JOB SUMMARY:
The 5-year USAID Zambia Alternatives to Charcoal (A2C) Activity works to reduce dependence on charcoal as an energy source in Zambia and catalyze the increased use of low emissions alternative technologies and fuels (ATFs) through innovation and increased private sector engagement to reduce charcoal production-driven deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. A2C works with the private sector, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), civil society, community-based organizations and communities to remove barriers and create opportunities to advance consumer adoption of ATFs; strengthen enforcement of existing charcoal regulatory frameworks; and work alongside consumers to shift preferences and reduce demand away from charcoal while supporting alternative livelihoods for former charcoal-producing households. The A2C Activity is guided by an understanding of local market systems, strong private sector engagement and a commitment to engaging youth and empowering women.  The USAID/Zambia Alternatives to Charcoal (A2C) activity will reduce charcoal energy consumption by 25% in Lusaka and by 5% in urban areas outside of Lusaka and catalyze a 38% increase in the use of low emission charcoal alternative technologies and/or fuels in order to reduce deforestation directly attributable to charcoal production by 6.69%.

A2C will achieve these goals by implementing five overarching objectives, as listed below.

– Objective 1: Identify and remove market barriers to enable a 38% increase in the household use of alternative technologies and fuels (ATFs)

– Objective 2: Support the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) to improve the business enabling environment for low emission charcoal ATFs

– Objective 3: Implement a social behavior change marketing initiative to increase consumer use of low emission charcoal ATFs, and increase public perception of the negative impact of charcoal production on forests

– Objective 4: Support alternative livelihoods in charcoal producing communities and improve capacity to regulate and enforce charcoal supply chains.

– Objective 5: Integrate adaptive management including through Pause, Reflect and Pivot workshops

A2C’s theory of change posits that if charcoal consumption is reduced in urban areas, this will in turn have a negative impact on those communities that rely on charcoal production for their livelihood (either seasonally or year-round). To mitigate this impact, A2C will develop and promote alternative livelihood opportunities for charcoal producers in targeted Districts to provide an alternative income stream to charcoal and reduce the number of people engaged in the charcoal supply chain.

The Sustainable Livelihoods Specialist will report directly to the Livelihoods Coordinator. She/he will assist the Livelihoods Coordinator to identify, develop and oversee implementation of alternative livelihood activities for former charcoal producers and support implementation of the establishment and capacity building of Community Forestry Management Groups (CFMG) in A2C’s target districts. The Sustainable Livelihoods Specialist will also work closely with the Community Forestry Management (CFM) Specialist and Charcoal Legality Advisor to provide backstopping as needed.

The Sustainable Livelihoods Coordinator will be responsible for supervising the implementation of sustainable livelihoods for charcoal producers within identified value chains – including oversight of project grantees focused on sustainable livelihoods – as well supporting the implementation of business plans and linking entrepreneurs along value chains to ensure the long-term sustainability of livelihood interventions.

In view of the planned establishment of CFMGs, it is the local communities who ultimately provide the most effective and viable enforcement over charcoal production. To that end the Sustainable Livelihoods Specialist will support the CFM Specialist with establishing and building the capacity of CFMGs and Honorary Forestry Officers within each of the selected districts and sites.

The Sustainable Livelihoods Specialist is also expected to support logistical implementation of annual charcoal production monitoring surveys and forest cover monitoring (noting that forest cover monitoring will be undertaken directly by the Forestry Department).

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:
 Alternative Livelihoods

– Support the Livelihoods Coordinator with the design of alternative livelihood interventions and value chains to pilot in each of the four Districts (Solwezi, Kalumbila, Lufwanyama, Mumbwa) with Charcoal Producers. The value chain being considered include grain/legumes, horticulture, poultry/small livestock, fish farming and non-wood forest value chains.

– Oversee grantees and engage with targeted communities in establishing value chains and alternative livelihood interventions, including:

– Assess and strengthen the capacity of participants engaged in alternative livelihood chains.

– Support the Livelihoods Coordinator in identifying and engaging relevant private sector partners to collaborate with on alternative livelihood interventions.

– Support value chain strengthening through the provision of technical assistance and relationship building with a focus on empowering women and youth in market systems.

– Support the community in formation of Saving Groups and mobilizing of savings for investment in alternative livelihood enterprises.

– Identify procurement needs in support of alternative livelihood interventions for submission to the Livelihoods Coordinator.

– Engage with stakeholders through relationship building and ensure they provided the required technical support to the project activities.

– Conduct troubleshooting and conflict resolution as required with community members, GRZ officials and others.

– Work with the Livelihoods Coordinator and the Communication’s team to develop communication materials to promote good agricultural practices (GAP) such as Climate Smart Agriculture and Conservation Farming.

– Monitor the implementation and compliance of alternative livelihoods against A2C’s Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) developed by the Environmental Compliance Specialist.

– Conduct on-site monitoring of program activities collecting both qualitative and quantitative data and providing timely reports to the Livelihoods Coordinator and MEL Manager.

– Assist in providing concise, summarized reporting against indicators for quarterly and annual progress reports.

Community Forestry Management Groups

– Support the CFM Specialist to build the capacity of community forestry management groups (CFMGs) to become established within selected Districts

– Support strengthening of Community Forestry Management Groups’ organizational and technical capacity to carry out their roles and management responsibilities.

– Support the CFM Specialist with monitoring the performance of the CFMGs and developing tailored training materials to meet the specific needs of each group.

– Support the identification of and development of sustainable forest-based enterprises to be implemented in the CFM areas

– Support the CFM Specialist with implementation of alternative livelihood opportunities to support CFMGs, including capacity building and training.

– Collaborate and coordinate with private sector partners and others who work in the CFM space.

Special Studies and Assessments

– Collaborate with the Cross-Cutting Teams to logistically support research and surveys as needed and incorporate technical insights into A2C’s adaptive management approach.

– Support the designing and implementation of quick assessments to evaluate the impact of livelihood interventions, as necessary.

Other

– Participate in the preparation of work plans and periodic reports

– Perform other tasks as assigned by the Technical Director, COP, Livelihoods Coordinator, Charcoal Legality Advisor, and MEL Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS: (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS)
EDUCATION: Degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Forestry or Natural Resources Management

WORK EXPERIENCE: Must have at least (5) years’ experience in rural/alternative livelihoods and value chain implementation experience and experience in establishing CFMGs will be an added advantage.

– Must hold specific knowledge of the environmental sector in Zambia, including implementing a range of successful livelihood interventions.

– Demonstrated private sector engagement establishing sustainable value chains with rural communities.

– Experience working with Charcoal Producers, Farmer Groups, Community Forest Managed Groups, Honorary Forest Officers is highly desired.

– Experience providing technical oversight and guidance in relation to implementation alternative livelihoods strongly desired.

SKILLS: Strong management and coordination skills required for oversight provision purposes, including supervising grantees in remote/rural locations.

– Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively with communities and government officials.

– Must be able to prioritize, multi-task and work independently.

– Must be computer literate (in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).

LANGUAGES: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Should be able to speak the local language.

GENERAL: Excellent interpersonal skills, including patience, diplomacy, willingness to listen and respect for colleagues. Willingness to travel frequently and to remote areas. Ability to work individually and as part of a team. Must also be able to create a supportive working relationship among all project teams.

This position is based in Solwezi town with frequent travel to rural Solwezi, Kalumbila and Lufwanyama districts. No funding for relocation will be provided.