The USAID-funded Alternatives to Charcoal project in Zambia, implemented by Tetra Tech International Development is currently accepting expressions of interest for a Women’s Engagement in Alternative Fuels and Technologies (ATFs) Consultant. This position will report to the main project office in Lusaka, Zambia.

The USAID Zambia Alternatives to Charcoal (A2C) Activity works to reduce dependence on charcoal for household energy in Zambia and catalyze the increased use of low-emission alternative technologies and fuels (ATFs) through innovation and increased private sector engagement.

A2C works with the private sector, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), civil society, and communities to remove barriers and create opportunities to advance consumer adoption of ATFs; strengthen the regulation of 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 understanding consumer preferences and demands, identification of market and business enabling barriers as well as strong private sector engagement and a commitment to engaging youth and empowering women.

Position Description/Summary: The Consultant will undertake desk -based research and interviews to (a) identify the specific barriers and opportunities related to women’s involvement in alternative technologies and fuels as consumers, entrepreneurs and along the value chain and (b) identify opportunities to integrate gender within each of A2C s strategic objectives.

The Consultant shall lead the development of engagement strategies that will: strengthen women’s roles and involvement in ATF markets on both the supply and demand side; identify regulatory and enforcement reforms that could improve the enabling environment for increased women’s engagement; and provide recommendations to ensure gender and youth are differentiated in social behavior change and communication interventions.

As a short-term consultant, the candidate will work closely with the project’s Technical Leads, the Technical Director, and the Chief of Party to gather information to inform A2C’s Women’s Engagement Strategy.

Responsibilities:

* Develop learning questions, identify methodologies, and strategize approaches to inform the design of A2C’s Women’s Engagement Strategy.

* Oversee and lead desk based and field-level research and information gathering.

* Collaborate with A2C project staff, cooperating partners, clean cooking projects, and private sector actors.

* Lead the management, analysis, synthetization of research findings into a clear strategy to improve women’s engagement in ATF markets.  

* Produce a first draft of the Women’s Engagement Strategy

* Incorporate feedback from project staff to finalize the Women’s Engagement Strategy for submission to USAID

Qualifications:

* Bachelor’s Degree in gender studies, sociology, anthropology, alternative energy, natural resource management or other relevant field. Master’s degree preferred.  

* At least seven (7) years of experience developing or coordinating women’s empowerment strategies, research, or projects in Zambia, with preference for familiarity with USAID approaches and global best practices.

* Demonstrated understanding of Zambia’s urban cooking context required, with a preference for understanding existing alternative technologies and fuels.

* Professional fluency in English required.

* Zambian nationals strongly encouraged to apply.