National Specialist on Renewable Energy in Agri-food and Forestry Systems

Reporting Lines

The Incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, leading the Project Management Unit (PMU); the Climate Change, Biodiversity and Energy Specialist of FAOHQ, leading Output IV and Work Package 8; The International Energy Expert in the PMU; and in collaboration with relevant FAO Zambia, UNESCO and UNITAR Technical Teams.

Technical Focus

The candidate selected for this position will function as national renewable energy and green technologies specialist at the project management unit, and will act as the link between the FAOHQ and the local project partners in Zambia.
• Renewable energy use in agri-food systems
• Renewable energy use in forestry and agro-forestry systems
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Private sector engagement in renewable energy and energy efficiency related interventions
• Education and capacity building, including trainings and Training of Trainers (ToT)

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the development of the modules’ syllabi and lesson plans and teaching materials for universities.
• Support the integration of the new teaching modules into the MSc programmes at Zambian universities and the related promotion activities.
• Support piloting of the modules and upgrade/alignment of the syllabi based on the external evaluation and students’ feedback.
• Support full implementation of the modules with continued monitoring and evaluation activities.

• Support the implementation of capacity building trainings for academic staff, in the form of both on-line and on-site events.

• Support the design of new equipment within the existing laboratories of Zambian universities, procurement and installation of the laboratory equipment.
• Support training of technicians and academic staff on the use and maintenance of the new equipment and software.
• Support accreditation of the laboratories/analytical methods in line with Zambian and/or international regulations.
• Support the development of the laboratories’ business plans for provision of market-oriented services.

• Contribute to the definition of the scope of capacity development programme based on TEVET curriculum review and competency assessment and labour market needs.
• Support the development of curricula, syllabi, lesson plans and teaching materials development for TEVETs.
• Participate in the training of trainers for TEVET institutions.

• Contribute to the definition of the capacity building curriculum based on competency assessment and labour market needs and development of a capacity building strategy.
• Develop sector-specific capacity building materials for private sector.
• Participate in trainings and awareness raising activities for private sector.

• Support the International senior sustainable technologies expert in defining capacity building curriculum and implementation strategy based on consultations with relevant ministries and competency assessment of public sector employees.
• Develop training materials for public sector.
• Participate in the trainings and awareness raising activities for public sector.
• Support project communication and visibility by preparing technical briefs and status updates on the project activities and participating in the communication and dissemination events within the area of expertise.

• Perform other related duties as required.
• Support FAOHQ international experts during field mission in Zambia.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in a field related to renewable energy.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in renewable energy, energy efficiency and green technology in the country of which at least 1 year of relevant experience in educational and capacity building programmes and initiatives, in particular on climate change and renewable energy.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of Zambia

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills and functions

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
• Extent and relevance of experience in renewable energy, energy efficiency, green technology, or sustainable energy technologies applied to the agri-food and forestry sectors.
• Extent and relevance of experience in extension, training and capacity building programmes and initiatives, in particular on sustainable renewable energy and green technologies.
• Knowledge of Zambian context is a strong advantage.
• Ability to engage and deal with stakeholders at national, sub-national and regional level.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate, draft and finalize clear technical documents, guidelines, manuals and reports, in English.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multi-cultural and geographically dispersed teams, including through remote work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"> Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.