Private Sector Engagement Specialist

Job Description

2602221

Private Sector Engagement Specialist

Job Posting

: 28/Oct/2026

Closure Date

: 12/Nov/2026, 12:59:00 AM

Organizational UnitFRZAM – FAO Representation in Zambia

Job Type

: Non-staff opportunities

Type of RequisitionNPP (National Project Personnel)

Grade LevelN/A

Primary Location

: Zambia-Lusaka

Duration12 months

Post NumberN/A

IMPORTANT NOTICEPlease note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture

• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply

• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values

• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination

• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks

• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

FAO provides policy advice, technical assistance and investment support to its members in ending hunger, addressing malnutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development. The FAO Representation in Zambia implements field programmes and projects under the FAO Country Programming Framework, with climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable agriculture, forestry and natural resources management among its core priorities.

The Facility for Action for Climate Empowerment to achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (FACE-NDC) is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and runs from March 2023 to February 2030. The project supports Zambia’s NDC commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 47 percent by 2030 by building the country’s human and institutional capacity for climate action through education, training and public awareness. It is implemented by a consortium led by FAO together with United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),  the Copperbelt University (CBU) and University of Zambia (UNZA), in close cooperation with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Forestry Department, Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) and other Government counterparts.

The project is structured around four Outputs: (I) Evidence-based climate change information is collected and used by project, (II) Formal education delivery (materials and teaching pedagogies) strengthened to support climate change mitigation efforts and build resilience, (III) Climate action education for non-formal, informal and peer-to-peer networks, and actions implemented through formal and non-formal education practice (IV) Professionals of public institutions, universities and private sector have the necessary skills and capacities to support the green transition These are delivered through nine Work Packages (WP1–WP9) spanning curriculum development, teacher training, community-based learning, media and outreach, competitive grants, and skills development for agriculture and forestry professionals.

This Private Sector Engagement Specialist will provide support to the implementation of Work Package 7, which focuses on building capacity within the local private sector to support the green transition, as well as support the project’s engagement with the private sector, particularly under Work Packages 6, 8 and 9.

Reporting Lines

The Private Sector Engagement Specialist will work under the Overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Zambia, and Direct Supervision of the National Project Coordinator, the overall technical guidance of the FACE-NDC Lead Technical Advisor (LTA).  Work Package 7 is led by consortium partner UNITAR. The incumbent’s work under WP7 will therefore be implemented in close collaboration with, and under the leadership of UNITAR.

Technical Focus

Leadership and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions and private sector actors, to ensure effective implementation of adaptation and mitigation initiatives. Enhancing private sector involvement in climate change adaptation/mitigation planning including facilitating baseline surveys, developing engagement strategies, generate analytical inputs, and facilitate workshops to promote climate-resilient investments

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the letters of agreement (LoA) between the University consortium partners and FAO, particularly with regards to activities related to Private Sector engagement under Work Package 7.