mHub is the first innovation and technology hub in Malawi established in 2014 as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with specific focus on three key strategic areas namely: technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Within its scope, mHub develops technology programs and resources to equip young innovators with increasingly diverse digital skills and tools. mHub also facilitates business growth and acceleration through incubation programs for entrepreneurs.

1. Peri-Urban Land Governance Pilot Activity

The Peri-Urban Land Governance pilot is a four-year Activity funded by the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the mHub as the prime, in partnership with the Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development (CCESD) and the Creative Center for Community Mobilization (CRECCOM). The goal of the activity is to improve land rights and security of tenure in the targeted peri-urban areas in Lilongwe, Mzimba and Nkhatabay districts. Specifically, the activity aims to achieve the goal through the following interrelated objectives:

i. Improve peri-urban land management and administration.

ii. Strengthen accountability in peri-urban land management.

iii. Improve the economic rights of landholders.

iv. Increase access to peri-urban land management information.

2. Formative Research Purpose

The purpose of the formative research is to establish a baseline understanding of the prevailing peri-urban land administration and management systems in the targeted peri-urban areas. The formative research will also inform the basis for the rolling out of tailor-made interventions to the targeted areas to address the prevailing land governance issues.

3. Position Description

mHub, under the PULG Activity, is seeking to recruit on a short-term basis, a Team Leader to coordinate the implementation of the formative research. The Team Leader is expected to work closely with technical specialists from mHub and it sub-partners and will report to the PULG Activity Project Manager. 

The team leader will be required to lead all activities for the implementation of this formative research, including but not limited to the following:

• Review and finalize the formative research design/inception report including research design matrix, data collection tools, qualitative data analysis plan, and timelines. Develop enumerator field data collection manual.
• Lead the training of data collectors including pre-testing of data collection tools.
• Develop field data collection schedule and coordinate all data collection activities.
• Conducting a thorough review of existing literature and relevant documentation on peri-urban land governance in Malawi.
• Conduct stakeholder consultations with relevant government officials, local communities, non-governmental organizations, donors, and other relevant entities as part of data collection.
• Supervise the transcription and analysis of data from all sources (key informant interviews, focus groups and secondary data).
• Lead and participate in the preparation of preliminary findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Lead and participate in preparing power point presentations on the inception and findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Lead the presentation of the inception and findings, conclusions and recommendations to PULG Activity and to USAID as well as other stakeholders as required.
• Coordinate and participate in the preparation of draft and final formative research report.
• Communicate the progress of study to the PULG Activity Project Manager.

4. Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

• Finalized research design/inception report including research design matrix, qualitative data analysis plan, and timelines,
• Complete set of data collection tools for all categories of study participants,
• Enumerator field data collection manual,
• Comprehensive transcripts and summary notes for all interviews.
• Power point presentation for the study findings, conclusions and recommendations,
• Final formative research report.

5. Performance Period and Level of Effort

The study is expected to be implemented between early December 2023 and end March 2024.

The total level of effort (LOE) for the Team Leader will be 60 days spread across the study period.

6. Required Qualifications

The consultant should possess the following qualifications:

• Advanced degree in social sciences, agricultural economics, Land management/surveying, physical planning, or other related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in conducting land governance or related studies in Malawi.
• Extensive knowledge of Malawi’s land sector including its related regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical and report writing skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership skills.

7. Proposal Submission

Interested consultants should submit their detailed technical and financial proposals, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and at least three samples of relevant past research reports by 15^th December 2023. For inquiries or submission of proposals, sent to: recruitment@mhubmw.com

8. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated expertise and research experience in related fields.
• Methodology proposed for the formative research.
• Qualifications and expertise of the consultant.
• Cost-effectiveness.

Note: mHub reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. This document is subject to change based on project requirements.