Field Technician in Non-Timber Forest Products

Agronomists and Veterinarians Without Borders (AVSF) is a professional association of international solidarity recognized as of public utility (non-profit), which has been working since 1977 in support of peasant agriculture.

The association works in Africa, Asia and Latin America with peasant communities in promoting sustainable practices to remedy the food insecurity and economic vulnerability of rural communities. AVSF also contributes to the consolidation of producer organizations and their increasing participation in the local and export sectors (fair, organic and quality trade) for fairer remuneration and the consequent improvement of the living conditions of farming families.  Website: https://www.avsf.org/

AVSF operates in Zambia since 2022 to support rural communities through agroecology, human–wildlife coexistence, and community-based biodiversity management. The organization helps farmers adopt sustainable practices, protect natural resources, and gain legal recognition for traditional land use and conservation methods.

In September 2025 AVSF is starting the 3-year “Bush2Business: supporting non-timber forest value chains in North-Luangwa landscape in Zambia” project funded by the French Development Agency on Non-Timber Forest Value Chains, with activities being centered in Muchinga Province, particularly in Mpika and Lavushimanda districts. The project will support the creation of a specialized non-profit organization acting as a platform capable of carrying out a three-year demonstration pilot project on value chains of non-timber forest products. This organization will provide or coordinate training for relevant government agencies, producer groups and community forest management groups; and non-consumer intermediary SMEs.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title : Non-Timber Forest Products field Technician
Country : Zambia
Job location : Mpika, Mpika district, with frequent travels to Lavushimanda district
Creation or replacement : Creation
Start date : September 2025
Type of contract : Fixed term contract
Duration of the contract : 12 months renewable
Status : National wage earner
Monthly growth salary: A competitive salary will be offered based on qualifications and experience.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TASKS

Under the functional and hierarchical responsibility of the Country Representative and project manager based in Mpika, Zambia, the NTFP Field Technician will be responsible for the following tasks:

1.           Support the community groups of Mpika district (Mukungule and Munyamadzi GMAs) and Lavushimanda (Mpumba chiefdom):

• Support community groups (CFMGs and others) involved in NTFPs collection in their effort to add value to NTFP products by training them in sustainable harvesting practices, in processing techniques and in financial literacy, notably by organizing theoretical and practical training workshops and exchange visits between community groups
• To participate to the design of training adapted to the particularities of NTFPs, particularly regarding financial literacy, business plans, processing techniques and marketing
• To work hand in hand with organizations and ministries already supporting those groups (particularly the Forestry Department, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, We Forest, the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the World Food Program).
• Support the community groups for the submission of grant proposals (including Community Development Fund and other granting facilities).

2. Support in the management and strengthening of the marketing of NTFP at district and provincial level

• To develop marketing tools and producers’skills for packaging and selling their products.
• To encourage, attend and support trade fairs, village markets and other events together with the community groups supported
• To obtain support from the District Council and other entities to develop NTFP markets

3. To participate in the drafting of AVSF’s cooperation projects with the organizations concerned.

4.     To assess the potential for the deployment of AVSF’s cooperation in Zambia with producer organizations in certain sectors, strategic for the development of territories.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

– Technical training in rural development, rural value-chain development or similar

– At least 3 years of experience in supporting producer organizations, management of rural development projects, training development and training implementation with rural communities.

– Drafting, training design and interpersonal skills, diplomacy, as well as a good personal aptitude for autonomy and adaptation;

– Command of the Bemba language, very good spoken and written English.

– Proficiency in standard computer tools is also required (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Interested candidates must submit their letter of interest and resume by August 17th, 2025

With the reference: Field Technician NTFP North Luangwa to the mails k.roesch@avsf.org and ophelie.robineau@expertisefrance.fr

AVSF is committed to developing an inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of its employees within its teams. As an employer, AVSF offers the same employment opportunities to all regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, social status, disability or age.