Assistant Technician at Trees for the Future

Job Description

A Trees for the Future (TREES) Assistant Technician (AT) is responsible for aiding in the successful management and implementation of a Forest Garden Project. The AT will work closely with Farmer Groups and individual project farmers, spread out among numerous sub counties within Homabay County.

S/he is responsible for: helping to coordinate and manage all project activities; liaising with Lead Farmers of each Farmer Group to schedule and facilitate implementation of project activities; Arranging distribution of project tools, planting materials, etc.; organizing and helping to conduct all training activities; and visiting farmers’ Forest Garden sites regularly to provide technical support and to conduct data collection and evaluation.

Job Responsibilities

• Identify and mobilize Farmer Groups and Lead Farmers for participation in the Project;
• Develop project plans for all participating Farmer Groups that account for all Project activities, material acquisition and distribution, training events, monitoring & evaluation, reporting etc., and effectively manages all activities in accordance with the schedule and Project budget;
• Organize and execute training events pursuant to TREES training program design;
• Communicate with Lead Farmers and participating farmers regularly to organize and accomplish training and extension activities, provide technical support, and collect M&E data;
• Mentor participants and Lead Farmers, through training and regular follow-up support, on TREES technical/best practices;
• Ensure timely data collection and report submissions on all program activities, per TREES reporting requirements and deadlines;
• Manage Project finances according to Project budget;
• Ensure that the Project effectively and efficiently meets milestones and goals per the project scope, timeline, and budget;
• Assist with the development and/or translation of locally appropriate training materials;
• Provides information and accomplish additional tasks in a timely manner as requested by the Lead Technician.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent, or certificate in relevant field (e.g. agroforestry, forestry, agriculture, etc), OR a minimum of three years of demonstrated degree of achievement in agriculture, preferably in agroforestry and sustainable agriculture (e.g. through demonstrated success and innovation in gardening, forestry, or agroforestry)
• Two years’ experience with field project management
• Demonstrated experience with participatory training facilitation
• Able to be stationed in the appropriate base of the Project site for the duration of the Project
• A valid motorcycle license with a history of safe motorcycle operation (preferable) OR an ability and willingness to potentially take courses and obtain a motorcycle license
• Fluency in spoken and written English and preferably the local language(s)
• Basic computer and smart phone utilization skills

Required Attributes

• Committed leader and team player
• Focused, disciplined, and determined
• Friendly and enthusiastic
• Innovative and collaborative
• Open to new ideas
• Patient and flexible
• Able to effectively manage multiple project leaders and participants