Private Sector Engagement Specialist
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representation in Zambia implements field programmes and projects focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable agriculture, forestry, and natural resources management. The FACE-NDC project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, aims to support Zambia's greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments by building national capacity for climate action through education and training. The project is a consortium effort involving FAO, UNITAR, UNESCO, CBU, and UNZA, collaborating with various government ministries and authorities.
Job Purpose
This role is designed to enhance private sector involvement in climate change adaptation and mitigation planning within Zambia. The specialist will lead and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government institutions and private sector actors, to ensure the effective implementation of climate initiatives. Key responsibilities include facilitating baseline surveys, developing strategic engagement plans, generating analytical insights, and organizing workshops to foster climate-resilient investments. The position aims to strengthen the private sector's capacity to contribute to the country's green transition and climate action goals.
Responsibilities
Support the implementation of Work Package 7 activities related to private sector engagement and the Renewable Energy Training Network. Assist in planning, developing, and reporting on training sessions and awareness initiatives for public and private sector beneficiaries. Aid Copperbelt University in strengthening industrial placement programs to link academia with the private sector through internships and job attachments. Support capacity-building activities for national private sector representative bodies on climate action and green economy. Develop learning courses on green investments and GHG emissions reduction, co-creating content with private sector associations and designing investor-targeted learning methods. Provide technical support to innovation hubs, accelerator labs, and incubators to promote green businesses and enhance SME readiness for green transition financing. Develop e-courses and learning programs in collaboration with private sector bodies for adopting mitigation and efficiency options. Support the organization of the annual green economy and climate change week, ensuring private sector participation and facilitating roundtable events. Develop and implement capacity-building programs for innovation hubs to promote green entrepreneurship. Liaise with other development partners on related green economy and climate change initiatives.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required in areas such as business development, green economy transition, and support for circular economy investments. Experience in private sector engagement, partnership development, providing technical guidance on private sector engagement within development and climate change sectors, mapping corporate actors, conducting outreach, facilitating partnerships, and donor relations is essential.
Skills
Key skills include strong analytical thinking and technical knowledge for assessing market conditions and identifying collaboration opportunities. Effective project management skills are necessary for overseeing engagement strategies. Excellent communication skills are vital for conveying ideas and building trust with private sector partners. Experience in private sector engagement, partnership development, and providing technical guidance within development and climate change sectors is crucial. Proficiency in mapping corporate actors, conducting outreach, facilitating partnerships, and donor relations is also required.