Job ID: 83010
Job Title: District Technical Assistant
Company: Self Help Africa
Location: Chibombo, Chikankata, Chirundu, Kapiri Mposhi, Mumbwa, and Siavonga in Zambia
Reports to: Project Manager
Length of Contract: Two years – renewable subject to performance
About Self Help Africa:
Established in 1984, Self Help Africa is an international development organisation that works through agriculture and Agri-enterprise development to address hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impacts of climate change. We believe that equitable economic development is key to lifting communities out of long-term poverty, empowering them to take control of their futures and improving their quality of life.
In early 2023 we launched a new five-year organisation strategy, which defines shared mission as the alleviation of hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impact of climate change through community-led, market-based and enterprise- focused approaches, so that people can have access to nutritious food, clean water, decent employment and incomes, while sustaining natural resources.
Our wider organisation also includes social enterprise subsidiaries Partner Africa, which provides ethical auditing and consultancy services, and CUMO, Malawi’s largest micro-finance provider.
Our three core values are:
▪ Impact: We are accountable, ambitious and committed to systemic change.
▪ Innovation: We are agile, creative and enterprising in an ever-changing world
▪ Community: We are inclusive, honest and have integrity in our relationships
Project Background
Self Help Africa is implementing a project funded under The Global Environment Facility (GEF) in the Central and Southern Provinces of Zambia. The project focus is on environmental restoration, climate change and biodiversity conservation. The Climate-resilient ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management in the Central and Southern Provinces of Zambia project will address the barriers to sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation at six project sites in two provinces (Central and Southern Province).
The project has four components.
- Component one will support the development of an enabling environment for climate change adaptation that will also support reduced ecosystem degradation and strengthened biodiversity.
- Component two will focus on restoring the ecological integrity of the degraded natural environment in the proposed project sites, mainly riding on the provisions of natural resources and environmental management, land management, water resources management, agriculture, and climate change frameworks.
- Component three is focused on promoting Gender-responsive, climate-resilient natural resource-based livelihoods. It will aim to support sustainable agricultural production practices that will reduce the negative impacts associated with bad livelihood practices, such as charcoal production and unsustainable agricultural practices.
- Component four will focus on Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning ensuring that lessons and learning from the project are captured, developed, reported and disseminated to relevant stakeholders.
The Project will generate global environmental benefits and contribute substantially to revenue generation, employment and sustainable rural livelihoods.
Job Purpose
The main responsibilities of the District Technical Assistant (DTA) in the Self Help Africa implemented Global Environment Facility (GEF) Project are to coordinate stakeholders (mostly government, on whose behalf the project is being implemented) to mobilize smallholder farmers to effectively participate in activities pertaining to building their resilience, land restoration and sustainable management of ecosystems in the target communities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Facilitate Community Engagement & Mobilization – Collaborate with local communities to increase awareness, build trust, and promote active engagement in project activities.
- Capacity Building & Training – Organize and coordinate training sessions, workshops, and meetings to provide community members with project-relevant knowledge and skills.
- Project Implementation Support – Assist in rolling out project activities, ensuring they align with organizational goals and community priorities.
- Activity planning— Ensuring that activities are planned and conducted within the implementation timeframe.
- Monitoring & Evaluation – Track project progress, document key activities, and report on challenges and successes to ensure effective program delivery.
- Stakeholder Coordination – Collaborate with district officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders to develop relationships and maximize project impact.
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation – Address community concerns and mediate conflicts to ensure harmonious participation in project activities.
- Report Writing & Documentation – Prepare and provide regular reports to project supervisors about field activities, challenges, and best practices.
- Adherence to Organizational Policies & Ethics – Ensure that all project activities comply with organizational policies, donor requirements, and ethical standards.
Key Relationships:
- GEF Project Manager.
- District government ministries/departments (MoGEE – Forestry Department; MoA – Camp Extension Officers; MCDSS, MoH, MoFL etc.).
- GEF Agency
- Community Forest management Committees (CFMGs)
- Academia (Mulungushi University).
- Private Sector (Agro-dealers; input suppliers – seed, seedings; processing equipment suppliers – CA, forest related and irrigation).
Qualifications/ Experience and Other Requirements:
- At least a Diploma (preferably a Degree) in Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Forestry or related discipline from a recognised institution
- A minimum of 5 years post qualification practical experience in similar programmes,
- Proven experience in promoting natural resource management, land restoration, sustainable land management, market linkages, and conservation practices for smallholder farmers,
- Experience in mainstreaming gender in smallholder community activities will be an added advantage,
- Demonstrate strong facilitation skills,
- Demonstrate ability to solve conflicts in community disputes.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and knowledge and understanding of local culture and language of the programme area,
- A valid licence for riding motorbikes
- Strong computer skills especially with MS Word and Excel and other related packages
- Understands the professional duty to report safeguarding/ PSEAH concerns in line with organisational and professional guidance.
Role Competencies:
- Results-oriented with excellent organisational and communication skills, as well as enthusiasm and initiative
- Proactive and motivated with a strong commitment to Self Help Africa’s vision, mission and values
- Attention to detail and the ability to produce timely and accurate reports
- Ability to work as part of team across different cultures
- Ability to work under pressure and on own initiative
How to apply:
Full Job Description here.
Please complete the application form and upload your CV outlining your suitability for the role here.
The closing date for applications is midnight 30th November 2025.
Important information:
Self Help Africa is an international development charity and is committed to the safeguarding of all those who we come into contact with or through our work. We are committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour relating to our work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and we are committed to promoting the welfare of children and the people we aim to assist with whom Self Help Africa engages. Self Help Africa expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and uphold the values and behaviours outlined in the Code of Conduct and Child and Adult Safeguarding Policy. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. Recruitment to all roles in Self Help Africa will include, and be subject to, a criminal records self-declaration, references, and other pre- employment checks, which may include police and qualifications checking. Self Help Africa is committed to the principles of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and will request information from previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse or sexual harassment during employment. By submitting an application, the applicant confirms her/his understanding of these recruitment procedures. Subsequently, working or volunteering with Self Help Africa is subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background checking.
Research shows that women and those from marginalised ethnic groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single requirement. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align with every criteria described we encourage you to apply anyway you could be exactly what we need!