Deadline Date: March 23, 2026
The United Nations Development Programme 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 focuses on strengthening local productive capacities, enhancing supplier competitiveness, expanding market opportunities for local enterprises linked to large anchor mining operations, supporting MSMEs through business development services, skills development and market access, improving linkages between small suppliers and larger buyers, promoting enterprise upgrading and innovation, and encouraging job creation through stronger participation in mining value chains.
The training programme will run for approximately five months and will combine in-person training 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 enterprise upgrading strategies, and gain exposure to international best practices in supplier development. The programme will include three in-person training sessions supported by guided field assignments and online mentoring through a digital learning platform.
The indicative training schedule begins with the first in-person session in the Copperbelt in May 2026, followed by a second session in the North-Western Province in June 2026. A third in-person training session will take place again in the Copperbelt in July 2026, after which participants will complete a final assessment and certification process between July and August 2026.
The programme is intended for experienced consultants, business development practitioners, and technical specialists who have worked with MSMEs, supplier development initiatives, value chain programmes, or private sector development projects. Priority consideration will be given to candidates with professional experience in mining, procurement, supply chains, engineering services, manufacturing, or related industrial sectors, particularly those familiar with enterprises operating in the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces.
Eligibility is focused on professionals with demonstrated experience supporting MSMEs or working within supplier development and value chain strengthening programmes, as well as individuals capable of conducting enterprise diagnostics and advising on business upgrading strategies. Candidates with knowledge of mining supply chains and local enterprise development environments are particularly encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit UNDP.
