Recruitment Advert & Terms of Reference for the Adaptation Advisor

Duty Station                              : Lusaka, Zambia

Institutional Host                  : Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF)

Contract Type                          : Individual Consultancy (Independent Contractor)

Duration                                     : 12 months, renewable based on performance & funding availability

Reports To                                 : Co-Chairs of the ARIP Steering Committee

Financed By                              : African Climate Foundation (ACF)

Application Deadline           : 10 April 2026

1.0     BACKGROUND

The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), acting through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE), has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Climate Foundation (ACF) to collaborate on the creation and operationalization of the Adaptation and Resilience Investment Platform (ARIP).

The ARIP aims to strengthen Zambia’s capacity to implement its National Adaptation Plan (NAP), National Green Growth Strategy (NGGS) and the adaptation component of its NDC 3.0 by developing a coordinated national mechanism for adaptation investment pipeline development, resource mobilization, and public–private partnerships for climate resilience.

To support this process, the ACF will finance the engagement of an Adaptation Advisor who will be embedded within the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) and work under the strategic guidance of the ARIP Steering Committee.

2.0    PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Adaptation Advisor will provide high-level technical and strategic support to the Government of Zambia (GRZ), acting through MGEE and the ARIP Steering Committee, in developing, coordinating, and operationalizing the Adaptation and Resilience Investment Platform (ARIP).

The Advisor will serve as the technical lead and coordinator of ARIP activities, ensuring alignment with the National Adaptation Plan, NDC 3.0, national development priorities, and Zambia’s Green Growth and Climate Finance frameworks.

3.0    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1       Strategic Coordination and Advisory Support

a)      Provide strategic and technical advice to the MGEE and the ARIP Steering Committee on adaptation and resilience investments.

b)      Support prioritization and implementation of NAP investment activities aligned with Zambia’s 8th National Development Plan (8NDP) and its successor post 2025.

c)      Serve as the Secretary to the ARIP Steering Committee, preparing agendas, minutes, and follow-up reports.

d) coordination across sector ministries (Agriculture, Energy, Infrastructure, Water, forestry, health, tourism, wildlife and Local Government) to mainstream adaptation priorities.

3.2       Platform Development and Management

a)      Lead the technical design and operationalization of the ARIP Secretariat housed at the PPDF.

b)      Develop frameworks, tools, and systems for project identification, screening, and pipeline management.

c)      Coordinate the formation and functioning of ARIP Thematic Working Groups (Agriculture, Energy, Infrastructure/Water, forestry, health, tourism, wildlife).

d)      Maintain the National Adaptation Investment Pipeline Database and ensure its regular update.

3.3       Technical Assistance and Knowledge Management

a) technical studies, gap analyses, and research to inform adaptation investment prioritization.

b)      Support capacity building of government and non-state actors on adaptation finance, project preparation, and resilience planning.

c)      Compile lessons, case studies, and knowledge products to inform policy and investment decision-making.

d)      Prepare analytical and policy briefs for the Steering Committee and MGEE leadership.

3.4       Resource Mobilization and Partnerships

a)      Support the MGEE in mobilizing climate adaptation finance from domestic and international sources.

b)      Engage with development partners, DFIs, private sector investors, and climate funds to identify funding opportunities for priority projects.

c)      Spearhead the preparation of funding proposals, concept notes, and project preparation documents.

d)      Strengthen linkages between government, financial institutions, and private sector entities for blended finance models.

3.5       Reporting and Compliance

a)      Ensure that all ARIP activities align with national climate policies, the NAP, NGGS, NDC 3.0 and the ACF–GRZ MoU.

b)      Prepare quarterly and annual progress reports to the ARIP Steering Committee and MGEE.

c)      Support submission of national reports and updates on adaptation and resilience to the UNFCCC and related platforms.

4.0    QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

4.1       Academic Qualifications

a)      Minimum: Master’s degree in Development Finance, Environmental Economics, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Environmental Management, Public Policy, or related field.

b)      PhD in a related discipline will be an added advantage.

4.2       Professional Experience

a)      Minimum 10 years’ professional experience, including at least 5 years in senior advisory or coordination roles related to climate change adaptation, resilience, or environmental finance.

b)      Demonstrated experience in design and management of project preparation, adaptation investment frameworks, or public–private financing mechanisms.

c)      Proven record of working with government institutions, development partners, and the private sector on climate finance mobilization and policy development.

d) with UNFCCC processes, NAP/NDC implementation, and multilateral climate finance instruments (GCF, AF, GEF, etc.).

e)      Experience leading multi-stakeholder coordination platforms or sectoral working groups.

f)       Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills with ability to prepare policy and technical documents.

g)      Experience in resource mobilization, adaptation investment proposal writing, or public finance management will be an advantage.

h) within the Zambian context and experiencing working with the Zambian Government processes will be ideal.

4.3       Competencies

• Strategic thinking and systems-level coordination capability.
• Proven leadership and ability to manage multi-sector collaboration.
• Strong understanding of Zambia’s climate policy environment, including NAP and 8NDP priorities.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership management skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; working knowledge of local languages an asset.

5.0    CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT

a)      The Adaptation Advisor will serve as an independent contractor and shall not, for any reason or purpose, be deemed an employee of either ACF or GRZ.

b)      The position will be hosted at the PPDF in Lusaka, Zambia, with frequent engagement with the MGEE and ARIP Steering Committee.

c)      The engagement will be financed by ACF, and the Advisor will be accountable to the Co-Chairs of the ARIP Steering Committee.

d)      The GRZ through MGEE will cross-ministerial collaboration and provide all necessary institutional support.

6.0    APPLICATION PROCESS

Qualified candidates meeting the requirements are invited to submit:

a)      A cover letter (maximum two pages) detailing their suitability for the role;

b)      A comprehensive CV highlighting relevant qualifications and experience using the downloadable CV template available at this link; and

c)      Contact details for three professional referees.

Applications must be submitted electronically to: FINANCE.ADMIN.ZM@niras.com  

with the subject line: Application – Adaptation Advisor (ARIP Zambia)

Deadline for submission: by 23:59 on 10 April 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.