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: Timber & Traceability Specialist (National)

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

Key relationships: Project Manager, Project Officer, Technical Experts, Procurement, Finance and Logistics Officer, field stakeholders, and CzDA headquarters staff.

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 Timber & Traceability Specialist leads the technical implementation of CzDA’s timber-related components, covering both sustainable timber production pilots and the operationalisation of the traceability system. The role ensures that production models are technically sound and compliant, and that pilots and traceability mechanisms are effectively deployed and functional. The national technical specialist will work in structured collaboration with dedicated international experts throughout the implementation period, ensuring technical depth, quality assurance and systematic knowledge transfer.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Technical Expertise

Sustainable Timber Production

• Provide technical expertise on sustainable timber production practices, biodiversity protection, and compliance with forestry and environmental standards.
• Support identification, validation, and implementation of sustainable timber production pilot sites.
• Prepare and review pilot implementation plans, production models, and cost parameters.
• Provide ongoing technical supervision of pilot implementation and field activities.
• Monitor technical performance of timber production pilot interventions and recommend operational improvements where required.

Timber Traceability

• Support implementation of selected components of the timber traceability roadmap, including practical traceability system, tagging, documentation, databases, data recording, and related operational tools.
• Provide technical expertise on timber traceability systems, databases, operational data management tools, and documentation approaches.
• Support alignment of traceability activities and systems with relevant forestry regulations and operational requirements.
• Monitor implementation of traceability-related activities and recommend operational improvements where required.

Capacity Development and Technical Support

• Support assessment of technical capacity needs related to sustainable timber production and traceability systems.
• Deliver technical support through trainings, field demonstrations, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer and promote adoption of improved forest management and traceability 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 the international experts, Forest Department, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.
• 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 opportunities for improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in forestry, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, renewable energy, or a related field; a master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 4–6 years of relevant professional experience in forestry, sustainable forest management, timber production, or timber traceability-related activities.
• Experience working with EU or similar donor-funded international projects is an advantage.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, field-level coordination, and collaboration with public institutions or local communities.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Experience working with traceability technologies, databases, digital data management systems, and related operational hardware/tools is strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of sustainable forest management, forest governance, and biodiversity conservation 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.