Program Manager

OPENINGS: Multiple

LOCATIONS: Homabay and Siaya

Who We Are

At Trees for the Future (TREES), we believe farmers have the power to transform the world. For over 30 years, we’ve been a global leader in agroforestry training, partnering with farming families to build vibrant economies, sustainable food systems, and thriving ecosystems. Through our signature Forest Garden Approach—a proven nature-based solution—farmers restore their land, plant thousands of trees, and grow diverse crops, breaking cycles of climate change and generational poverty. By reclaiming their agency, farmers are creating new possibilities for their families, communities, and the environment. Active in Kenya, Mali, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda, TREES has planted over 350 million trees to date. Joining our passionate, collaborative team means empowering farmers to lead lasting change for people and the planet.

In Kenya, we are transforming landscapes and livelihoods across the Lake Victoria Watershed in three key regions. With over 160 staff working on the ground, we collaborate with more than 20,000 farmers to implement the Forest Garden Approach. This initiative, in partnership with Catona Climate, is pending a Carbon Market verification, allowing farmers to benefit from carbon financing while restoring their land. Learn more at trees.org/lvcarbon.

THE ROLE

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.

Who You Are

  • An enthusiastic advocate for TREES’ mission. 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 program manager. You keep projects on schedule, ensuring that work plans, data collection, and training modules are executed effectively.
  • A skilled trainer and mentor. You excel at building the capacity of field teams and farmers, 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, from farmers to field staff to leadership, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment.

WORK ENVIROMENT AND BENEFIT

Trees for the Future (TREES) is an International Organization that strives to be the best home for staff wanting to make an impact on the farmers we serve. We believe that the diversity of our staff contributes to excellence. TREES values collaboration and teamwork that fosters increased engagement and innovation for professional growth.

We offer a multicultural, collegial work environment with a competitive salary, comprehensive medical insurance, workers’ compensation and substantial paid time off, including annual leave and sick leave.

APPLY

If this opportunity speaks to you, please apply with 1) a cover letter that explains why TREES’ work excites you and why this role is a fit for you, and 2) your resume by COB February 28th. Ensure both documents are shared as PDF or Word documents. We review applications on a rolling basis.

Subscribe to our socials and stay tuned to the latest jobs