Introduction
Recovery from the kleptocratic rule is exceedingly difficult. A change of political power is a first essential step, but is insufficient on its own to ensure a transition out of kleptocracy. Even in those cases where incoming leaders demonstrate political will for reform, numerous country experiences give testament to the deeply embedded nature of corrupt networks, structures and practices that can impede the emergence of healthy rule of law.  

The government that follows a kleptocratic rule has the challenging task of identifying and addressing a deeply embedded set of kleptocratic networks and practices. To improve understanding of the ways in which incoming governments can dismantle lingering corrupt structures, NDI commissioned the design of an assessment framework to detect kleptocratic networks, as well as to identify solutions for dismantling their structures and influence.

Developed by Sarah Chayes, the assessment framework draws on previous academic research that analyzes corruption as a systemic problem and central to the conduct of governance, with special attention paid to the transnational dimensions and enablers.

The Zambian Context
Though corruption and impunity are long-standing challenges in Zambia, the deterioration of democratic processes and norms accelerated during the last administration.  According to one recent report, Zambian institutions were captured by a “full-blown shadow state” composed of informal networks involving high-level politicians, the judiciary, bureaucrats, the private sector, and security and defense leaders.

In the August 2021 elections, opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema was elected president, beating the incumbent by a considerable margin. His election is seen as an important opportunity for recovering democratic institutions and achieving pro-integrity reforms. President Hichilema made anti-corruption a central plank of his campaign platform; since entering office, he has promoted the recovery of stolen assets, prosecution of high-level corrupt officials and enactment of legal reforms based on a “zero tolerance” policy for corruption.

Nonetheless, experiences from Peru to Sudan to Malaysia illustrate the challenges faced by post-kleptocratic reform movements, particularly in terms of the lingering corrupt networks that act as transition ‘spoilers.’ In Zambia, the Hichilema government’s attempts to dismantle the “shadow state” will require a clear analysis of the embedded networks, their interests and their weak points, as well as the pro-integrity countervailing forces within the State and broader society.

The Task and Deliverables
The present Terms of Reference (ToR) are for a consultancy that would adapt and apply the post-kleptocratic transition assessment framework to the current Zambian context. Drawing on interviews and desk research, the resulting report should include an analysis of the integrity challenges and opportunities, as well as the identification of priority areas for response – taking into account political and technical viability as well as the potential pay-off.  

The consultancy should initiate on or around February 15, with the first draft to be submitted by approximately April 15. For applicants based outside of Zambia, a decision on travel will be made based on discussion with the applicant and the evolution of the COVID-19 context.
Key deliverables of this consultancy include:

• Brief literature review of research and documentation related to relevant aspects of Zambia’s political, economic and social context
• Review and adaptation of the assessment framework to the Zambian context
• Interviews conducted virtually and in-person (as feasible)
• First draft report of approximately 25-30 pages
• Second draft report
• Final report
• Participation in virtual events to present the findings and recommendations

Consultant Qualifications
Consultant proposals will be assessed on the following requirements: 

• Political knowledge and networks in Zambia and/or Southern Africa 
• Knowledge and experience in anti-corruption assessments and programming
• Experience conducting research
• Excellent report writing skills in English
• Value for money of the financial proposal

Application:
Applicants are welcome from both individual consultants as well as consultancy teams. Interested parties are requested to submit any questions about the assignment and the following documentation via email to gov_shared@ndi.org by January 28, 2022:

• Letter of motivation, highlighting relevant experience
• CV, including 2 reference persons
• Financial proposal, clearly distinguishing between fees and travel (if applicable)
• Sample of recent publication or written consultancy output, preferably on related topic