OPENINGS: Multiple
LOCATIONS: Kisumu, 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 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.
REQUIRMENTS
- 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 power point 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
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.
- A Strong Coordinator & Communicator. You mobilize Farmer Groups, ensure proper project understanding, and coordinate data collection with the M&E team.
- An Effective Supervisor & Problem Solver. You oversee Project Officers, ensure adherence to work plans, and troubleshoot delays.
- A Strategic Planner & Field Leader. You coordinate operational support, manage seed and material distribution, and identify new project opportunities.
- A Reliable and Adaptable Professional. You handle additional tasks efficiently and support project success.
- A community and stakeholder coordinator. You are skilled in sensitizing communities about project requirements and ensuring informed participation.
- A project monitor and implementor. You are an adept at trainer and field extensionist.
- You are knowledgeable in facilitating farmers participation in carbon initiatives and ensuring contract compliance.
- You are open to taking on additional responsibilities as needed and committed to knowledge-sharing and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
WORK ENVIRONMENT 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.
