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.

Read more about this company

Agroforestry Technical Specialist

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 included 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.

WHO YOU ARE

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.

An effective community mobilizer. You engage and inspire farmer groups, building trust and fostering strong participation in TREES programs to maximize impact. 

An organized and detail-oriented Agroforestry Technical Specialist. You provide practical guidance and leadership to ensure technical integrity in the design, improvement and implementation of agroforestry programming.

A skilled trainer and mentor. You excel at building the capacity of technical team members by providing ongoing support and knowledge-sharing. 

A problem-solver with a solutions mindset. You anticipate challenges and take initiative to address issues, keeping projects moving forward. 

A resource coordinator. You effectively manage procurement and distribution of seeds and materials, ensuring timely delivery to farmer groups. 

A strong communicator and collaborator. You engage with multiple stakeholders ensuring seamless coordination and alignment. You possess excellent collaboration, writing, and communication skills.

An evidence-based agroforestry technical strategist. You have the ability to design, lead, and interpret field trials and adapt practices based on evidence.

REQUIRMENTS

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 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. 

• 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 included 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.

• Community mobilization
• Technical leadership in agroforestry
• Seed and seedling systems management
• Protocol development for agroforestry systems
• Field experiment design and implementation
• Knowledge sharing and documentation
• Integration of diverse crops in agroforestry systems
• Collaboration and communication
• Training and mentoring
• Problem-solving
• Resource coordination (procurement and distribution)
• Evidence-based agroforestry strategy
• Fluency in English and Swahili

• Master's degree in Agroforestry, Agronomy, Forestry, Environmental Sciences, or related field.
• 10 years of practical experience in agroforestry and forestry operations.
• Experience in NGOs, commercial, or enterprise settings preferred.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in diverse agroecological zones and farming systems in East Africa.
• Experience designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems for seedling propagation, planting, and survival.
• Familiarity with tree seed systems, nurseries, and input supply chains.
• Experience with carbon standards and methodologies, MRV requirements, and integrating carbon considerations is a plus.
• Willingness to be stationed in the appropriate Project base.
• Fluency in spoken and written English, Swahili, and preferably local languages.