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.

Reporting to the Charcoal Legality Advisor, the Community Forestry Specialist shall work closely with a team of Community Mobilisers to identify existing Community Forestry Management (CFM) groups in A2C’s target districts (Solwezi, Lufanwaya, Kalumbila and Mumbwa), establish Community Forestry Management Groups per the steps outlined by the Government of the Republic of Zambia and support CFMGs after their establishment. The Community Forestry Specialist shall also develop capacity building programs for CFM groups and oversee their implementation in A2C’s target districts, including ensuring close coordination with the Forestry Department, District authorities and relevant traditional authorities.

The Community Forestry Specialist will also work closely with the landscape coordinator to supervise the implementation of identified forest-based value chains, and assist in the development 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 and authorities who ultimately provide the most effective and viable enforcement over charcoal production. To that end the Community Forestry Specialist, under the supervision of the Charcoal Legality Advisor, shall also support implementation of annual charcoal production monitoring surveys, district level meetings of the national charcoal taskforce and forest cover monitoring as needed.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:
Community Forestry Management Groups

• Support the Charcoal Legality Advisor to establish and build the capacity of community forestry management groups (CFMGs) within selected Districts.
• Support strengthening of Community Forestry Management Groups’ organizational and technical capacity to carry out their roles and management responsibilities.
• Support the DDCCs with replication of the Charcoal Task Force and district level and support the districts with hosting of regular meetings.
• Support the Charcoal Legality Advisor with monitoring the performance of the CFMGs and developing tailored training materials to meet the specific needs of each group.
• Work with the Charcoal Legality Advisor and the Communications team to develop communication materials to convey the negative impacts of charcoal production on surrounding forests
• Support the Charcoal Legality Advisor with implementation of forest monitoring and developing capacity building for CFMGs and GRZ officials in the four districts.
• Conduct on-site monitoring of program activities collecting both qualitative and quantitative data and providing timely reports to the Charcoal Legality Advisor and MEL Manager.
• Assist in providing concise, summarized reporting against indicators for quarterly and annual progress reports.
• Support the Livelihoods Coordinator with the design of alternative livelihood interventions and value chains to pilot in each of the four Districts with Charcoal Producers.
• Engage with targeted Community Forestry Management Groups for the identification and establishment of viable forestry-based enterprises to be implemented in the CFM areas.
• Support the Community Mobilisers in implementing of livelihood interventions and support value chain strengthening to Charcoal Producers through the provision of technical assistance and relationship building.
• Identify procurement needs in support of successful implementation of community forestry management for submission to the Charcoal Legality Advisor.
• Engage with stakeholders through relationship building and ensure they provided the required technical support to the project activities.
• Monitor the implementation and compliance of alternative livelihoods against A2C’s Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) developed by the Environmental Compliance Specialist.

Special Studies and Assessments

• As needed, support objectives 1, 2, 3, 5 and collaborate with the Cross-Cutting Teams to incorporate technical insight and activities into A2C’s adaptive management approach.
• As needed, support the designing and implementation of quick assessments to evaluate the impact of livelihood interventions, as necessary.
•  Participate in the preparation of work plans and reporting to USAID
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Technical Director, COP, Charcoal Legality Advisor, Livelihoods Coordinator, and MEL Manager.

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

WORK EXPERIENCE:          Must have at least 3 years’ experience in community forestry management in Zambia, including a detailed understanding and experience with the steps required to establish a community forest management area.

• Experience supporting community managed forest groups is required.
• Must have demonstrated experience supporting conservation-based rural/alternative livelihoods and value chains.
• Must hold specific knowledge of the environmental sector in Zambia, including implementing community forestry and management.
• Experience working with Charcoal Producers, Community based Organizations/Groups, Community Forest Managed Groups, and Honorary Forest Officers is highly desired.

SKILLS:        Ability to work effectively with community based organizations.

• Strong management skills required, including supervising staff in remote/rural locations.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively with communities and government officials.
• Must be computer literate (in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including patience, diplomacy, willingness to listen and respect for colleagues. Ability to work individually and as part of a team. Must also be able to create a supportive working relationship among all project teams