National Renewable Energy and Green Technologies Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees. FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The FAO country offices, headed by an FAO Representative, assist governments in developing policies, programs, and projects aimed at achieving food security and reducing hunger and malnutrition. In Zambia, FAO is responsible for implementing the Project GCP/GLO/1069/GER-F, which focuses on climate education and aims to develop a comprehensive climate education program for all members of Zambian society, ensuring that vulnerable groups are engaged and that educational materials are developed and integrated into existing curricula.

Job Overview:
The National Renewable Energy and Green Technologies Specialist will play a crucial role in the Project Management Unit (PMU) by acting as a liaison between the FAO Headquarters and local project partners in Zambia. The specialist will focus on integrating renewable energy solutions into agri-food systems and forestry, addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation, and engaging the private sector in renewable energy initiatives. The position requires the development of educational materials and training programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of local institutions and stakeholders. The specialist will support the design and implementation of new teaching modules for universities, ensuring that they align with the needs of the labor market and contribute to the overall goals of the project. This role is vital for fostering collaboration among various stakeholders and ensuring that the project's objectives are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting the development of syllabi and lesson plans for university modules; integrating new teaching modules into existing MSc programs; piloting and evaluating these modules based on feedback; implementing capacity-building trainings for academic staff; designing and procuring new laboratory equipment; training technicians and academic staff on equipment use; supporting the accreditation of laboratories; developing business plans for market-oriented services; defining the scope of capacity development programs; creating curricula and teaching materials for Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) institutions; participating in training of trainers; developing sector-specific capacity-building materials for the private sector; and contributing to project communication and visibility through technical briefs and updates.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a field related to renewable energy. They should have at least three years of relevant experience in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green technology, with a minimum of one year specifically in educational and capacity-building programs related to climate change and renewable energy. A strong working knowledge of English (level C) is required, and candidates must be nationals of Zambia.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in renewable energy or a closely related field is mandatory for this position. The educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green technology. This experience should include at least one year focused on educational and capacity-building initiatives, particularly those related to climate change and renewable energy. Experience working in diverse locations or areas of work is also beneficial.

Languages:
A strong command of English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve working in a multi-cultural and geographically dispersed team, including remote work. The FAO emphasizes the importance of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement, and candidates should demonstrate their ability to build effective relationships and communicate effectively.