Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

Trees for the Future (TREES) has a solution to some of the world’s most pressing challenges - the Forest Garden Approach - but as we continue to work closely with farmers on the ground we are constantly discovering ways to increase our impact.

Responsibilities or duties

The Assistant Project Officer (APO) will be responsible for sensitizing, recruiting, contracting and developing Capacity of small holder farmers for the Lake Victoria Agroforestry Carbon Project in Kenya. The APO shall work in accordance with the laid down Forest Garden model Standards to ensure quality and effective Project implementation. The Assistant Project Officer reports to the Project Officer.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

An enthusiastic advocate for TREES’ mission and values. You are passionate about improving livelihoods through agroforestry. You center farmers in every decision, ensuring projects drive real impact for communities and the environment.

You are a problem solver who owns your work. You overcome obstacles in your work by identifying them, adapting to new information, and proactively devising solutions. You take action and hold yourself accountable based on set goals.

You are adaptive to new working environments. You are able to quickly adapt to new working environments sometimes in difficult terrains and passion for working with small holder farmers and be able to be stationed at the appropriate Project base for the duration of the Project.

You are self-driven. You have the ability to plan and execute tasks without close supervision. Motivated by results.

You are an analytical planner. You develop and structure plans that align with flexible farmer programs.

You are a team player. You are a collaborator dedicated to collective team success.

Experience needed

A minimum of one year of a demonstrated degree of achievement in agriculture, preferably in agroforestry and sustainable Agriculture is an added advantage.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

Possession of an Undergraduate degree or Diploma from a recognized institution in the field of General Agriculture, Horticulture, Agroforestry, Environmental Science, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management, Forestry or any other related qualification.

Experience in participatory training and facilitation.

A valid motorcycle license with experience in riding both on and off road and a history of safe motorcycle operation.

Fluency in spoken and written English, Swahili and preferably the local language (s)

Ability to navigate smart phone applications used in data collection.

Knowledge of Nature Based Solutions and Carbon credits project requirements (preferred)

A strong belief in a positive culture, in alignment with our core values

• Undertake scouting and documentation of potential project areas for expansion, mobilize and recruit farmers for the Lake Victoria Watershed Agroforestry Carbon Project.
• Support stakeholder and farmer dialogue and consultative meetings with project farmers and organize farmers into groups.
• Provide relevant training and skills development to farmers on the Forest Garden Approach agroforestry model and as per TREES training framework.
• Provide Forest Garden extension services, field visits and coordinate the establishment of Forest Gardens.
• Undertake monthly data collection, participate in regular Field Area Measurements and M&E activities in accordance with the laid-out schedules to collect data for the project.
• Update and maintain farmer records through TREES Taroworks data collection App.
• Support and organize monthly Lead Farmer meetings and advise farmers on the best Forest Garden farming practices.
• Sensitize farmers on farmer carbon contracts requirements, administer farmer contracts, monitor and report on farmer carbon contract administration.
• Collaborate with the Project Officers to inform project reports and plans for all participating Farmer Groups that account for all Project activities, material acquisition and distribution, training events, monitoring & evaluation.
• Ensure timely data collection and report submission, including the Monthly Reporting Form (MRF) to the Project Officer on all project activities, as per TREES reporting requirements and deadlines.
• Assists with the development and/or translation of locally appropriate training materials.
• Provide information and accomplish additional tasks in a timely manner as requested by the Project Officer, Program Manager or the Director of Field Programs.

• Participatory training and facilitation
• Motorcycle riding (on and off-road)
• Fluency in spoken and written English, Swahili and local languages
• Smart phone applications for data collection
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Self-driven
• Analytical planning
• Teamwork

• Undergraduate degree or Diploma from a recognized institution in General Agriculture, Horticulture, Agroforestry, Environmental Science, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management, Forestry or any other related qualification.
• A minimum of one year of demonstrated achievement in agriculture, preferably in agroforestry and sustainable Agriculture (added advantage).
• Experience in participatory training and facilitation.
• A valid motorcycle license with experience in riding both on and off road and a history of safe motorcycle operation.
• Fluency in spoken and written English, Swahili and preferably the local language(s).
• Ability to navigate smart phone applications used in data collection.
• Knowledge of Nature Based Solutions and Carbon credits project requirements (preferred).
• A strong belief in a positive culture, in alignment with our core values.