Project Officer (PO) at Trees for the Future

THE ROLE  

The Project Officer (PO) is responsible for coordinating the execution activities within specific Projects in the Program covering all technical aspects such as empowering Assistant Project Officers (APOs) to assist farmers in improve their farming practices within the Lake Victoria Watershed Agroforestry Carbon Project. The Project Officer champions the adoption of TREES Forest Garden Approach in farmlands, collaborates with the Program Manager in overseeing the successful implementation of Agroforestry Carbon Project standards. This involves farmer recruitment, contracting and developing the capacity of small holder farmers to ensure quality and effective project implementation. The Project Officer reports to the Program Manager.     

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Coordinate and sensitize stakeholders, identify and document potential areas for project expansion. 
• Mobilize Farmers, organize farmers into groups and consultatively identify Lead Farmers for participation in the project in accordance with TREES guidelines.  
• Manage all farmer training, extension and M&E activities in accordance with the training and M&E program of activities. 
• Sensitize farmers about the Lake Victoria Agroforestry Carbon Project, the critical requirements and standards of the project and ensure Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) and that farmers are able to willingly join the project and sign carbon contracts easily. 
• Organize and execute farmer training events pursuant to TREES training program design and training framework. 
• Sensitize lead farmers and other stakeholders on the contents of the farmer carbon contracts, engage Lead Farmers to have all Carbon contracts signed by individual farmers and regularly report on the progress. 
• Collaborate with the Program Manager to develop project reports and work plans for all participating farmers on a weekly basis. 
• Update and maintain farmer tree planting records and other M&E data through TREES Taroworks App. 
• Communicate with Lead Farmers and participating farmers regularly to organize and accomplish training and extension activities on a timely manner. 
• Mentor participant farmers and Lead Farmers, through training and provide technical backstopping and follow up activities to ensure implementation of Forest Gardens to the required standards. 
• Ensure timely data collection and report submission, including the weekly project officer reporting spreadsheet to Assistant Project Officers on all program activities, per TREES reporting requirements and deadlines. 
• Maintain financial documentation and submit financial reports per TREES reporting requirements and deadlines to the Program Manager. 
• Assist with the development and/or translation of locally appropriate training materials. 
• Share lessons learned learnt with counterparts in other countries to contribute to a culture of learning and cooperation. 
• Supervise Project Officers and take responsibility for all Project related activities and reporting. 
• Any other responsibility may be assigned by the supervisor from time to time. 

REQUIREMENTS 

• University Degree in a relevant field, e.g. General Agriculture, Agroforestry, forestry, Environmental Science, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Education and Extension, Natural Resource Management or any other relevant Qualification. 
• Minimum of three (3) years working experience in forestry, Agroforestry, natural resource management, climate-smart, Sustainable and regenerative Agriculture is an added advantage. 
• Demonstrated communication and training facilitation skills. Fluency in spoken and written English, Swahili and preferably the local language(s). 
• Working proficiency in MS applications, especially Word, Excel and powerpoint and ability to navigate smartphone applications. 
• A valid motorcycle license with experience in riding both on and off-road and a history of safe motorcycle operation. 
• Ability and interest to study, understand, apply, and continuously learn about all aspects of Forest Gardens  
• A strong belief in a positive culture, in alignment with our core values