The position will support the implementation of CzDA’s components under the EU-funded project Improved Livelihoods through Enhanced Access to Forest Products, Services, Finances and Value Chains (LEAF), jointly implemented by CzDA and Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. The project aims to increase income opportunities and promote sustainable resource management practices for local communities and forest-based enterprises in Zambia, while supporting integrated landscape management through forest governance and climate-resilient enterprise development.

Basic Information

Position title: Charcoal & Alternative Energy Specialist (National)

Location: Lusaka, Zambia (with regular field missions to target provinces)

Key relationships: Project Manager, Project Officer, Technical Experts, Forest Department, government institutions, private sector partners, and local communities.

Starting date: August 2026

Length of contract: 1 year, with the option to extend up to the end of the project (July 2029)

Role Purpose: The Charcoal & Alternative Energy Specialist leads the technical implementation of CzDA’s charcoal and alternative energy components under the Action, including sustainable charcoal production pilots and alternative energy solutions. The role ensures that pilot interventions are technically sound, environmentally responsible, and operationally viable. The Specialist works in close collaboration with international experts, ensuring technical quality, risk mitigation, and effective knowledge transfer.
 

Tasks and Responsibilities

Technical Expertise

• Provide technical expertise on sustainable charcoal production, alternative energy solutions, resource efficiency, and environmentally responsible production practices.
• Support identification, validation, and implementation of pilot sites for sustainable charcoal production and alternative energy solutions.
• Provide technical guidance on production efficiency, resource optimization, environmental sustainability, and operational performance.
• Support implementation and operationalization of alternative energy technologies and production models.
• Monitor technical performance of pilot interventions and recommend operational improvements where required.

Capacity Development

• Support assessment of technical capacity needs related to charcoal production and alternative energy solutions.
• Deliver technical support through trainings, field demonstrations, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer and promote adoption of improved production practices among enterprises, community forest management groups, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with international experts and mobilize additional expertise where required.

Project Coordination and Communication

• Support implementation of project activities in coordination with the Project Manager, Project Officer, and other technical experts.

• Serve as a technical focal point for communication and coordination with international experts, relevant authorities, local stakeholders, and community-based actors.
• Ensure alignment of technical activities with broader project objectives and integrated landscape management approaches.

Reporting and Documentation

• Contribute to technical and narrative reporting processes, ensuring timely and accurate submission of information.
• Support documentation of lessons learned, technical findings, and implementation progress.

Identify technical risks, implementation challenges, and areas requiring operational follow-up or improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in renewable energy, environmental science, natural resource management, forestry, ecology, engineering, or a related field; a Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 4–6 years of relevant professional experience in sustainable energy, charcoal or biomass production, alternative energy solutions, or related technical fields.
• Experience with sustainable charcoal production, alternative energy technologies, or clean energy solutions is highly desirable.

• Strong understanding of environmental sustainability principles, resource efficiency, and sustainable production practices.
• Experience working in donor-funded or international projects is an advantage.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, field-level coordination, and collaboration with local communities or public institutions.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong analytical, communication, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of sustainable energy systems, sustainable production practices, and environmental sustainability principles
• Strong coordination, organizational, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to implement technical activities in collaboration with partners and stakeholders
• Strong communication and knowledge-sharing approach
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and dynamic field environments
• Accountability, reliability, and professional conduct
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a motivation letter explaining why they wish to work with us and why they are a suitable candidate for this position by 19 June 2026 COB to lusaka@czechaid.cz

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.