Trees for the Future (TREES) implements the Forest Garden Approach to address global challenges. As the Agroforestry Technical Specialist, you will play a crucial role in improving TREES' impact by working closely with farmers on the ground. You will provide technical leadership and practical guidance to ensure the technical integrity in the design, improvement, and implementation of agroforestry programming.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership in species selection and plant suitability across agroecological contexts.
- Advise on seed and seedling systems, including quality assurance and improvement plans for nurseries and seed supply chains. This entails making CTN improvements, from sourcing to germination to maintenance, to out planting, to monitoring and extension.
- Develop locally appropriate and evidence-based protocols for design, implementation, monitoring, and long-term management of the tree-based components of a highly diversified agroforestry system (e.g., woodlots, fruit trees, living fences, alley cropping).
- Design and oversee the implementation of field-based experiments to trial new practices and planting formations. This includes supporting with revising Forest Garden design, including localizing tree species selection and extension packages for each, at the country level, working with both internal and external partners.
- Support adaptive learning by documenting field experiences and promoting cross-country knowledge sharing.
- Guide the integration of trees, grasses, legumes, field crops, and other horticultural crops into forest garden systems.
- Collaborate with central office and country teams to develop technical resources, tools, and standard operating procedures.
- Participate in field visits to assess implementation quality, recommend improvements, and provide technical support and mentoring.
- Cultivate strategic partnerships with relevant public and private sector stakeholders (Local Government, input suppliers, research networks, NGOs, universities etc.).
- Contribute to the development, adaptation, and maintenance of training materials.
- Provide technical assistance to the MEL and Carbon teams.
Candidate Profile (Who You Are)
The ideal candidate is:
- An enthusiastic advocate for TREES’ mission and values, passionate about improving livelihoods through agroforestry and centering farmers in every decision.
- An effective community mobilizer, able to engage and inspire farmer groups, building trust and fostering strong participation.
- An organized and detail-oriented professional, ensuring technical integrity in programming design and implementation.
- A skilled trainer and mentor, excelling at building the capacity of technical team members.
- A problem-solver with a solutions mindset, anticipating and addressing challenges proactively.
- A resource coordinator, effectively managing procurement and distribution of seeds and materials for timely delivery.
- A strong communicator and collaborator, engaging with multiple stakeholders and possessing excellent writing and communication skills.
- An evidence-based agroforestry technical strategist, capable of designing, leading, interpreting field trials, and adapting practices based on evidence.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Master's degree from a recognized institution in the field of Agroforestry, Agronomy, Forestry, Environmental Sciences, or any other related qualification.
- A minimum of 10 years of practical experience in agroforestry and forestry operations; experience in NGOs as well as commercial or enterprise settings is preferred.
- Extensive knowledge and experience working in diverse agroecological zones and farming systems in East Africa.
- Experience designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems for seedling propagation, planting, and survival monitoring, including familiarity with tree seed systems, nurseries, and input supply chains.
- Experience with carbon standards and methodologies, MRV requirements, and integrating carbon considerations into agroforestry designs and training is a plus.
- Willing and able to be stationed in the appropriate Project base for the duration of the Project.
- Fluency in spoken and written English, Swahili, and preferably the local language(s).
- Must pass TREES’ Forest Gardening Training Examination within 2 months of hire.
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