Tetra Tech International Development Services headquartered in Arlington, VA, is currently accepting expressions of interest from qualified candidates for Senior Technical Specialists positions on an anticipated 5-year USAID-funded environment and natural resources project in Zambia.
The purpose of USAID Alternatives to Charcoal Activity is to reduce charcoal energy consumption in Zambia, and catalyze an increase in the use of private sector-led low emissions charcoal alternative technologies and/or fuels in order to reduce deforestation directly attributed to charcoal production.
Tetra Tech seeks experienced candidates for the following positions:
Market-based Urban & Renewable Energy Specialist
The Market-based Urban & Renewable Energy Specialist will provide technical expertise to support the design and implementation of project-supported interventions to promote the adoption of alternative energy sources and efficient cooking technologies to reduce urban reliance on charcoal. S/he will lead a team to design and support market-driven approaches to ensure wide-spread adoption of the most promising commercially viable technologies (avoiding reliance on subsidies).
* Experience promoting private sector investments that address the affordability, availability, accessibility and scaling the adoption of alternative energy sources and efficient cooking technologies in Zambia.
* Experience with other innovative realistic household fuels alternatives is preferred.
* Robust private sector networks and strong existing Government of Zambia relationships.
Sustainable Landscapes (Forest and Land Use) Specialist
The Forest and Land Use Specialist will provide technical expertise to lead the design and implementation of project-supported interventions to improve forest governance systems and
land management.
* Experience and expertise in all aspects of community-based organizational development and capacity building; and community forest management planning.
* Extensive experience in participatory methods and an understanding of the political economy and regulatory requirements related to the charcoal value chain.
* Robust relationships and experience working with Zambia’s Forestry Department, ZEMA, local Chiefs, and other relevant stakeholders working to improve forest governance and management.
Value Chain Specialist – Livelihoods Advisor
The Value Chain Specialist/Livelihoods Advisor will provide thought leadership related to the design of alternative livelihoods activities for former charcoal producers in peri-urban and rural areas, as well as charcoal transporters, haulers, and marketeers in urban areas. S/he will provide technical expertise to lead the design and implementation of project-supported interventions that increase incomes from sustainable forest-based enterprises. S/he will promote viable forest-based business models that have long-term impact and high potential to increase inclusive economic and livelihood benefits from forest or other land-based value chains that supports sustainable landscapes. S/he will design, develop and implement project activities that will strengthen forest-based value chains, improve competitiveness, establish quality standards, and create market opportunities for non-timber forest products (and services).
* Experience in the assessment, and selection of viable forest-based value chains in Zambia, including identifying, developing and supporting nascent forest-based enterprises increase profitability.
* Experience designing, formalizing and managing private public partnerships (PPPs), mobilizing financing, and will have robust existing public and private sector networks.
Private Sector Engagement, Business Enabling Environment and Finance Specialist
The Private Sector Engagement and Business Enabling Environment Specialist will lead the design and implementation of project-supported interventions that promote private sector engagement and investment in: 1) the increased affordability, availability, accessibility and scaling of alternative urban energy alternatives and more efficient cooking technologies in Zambia; and, 2) high-impact value-chain enterprises and livelihoods that can offer a sustainable alternative to charcoal production. S/he will develop global, regional and national institutional relationships with private sector and financial institutions. S/he will identify innovative financing mechanisms that incentivize private sector investors and leverage private sector capabilities to promote market-driven solutions for the most promising commercially viable alternative energy, efficient cooking and non-timber forest-based businesses in Zambia. S/he will provide technical assistance to incubate viable businesses and accelerate funding opportunities.
* Experience in the design and management of private public partnerships (PPPs)
* Robust existing public and private sector investment networks.
Social Marketing/Behavior Change Communications Specialist (SM/BCC)
The Social Marketing/Behavior Change Communications Specialist will provide technical expertise in planning, implementing and evaluating social marketing and behavior change communications and awareness campaigns that increase the adoption of viable energy alternatives and efficient cooking technologies in urban areas. S/he will oversee market research and studies that will develop effective messaging and communication dissemination strategies that focus on 1) available energy sources and fuel-efficient technologies; and 2) environmental, social and human health consequences of deforestation and forest degradation. S/he will develop comprehensive communication tools and SM/BCC campaign materials and activities, using evidence-based theories and methodologies, using effective messaging platforms including social/digital media, radio, mobile communication, peer support and local messaging.
* Experience working with regional and national BCC firms, advertising agencies, public relations experts, production vendors, community mobilizers, and/or consultants is required.
* Experience building capacity of local community-based organizations to implement quality and successful SM/BCC activities is preferred.
Gender, Social Inclusion and Youth Specialist
The Gender, Social Inclusion and Youth Specialist (GESI) will implement the program’s gender approach and advise the project team on GESI and youth strategies.
* Master’s Degree in a related field preferred.
* Solid experience in gender, social inclusion, vulnerable populations, or youth program implementation.
* Renewable Energy, sustainable livelihoods, and natural resources management knowledge a plus.
* Fluency in written and spoken English.
* Experience working in Zambia.
Knowledge Management and Learning (KML) Specialist
The Knowledge Management and Learning Specialist will generate, capture and communicate knowledge and promote learning to further the activity’s objectives.
* Experience working with institutions, nationally and sub-nationally, to generate, document and communicate knowledge (evidence-based monitoring information, best practices, innovative models and lessons-learned). Direct experience in Zambia strongly preferred.
* Experience developing information and knowledge management methods/tools in one or more technical disciplines such as natural resource management, energy, urban value chain, sustainable livelihoods, and/or private sector engagement preferred.
* Experience applying adaptive management practices within a donor-funded development project context.
* Advanced degree in relevant discipline.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Communications Specialist
The Communications Specialist will support the overall communications approach of the activity. This includes developing contacts with local stakeholders, writing success stories and other promotional material, managing social media outlets, etc.
* Master’s Degree in a related field preferred.
* 5-10 years of relevant professional experience.
* Experience in communications, marketing, journalism, etc.; familiarity with USAID or donor-funded development projects a plus.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
* Experience working in Zambia preferred.
GIS Specialist
The GIS Specialist will be responsible for mapping and geospatial analysis, network editing and quality assurance, database management and GIS programming.
* Advanced degree in a related field.
* 3-5 years of relevant professional experience.
* Strong GIS capabilities using ArcMAP, ArcGIS online, ESRI extensions- Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst
* Direct experience in Zambia preferred.