Mission and objectives

The World Food Programme (WFP) Zambia is implementing a five- year Country Strategic Plan (CSP), which is a result of rigorous consultations with the Government, donors, and other stakeholders, and reflects their intent to support and partner with WFP in the country. The CSP is informed by, and strongly aligns with national and United Nations priorities, and global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It embraces the Government’s long-term vision 2030; aligns with key strategic areas of its 8th National Development Plan (8NDP); and contributes to the joint Zambia-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDPF). The CSP is informed by WFP’s long standing and broad experience in the country, embracing lessons from evaluations and reviews which call for greater synergy, a consolidation of pilot initiatives, and improved gender sensitive approaches to programme design. Finally, it is guided by the Zero Hunger Strategic Reviews (ZHSR). Advancing the WFP Corporate Strategic Plan (2022-2025), the CSP addresses both SDG2 and SDG17 and WFP’s strategic results 1,2,3, and 5. WFP is implementing six activities to achieve four Strategic Outcomes (SO). The SO will: respond to crises and shocks including support to refugees (SO1); address root causes of malnutrition (SO2); build the resilience, enabling environment and market access for smallholder farmers especially women (SO3) and support Government institutions to provide social protection systems (including home grown school meals), disaster preparedness and response SO4.

Context

Zambia is experiencing increasing food insecurity driven by climate change, recurrent droughts, and economic shocks affecting agricultural production and food supply chains. In response, WFP, in collaboration with the Government of Zambia and UN Volunteers (UNV), pans to implement a project under the Japan–UN Collaboration for Food Security initiative. The UN Volunteer will support climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and digital transformation in agriculture, with a strong focus on strengthening national and local capacities, improving food production efficiency, and enhancing food value chains. The assignment will also leverage innovative approaches and partnerships inspired by Japanese private sector expertise.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Programme Policy Officer – Innovations, Transformation and Field Coordination or hers/his designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will: • Support Climate Resilient Food Production and Digital Agriculture: - Support WFP Zambia in implementing and following up on digital transformation initiatives related to sustainable and climate resilient food production; - Assist national and local authorities, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, in strengthening systems to monitor food production and climate impacts; - Promote the adoption of data driven and climate smart agricultural practices among local stakeholders. • Strengthen Food Value Chains and Market Linkages - Contribute to the design and implementation of food value chain strategies, including supply chain mapping and stakeholder analysis; - Support WFP and government counterparts in identifying and developing new or improved market and supply chain opportunities for smallholder farmers; - Facilitate engagement and negotiations with potential buyers, retailers, cooperatives, and private sector actors to expand access to markets; - Promote innovations in infrastructure and technology (e.g. cold chains, traceability, logistics systems) to reduce post harvest losses and increase incomes. • Capacity Development and Knowledge Transfer - Strengthen the capacities of government officers, agriculture extension officers, farmers, and agribusiness actors through on the job coaching, technical backstopping, and regular follow up sessions; - Organize or support workshops, meetings, and online training sessions on food production monitoring, value chains, and sustainable agricultural practices; - Ensure that technical knowledge and skills transferred to national counterparts are institutionalized and sustainable beyond the duration of the assignment. • Coordination, Monitoring and Reporting - Support inter agency coordination at national and local levels, aligning activities with WFP’s Country Strategic Plan and government priorities; - Contribute to monitoring and reporting on progress against project outputs and outcomes; - Prepare technical inputs, briefs, and progress updates for WFP, UNV, and donors, including the Government of Japan; - Promote knowledge sharing and visibility of project results within WFP and among partners.

Competencies and values

• Integrity • Professionalism • Respect for diversity

Living conditions and remarks

Zambia is a land-linked, resource-rich country with sparsely populated land in the centre 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 is the capital of the Republic of Zambia. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold during few months, with freezing temperature at times especially during the night. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and other heating options when necessary. As the commercial and cultural centre of Zambia, Lusaka has seen rapid development in recent decades, with reasonable transportation connections and widely spoken English making the city highly attractive to vacationers and experts alike. Unemployment and poverty are issues in the city, and beyond. Key industries for the region and Zambia as a whole, include mining, agriculture, and tourism. Like most Southern African cities, life in Lusaka will require some adjustments for a person moving from outside the region, but the potential rewards and opportunities for experiences are well worth the effort. Lusaka hosts several international organisations and embassies/diplomatic missions, therefore there is a very large community of expatriates from around the world. Housing is most of the time readily available and of good standard options are available. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture, and clothing, mostly imported from South Africa, Europe, and China while some ranges of local brands are available at a competitive price to imports. Meat, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables are reasonably priced and abundantly available. The basic infrastructures roads, utilities, and telecommunications are of reasonable standard, although the city experiences power outages from time to time. Medical facilities are still largely inadequate, although several private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine and there are numerous social and sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) in the major hotels or in different establishments around the city. There are no major or special security concerns within Lusaka city limits. For more information, please visit http://zambiatourism.com.