The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zambia is inviting consultants and technical experts to express their interest in participating in the Supplier Development Programme (SDP) Training, to be delivered in the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces beginning in May 2026.

The programme aims to build a pool of accredited consultants capable of supporting the development and upgrading of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within Zambia’s mining supply chains. Through this initiative, UNDP seeks to strengthen local productive capacities, enhance supplier competitiveness, and expand market opportunities for local enterprises linked to large anchor mining operations.

About the Programme

The Supplier Development Programme is part of UNDP’s broader work to strengthen MSMEs through business development services, skills development, market access and improved linkages with larger buyers. Using UNDP’s Supplier Development Methodology, the programme connects small-scale suppliers to local and regional markets while supporting enterprise upgrading, innovation and job creation.

Following the successful delivery of the first SDP training cohort in 2025, UNDP is expanding the initiative to support a pilot supplier development intervention in the Copperbelt, particularly with Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining operators and Women in Mining suppliers. The programme also responds to growing demand from mining companies and public institutions seeking to strengthen local content participation in mining value chains.

Training Overview

The training will run over approximately five months, combining in-person sessions with field-based learning and virtual mentoring.

Participants will:

• Learn and apply the six stages of the Supplier Development Programme methodology
• Conduct enterprise diagnostics and supplier assessments
• Work directly with pilot MSMEs to develop upgrading strategies
• Gain exposure to international best practices in supplier development

The training will combine three in-person sessions with guided field assignments and virtual mentoring through a digital learning platform.

Indicative Training Schedule

Who Should Apply

The programme is designed for experienced consultants, business development practitioners and technical specialists with experience supporting MSMEs, supplier development, value chains, or private sector development programmes.

Priority will be given to candidates with experience in mining, procurement, supply chains, engineering services, manufacturing, or related industrial sectors, particularly those familiar with working with enterprises in the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by 23rd March 2026 at 12:00 PM.

The selection process will include:

1. Review of submitted profiles
2. A knowledge test covering key business and consulting competencies
3. Virtual interviews with shortlisted candidates

Successful participants will be certified and included in the UNDP Zambia Supplier Development Programme Roster of Consultants, enabling them to be considered for future engagements supporting SDP implementation.