Entomology & Extension Consultant for Wetland Restoration (Zambia)

About the role

The consultancy supports the Ecosystem‑based Adaptation (EbA) project in Zambia by providing technical and field implementation assistance for biological control and restoration of the Lukanga Wetland System. The focus is on mass‑rearing, release and monitoring of a weevil that controls the invasive aquatic weed Salvinia molesta, while building community capacity for sustainable wetland management.

Key responsibilities

• Rearing Salvinia molesta biological‑control weevils under controlled and community‑based conditions.
• Establishing, operating, maintaining and monitoring rearing facilities and community pools.
• Developing and implementing protocols for weevil rearing, release and post‑release monitoring.
• Conducting field visits to release agents, collect data and assess weed infestation levels.
• Training community members and district staff on rearing, handling, release, monitoring and pool management.
• Identifying and mentoring community Bio‑Control Champions.
• Supporting habitat improvement activities in priority fish‑breeding sites.
• Collecting GIS and field data, maintaining accurate records, and preparing technical and progress reports.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, entomology, natural resource management or a related field (post‑graduate qualification advantageous).
• Demonstrated experience in plant or crop management, biological‑control rearing and relevant laboratory techniques.
• Proven experience in community‑based natural resource management and capacity‑building programmes.
• Experience working with government agencies, local communities and environmental regulators.

Required skills

• Biological‑control insect rearing and release techniques.
• Laboratory skills for insect culture and handling.
• GIS data collection and field documentation.
• Field monitoring and data management.