency in oral and written English.

1. Other skills: Excellent written communication and team work skills. Capacity to engage in a constructive dialogue with colleagues. Excellent analytical and presentation skills and capacity to deliver in a timely manner as well as extensive knowledge of the Zimbabwean economy.
2. Evaluation Criteria

The consultant shall be evaluated based on the following criteria:

CRITERIA	Marks (%)
General qualifications and adequacy for the proposed assignment i.             Relevant qualification for the assignment (5) ii.           Number of years of relevant qualification (5)	10
Relevant work experience and expertise i.               Consultants’ relevant experience (20) ii.               Number of years of relevant experience (10) iii.               Dealing with similar project and regional experience (15)	45
Adequacy and quality of the proposed methodology and workplan in respect to the Terms of Reference (ToRs). i.               Clear understanding and articulation of the ToRs (10) ii.               Technical approach and methodology of conducting the assignment with clear deliverables (20) iii.               Detailed work plan/Gant Chart for the assignment (10)	40
English Language capacity	5
TOTAL	100

Proposal Submission
Applicants to submit a short expression of interest summarizing their understanding of the Terms of Reference and how they would approach the assignment,curriculum vitaes and a quotationfor the work to the Tripartite Negotiating Forum. Expressions of interest to be submitted to:
The Executive Director, Tripartite Negotiating Forum, East Wing, Block 3, Celestial Park,Borrowdale Road, Harare or email to [email protected], Tel: 0242 783  080, not later than the 13^thof June, 2025.