Food Security and Value Chain Development Expert

UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

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Application deadline in 11 days: Monday 13 May 2024 at 00:00 UTC

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This is a UNV International Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Expert contracts.

Zambia's policy landscape is shaped by two pivotal documents: Vision 2030 (2006-2030) and the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP, 2022-2026), serving as cornerstones for all sectoral policies. Vision 2030 highlights the importance of climate change mitigation, emphasizing diversification in agriculture, and expansion of irrigation while ensuring access to renewable energy and clean water. Meanwhile, the 8NDP has three key strategic areas (Economic Transformation and Job Creation; Human and Social Development; and Environmental Sustainability). The pivotal role of sustainable agriculture in enterprise development, environmental protection and food security is clear. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in fostering Zambia’s socio-economic development and accounts for 51% of the labour force. Over 50% of the Zambian population depends on local agricultural production for food, primarily through smallholder production, however, the sector remains vulnerable to climate change which is increasing in incidence. It is, therefore, essential that the inter-twined issues of climate change and food security are addressed in a holistic manner. Building on its corporate Climate Promise initiative that enhances achievement of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), UNDP is supporting government in pursuing green growth through more ambitious climate actions by effective domestication and integration of the 2030 Agenda, Paris Agreement, and the Sendai Framework into national and local development policies and strategies for accelerated sustainable development.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Environment and Energy Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following duties:

• Carry out situational analysis and literature review to get familiar with the current Government policy thrust in environment, climate change, agricultural production, and value chain development. • Contribute to, and support the activities related to identifying and costing the investments needed for the identified viable value chains in Zambia. • Support Government institutions/counterparts and other relevant organizations on green policy work, as well as the mapping of climate risks, droughts, pests and floods with crop and livestock suitability. • Assess impacts of the climate change induced hazards and risks on food security and nutrition including the economic cost at the national level for more integrated adaptation planning. • Provide technical support to the ongoing and emerging work of the Environment and Energy Unit in the areas of food security, environment, climate smart agriculture, cli-mate security, and renewable energy. • Support the Country Office in its resource mobilization efforts including through project formulation and development. • Highlight major lessons and experiences regarding the strengths and weaknesses of key stakeholders in addressing climate resilience, food security and nutrition challenges. • Participate in meetings of the UN Planet Results Group and contribute to mapping out strategy to support Government’s efforts on climate action. • Represent UNDP in relevant fora when required.

Furthermore, UN Volunteer is expected to:

• Have proven experience in leading assessment exercises and technical report-writing. • Have strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills. • Have Knowledge of environmental and climate change issues and food security conceptual framework. Experience with Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) for acute food insecurity analysis is a plus. • Have knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day) - Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country- Provide annual and end of assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities using UNV’s Volunteer Reporting Application. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, and press releases. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.

. Accountability . Adaptability and Flexibility
. Building Trust . Client Orientation . Commitment and Motivation . Commitment to Continuous Learning . Communication . Creativity . Empowering Others . Ethics and Values . Integrity . Judgement and Decision-making . Knowledge Sharing . Leadership . Managing Performance . Planning and Organizing . Professionalism

Relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: environment and climate change, value chain analysis and development, agribusiness and market development, agro-food processing, post-harvest handling, and agro-food industry technologies.

Zambia is a land linked, middle-income country with a population estimated at 18 million. It is a resource-rich country with sparsely populated land in the center of Southern Africa. It shares its border with eight countries (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe) that serve as an expanded market for its goods. Lusaka became the capital city of Zambia in May 1935. Lusaka’s central position in Zambia and its pleasant climate were two of the main reasons for its selection as the capital. It is a metropolis, which provides a home to about two and half million (3.3 M) inhabitants of different nationalities. It has grown to become the seat of the Government of the Republic of Zambia and as such all diplomatic missions, international organizations, industrial and commercial entities are based there. Its political, social, economic, and cultural significance has also increased through the years.

Public transport is provided by private operators using minibuses and taxis. The bus routes are not mapped, and roads are often congested. Good modern housing for rent is available on the open market. The official language is English, which is widely spoken. The country is generally food secure, with sufficient local fresh fruits and vegetables available in the markets, as well as various dairy, poultry, and meat products. There are several international schools using the Cambridge GCSE or IGCSE syllabi, from key stage one through to A levels. Health

conditions are generally good, although malaria is endemic. Zambia is generally a safe place to live in, although not free of crime. Some prudence is required. For more info, visit:

http://www.zambiatourism.com.

Added 22 days ago - Updated 48 minutes ago - Source: unv.org