SoCha LLC
Background
Over 75 percent of peri-urban and urban households in Zambia use charcoal as their primary cooking fuel source. Demand for charcoal is rising exponentially, propelling the over-exploitation of Zambia’s biodiverse forests and contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions that drive global climate change. USAID/Zambia’s Alternatives to Charcoal (A2C) Activity works to reduce dependence on charcoal as an energy source in Zambia by catalyzing the increased use of low emissions alternative technologies and fuels (ATFs). The A2C Activity is guided by an understanding of local market systems, strong private sector engagement, and a commitment to engaging youth and empowering women.
USAID has commissioned a midline performance evaluation with two key purposes: 1) Assess the performance of the USAID A2C Activity to date (including in the achievement of expected performance targets) and the extent to which the Activity is on track to achieve its intended results, and 2) Inform any mid-course corrective actions and adaptive management that can help to strengthen performance and address identified shortcomings. This evaluation will primarily employ qualitative methods, desk review, and potentially other innovative methods to answer specific evaluation questions.
Scope of Work
To support the work of the project, SoCha is seeking an experienced Energy Transition Specialist (ETS). The ETS will bring subject matter expertise on the dynamics of charcoal transitions in Africa to ensure the evaluation design, data collection, and analysis are appropriate and rooted in the local and sector contexts.
The ETS responsibilities include:
- Conduct rigorous desk review of project and sector documents.
- Advise on data collection tools and methods that are responsive to the Zambian charcoal and ATF issues.
- Undertake field visits to conduct primary data collection, including key informant interviews and focus group discussions.
- Conduct data analysis and data triangulation in collaboration with other team members, ensuring conclusions and recommendations are rooted in findings and responsive to local sectoral realities.
- Co-author the evaluation report and other deliverables.
The tasks outlined above are subject to change and are indicative, but not exhaustive for the role and other tasks may be assigned by the Project Lead or their designee.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
This position is open to local and regionally based consultants. However, Zambian nationals are especially encouraged to apply.
- Degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, monitoring and evaluation, social science, or international affairs.
- 4+ years of demonstrated professional experience in the design, collection, and analysis of qualitative data.
- Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and experience working on activities/projects pertaining to clean energy, deforestation, rural livelihoods, and/or the market environment related to ATFs.
- Prior experience undertaking performance evaluations on donor-funded projects focused on the issues mentioned above.
- Strong understanding of private sector involvement in development and public-private partnerships is a strong plus.
- Experience with USAID a strong plus.
- Strong English communication skills are required, both interpersonal and written.
- Proficiency in local languages of Zambia is a strong plus.
Location
Zambia
How to Apply
To submit your application, kindly provide your CV via the following link:
Position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.
How to apply
How to Apply
To submit your application, kindly provide your CV via the following link:
Position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.