Private Sector Engagement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to improving nutrition, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and sustainable agriculture. The organization provides policy advice, technical assistance, and investment support to its member countries, focusing on ending hunger, addressing malnutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development. In Zambia, FAO implements various field programs and projects under the FAO Country Programming Framework, with a strong emphasis on climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable agriculture, forestry, and natural resources management. The FAO Representation in Zambia is actively involved in initiatives that align with the country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to combat climate change, supported by various international partners and funding bodies.

Job Overview:
The Private Sector Engagement Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of Work Package 7 of the Facility for Action for Climate Empowerment (FACE-NDC) project, which aims to enhance the capacity of the local private sector to support Zambia's green transition. This position involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including government institutions and private sector actors, to ensure effective implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives. The specialist will be responsible for developing engagement strategies, conducting baseline surveys, and facilitating workshops to promote climate-resilient investments. The role requires a strong focus on building partnerships with private sector representatives and enhancing their involvement in climate action efforts. The specialist will also support the Renewable Energy Training Network and work closely with academic institutions to strengthen linkages between academia and the private sector, ultimately contributing to the development of a green economy in Zambia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Private Sector Engagement Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the implementation of letters of agreement (LoA) between FAO and university consortium partners, particularly regarding private sector engagement activities under Work Package
• Providing ongoing support to the Renewable Energy Training Network, focusing on planning, development, implementation, and reporting of training sessions and awareness initiatives for both private and public sector beneficiaries.
• Assisting Copperbelt University (CBU) in enhancing its industrial placement programs to strengthen connections between academia and the private sector, including facilitating internships and job attachments for CBU students.
• Delivering capacity-building activities for national private sector representative bodies, such as business associations and chambers of commerce, to promote climate action and a green economy.
• Developing learning courses on green investments and addressing greenhouse gas emissions along value chains, in collaboration with private sector associations.
• Organizing investor-targeted learning methods, such as masterclasses, to support green investments and financing schemes.
• Providing technical support to innovation hubs and incubators to promote green businesses and enhance the readiness of start-ups and SMEs for financing opportunities.
• Developing e-courses and learning programs in collaboration with private sector bodies to facilitate the adoption of mitigation and efficiency options.
• Organizing and delivering annual events focused on green economy and climate change, ensuring private sector participation and facilitating roundtable discussions. 1
• Liaising with other development partners and initiatives focused on climate change capacity building for the private sector in Zambia.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in business development, green economy transition, or circular economy investments support is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English at level C and must be nationals of Zambia or residents with a valid work permit. The role demands strong analytical thinking and technical knowledge in assessing market conditions and identifying collaboration opportunities, as well as effective project management skills for overseeing engagement strategies. Strong communication skills are essential for conveying ideas and building trust with private sector partners.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. Candidates must have their educational qualifications recognized by an institution accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). This ensures that the educational background aligns with international standards and is suitable for the role within FAO.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as business development, green economy transition, and circular economy investments support. Experience in private sector engagement and partnership development is crucial, as well as providing technical guidance on private sector engagement within development and climate change sectors. Familiarity with mapping corporate actors, conducting outreach, and facilitating partnerships is also important for this role.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the private sector engagement efforts in Zambia.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should be aware that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions recognized in the WHED. The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates should be prepared for potential international collaboration.