Head of Food Security & Livelihoods (HFSL)

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which has been operational since its establishment to provide development and humanitarian responses in over 50 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on critical sectors such as nutrition, health, water/sanitation, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security & Livelihood, and protection. Action Against Hunger-USA operates independently and currently manages programs in 8 countries, including Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, and Haiti. With over $110 million in programs and approximately 2500 staff members, the organization has its headquarters in Washington DC and an Operational Centre in Nairobi. The organization is committed to growth and expanding its impact in the regions it serves.

Job Overview:
The Head of Food Security & Livelihoods (HFSL) will play a crucial role as a member of the Action Against Hunger team in Lusaka, Zambia. This position involves providing technical and oversight support to Food Security, Livelihoods, Resilience, and Disaster Risk Management interventions. The HFSL will be integral to the broader Food Security & Livelihoods initiatives at both country and regional levels. The primary purpose of this role is to enhance food and nutrition security in Zambia through strategic support and technical guidance to project officers and coordinators. The incumbent will collaborate closely with the FSL technical team from HEARO, HQ, and fellow FSL country leads, working towards the mission of saving lives and empowering communities to achieve food security and resilience against climate change and food system challenges. The role also emphasizes knowledge sharing, advocacy for evidence-based policies, and fostering partnerships to promote sustainable solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Food Security & Livelihoods will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: providing technical and operational support to the food security and livelihoods portfolio in Zambia; supporting the consolidation and strengthening of strategic and technical leadership in Food Security and Livelihood at the mission level; conducting needs assessments, market assessments, and Post-Distribution Monitoring; collaborating with Logistics and Finance departments for project design and review; ensuring quality reporting for FSL activities; coordinating capacity building for project officers; participating in national sectoral coordination and technical forums; developing strategic partnerships; representing Action Against Hunger in engagements with stakeholders; supporting research and innovation related to FSL; ensuring timely monitoring and tracking of project implementation; promoting nature-based solutions and sustainable farming practices; and exploring innovative financing mechanisms for FSL activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in agronomy, environmental sciences, biology, or a relevant discipline related to Food Security and Livelihoods. A minimum of 5 years of experience in the FSL sector, particularly in humanitarian cooperation, is required. Proven experience in managing large-scale FSL programs and a strong understanding of humanitarian project cycle management, including donor reporting rules, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate solid knowledge of humanitarian aid and development practices, with excellent analytical, writing, and organizational skills. The ability to work effectively under pressure and manage a significant workload is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree in a relevant field such as agronomy, environmental sciences, biology, or any discipline related to Food Security and Livelihoods. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of food security and livelihoods in both humanitarian and development contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in the Food Security and Livelihoods sector, particularly within humanitarian contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing large-scale FSL programs and demonstrate a strong understanding of the humanitarian project cycle, including compliance with donor reporting requirements. Experience working with national governments, regional bodies, UN agencies, and INGOs is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and requires regular attendance of at least five days per week. Candidates must be available to work outside normal office hours or on weekends as required. The role involves travel for domestic and international business purposes, and candidates should be prepared for potentially challenging living conditions in the field. Action Against Hunger-USA offers an attractive salary and benefits package, and the organization is committed to equal employment opportunities without discrimination.