Title: ASGM Technical Researcher

Contract Type: Consultancy agreement

Professional fees: As per proposed pricing schedule

Length of Contract: 20-25 Days beginning 15 June 2025

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, the world’s largest source of anthropogenic emissions of mercury pollution— while improving the health and lives of local mining communities. The Zimbabwe project is part of a global program similarly implemented in 25 countries. Learn more: https://planetgold.org

Objective of the Assignment

The planetGOLD Zimbabwe project aims to advance sustainable mining practices in Zimbabwe’s ASGM sector by promoting mercury free processing technologies. The primary objective of this assignment is to create a comprehensive report that synthesizes findings from baseline survey data of existing processing technologies in ASGM, stakeholder interview responses, expert insights, and relevant literature. The report will guide the selection of mercury-free technologies for implementation in Zimbabwe, highlighting viable options for scalability within the ASGM sector.

Scope of Work/Tasks

Under the supervision of the planetGOLD Zimbabwe Project Manager, the ASGM Technical Researcher will perform the following:

1-Literature Review

• Review existing literature, reports, and data on mercury-free technologies used in Zimbabwe. Evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of these technologies for ASGM adoption, considering the entire mining value chain. The evaluation must identify adoption challenges and knowledge gaps.

2- Qualitative Data Analysis

• Analyze qualitative data to identify the feasibility, benefits, barriers and limitations of transitioning to mercury-free technologies and map technical strategies to promote adoption.

3-Technology Assessment

• Evaluate case studies, publications, and documented experiences from other PlanetGOLD countries to benchmark technology selection and identify opportunities for improvement within Zimbabwe’s specific context.

4-Technology selection Framework

• Design a detailed methodology for evaluating mercury-free technologies to identify the most appropriate solution while considering specific operational contexts.

5- Deliverables

• A comprehensive report documenting existing mercury-free technologies in Zimbabwe, benchmarked against those applied in other planetGOLD countries. The report should provide actionable insights and a detailed methodology for selecting and implementing the most suitable technology for pilot-scale deployment and subsequent scaling up to a demonstration plant.
• A summary presentation for key project stakeholders.

Qualifications

The successful ASGM Technical Researcher MUST bring the following experience and skills:

Relevant educational qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of research experience in mining or related fields and demonstrated knowledge of the ASGM sector in Zimbabwe.

Key Competencies:

• Proven experience in conducting academic research, data analysis, and report writing, preferably in mining or related fields.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative project environment.
  • Familiarity with ASGM practices, mercury-free technologies, or sustainable development initiatives is highly desirable.

How to Apply:

Interested individual consultants must submit an Expression of Interest that includes:

• A cover letter indicating interest in the assignment titled:
  “Expression of Interest for Mercury-free technologies for the ASGM sector in Zimbabwe.”
• A copy of the consultant’s CV showing detailed description of qualifications relevant to the assignment and clear demonstration of appropriate skills and capacity to perform the assignment.
• A one paged summary of proposed methodology indicating how they would approach this assignment.
• Two (2) written samples of copies of previous work conducted in similar or relevant areas.
• Proposed budget estimate.

Submission Details:

• Deadline: 31 May 2025 at 17:00 hours (GMT+2)
• Submission method: By emailto jobs@impacttransform.org
• Email subject line must include: “Expression of Interest for Mercury-free technologies for the ASGM sector in Zimbabwe”