Call for Interest in Volunteering

We're looking for a dedicated volunteer interested in working in Zambia from October 2024 - December 2024 to join an exciting project aimed at enhancing clinical nutrition and dietetics knowledge and skills in Zambia. Please note, this position is contingent upon securing a global capacity development funding grant. 

Project Overview: 

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and sickle cell anaemia are rising in Zambia, contributing to over 80% of NCD-related deaths. Improving clinical nutrition and dietetics management in primary care is critical. 

Why This Matters: 

Zambia faces challenges like inadequate knowledge, lack of standardized guidelines, and insufficient enforcement of professional skills across all healthcare settings. This project in partnership with the Nutrition Association of Zambia, aims to address these gaps by developing modules and tools for clinical nutrition and dietitians working in hospitals, especially in remote areas with limited CPD training access. 

Volunteer Profile: 

The project will likely appeal to an academic seeking a sabbatical especially those with expertise in clinical nutrition and module design and development. We also welcome interest from early – mid career candidates with clinical nutrition knowledge who are willing to link with a supportive university community that will provide support in course development. 

Commitment required: 

As a volunteer, you will spend 2-3 months in Lusaka, Zambia from October 2024 to December 2024, working with the Nutrition Association of Zambia developing and implementing mentorship modules to improve clinical nutrition and dietetics competencies in managing and preventing NCDs (chronic respiratory diseases, Cardiovascular diseases (CVD’s), Diabetes mellitus (Type II), cancers, sickle cell anaemia, nutrition management in renal disease, and nutrition management in heart disease). 

Phase two of the project continues until June 2025. The volunteer can  continue participation virtually during 2025.  

Return airfare, accommodation, and a stipend for food and local transportation will be provided. 

Activities include: 

- Participating in inception meetings and project planning 

- Assisting in rapid assessments and disseminating results 

- Supporting the development and accreditation of mentorship modules for NCD management and prevention 

- Providing on-site training for nutritionists and dietitians 

- Evaluating competencies post-training 

Important Note: 

This is a call for expressions of interest only. The volunteer position is not currently available and is conditional on securing the funding grant.  

If the funding grant is awarded to the project, we will contact interested candidates with further information and may open for further applications.  

Action Required: 

Those who wish to express an interest in volunteering for the project should, in the first instance, email Tracy Bogan, International Support Officer, [email protected] briefly outlining your experience before 1 July 2024.