University degree (or equivalent) in Public Administration, Local Governance, Development Studies, Rural Development, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, Gender and Women Empowerment or a related field. Minimum 7 years of professional experience for senior experts and 3 years for junior experts in local governance, local economic development, and gender and youth inclusion in economic activities. Proven experience in local governance reform and capacity building of Local Authorities, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa. Demonstrated knowledge of the role of Local Authorities in promoting local economic development, investment facilitation and business environment reforms, as well as their functions in service delivery and in policy and regulatory frameworks that support entrepreneurship, formalisation and business support services. Experience conducting stakeholder consultations, focus groups and participatory assessments with Local Authorities, civil society and private sector actors, and experience designing or implementing initiatives involving these actors. Demonstrated ability to integrate gender, youth and inclusion dimensions into local economic development projects. Experience in data collection tools (traditional and digital), stakeholder mapping, and qualitative and quantitative analysis. Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills in English, with the ability to synthesise inputs into high-quality reports. Added value includes familiarity with Zimbabwe’s governance, devolution and Local Authorities, as well as experience in EU-funded programmes aligned with the Global Gateway 360° approach.