Program Manager- Homabay at Trees for the Future

The Program Manager oversees the effective implementation of the Lake Victoria Water Agroforestry Carbon Project using TREES Forest Garden Approach. This includes strategic coordination of the mobilization of Farmer Groups and Lead Farmers, ensuring proper training and technically supporting Project Officers and maintaining high standards in project execution, monitoring, and evaluation. S/HE coordinates training schedules, mentors Project Officers, and provides strategic leadership to ensure adherence to work plans and project timelines. This role also supervises data collection efforts, ensures accurate farmer registration. S/He maintains strong communication with stakeholders, including government agencies and community representatives, while identifying opportunities for new projects and staffing. The Program Manager reports to the Director of Field Programs.  

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Mobilize Farmer Groups and Lead Farmers for participation in the Projects and ensure that farmers have full understanding of the Lake Victoria Water Agroforestry Carbon Project. 
• Identify and schedule necessary training modules for Project Officers and Assistant Project Officers.  
• Coordinate with MEL team to ensure project officers are properly registering farmers and collecting all M&E data required through TREES mobile app. In addition, follow up with the MEL team and project officers to correct any inaccuracies or provide additional training.
• Attend lead farmers meetings and share minutes, reports and deliberations of such meetings with the Assistant Director of Field Programs. 
• Work with Project Officers to provide timely work plans indicating operational support needed. 
• Supervise, and disseminate all necessary information in a timely manner to the Project Officers where needed. 
• Conduct seeds and material estimates for all farmer groups in collaboration with Project Officers and coordinate with the Seed Bank Manager for procurement and distribution of seeds and materials. 
• Ensure proper Communication, documentation and reporting of field activities and regularly update the Director of Field Programs. 
• Ensure project officers follow work plans and training modules and troubleshoots to find solutions if delays   occur. 
• Mentor Project Officers, Assistant Project Officers and Lead Farmers, through training and regular follow-up support, on TREES’ technical best practices. 
• Assist the County Trainers in facilitating Training of the Project Officers and Assistant Project Officers. 
• Together with the Project Officers make regular follow-ups of implementation of project activities within the region. 
• Collaborate with Project Officers to identify new areas for new projects and staffing. 
• Provide any addition information and accomplish additional tasks in a timely manner as may be requested from time to time. 

REQUIRMENTS 

• Undergraduate Degree from a recognized institution in the field of General Agriculture, Horticulture, Agroforestry, Forestry, Environmental Science, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management or any other related qualification. 
• A minimum of five years of experience in the implementation of sustainable land management practices within rural farmlands. 
• A valid motorcycle riding license with experience in riding, both on and off road with a history of safe motorcycle operation. 
• 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). 
• Ability to navigate smart phone applications. 
• Must pass TREES Forest Gardening Training Examination within 2 months of hire.