Senior Field Technician Rwanda – AFDB Project at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR): (Deadline 1 December 2022)

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The Senior Field Technician will implement work for trees for landscape restoration project in Kayonza and Nyagatare districts in Rwanda.

Duties and responsibilities

1.Conduct farmer mobilization and recruitment to participate in seedling production, and agroforestry/tree planting work to achieve set targets

• Recruit lead farmers, liaise with extension staff and engage other project participants.
• Initiate and supervise diverse tree seedling production work in collaboration with local tree nurseries per set targets.
• Organize training on tree nurseries, seedlings production & care, tree planting& management, smart and conservation agriculture practices and gender main streaming and transformation.

2.Conduct seedlings distribution and planting activities across farmer fields.

• By following up and collecting field data on tree seedling establishment: survival, growth performance, and gapping measures.
• Supporting overall project field implementation work, data collection, field visits, supplies requisition, meetings, reviews, and monitoring surveys.
• Preparation of detailed monthly work reports.

3.Promotion of high value drought-tolerant crops

• By conducting procurement processes for crop seeds (legumes crops, pineapple, cucurbits, fodder).
• Identification of farmers who will plant the crops.
• Data collection on planted crops.

4.Project monitoring, data collection and back stopping

• Disseminate project information and technical bulletins.
• Attend collaborators meeting in consultation with supervisors.
• Disseminate project information across implementation sites.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in either agroforestry, forestry, natural resource management, horticulture related fields.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Kinyarwanda.
• At least 5 years hands-on field experience in implementing large agroforestry or forestry projects with data gathering requirements.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Self-driven and impressive capacity to implement workplans under minimum supervision.
• Excellent community mobilization skills and rapport
• Ability to communicate effectively, work under pressure and within tight schedules to meet ambitious tree planting targets.
• Flexibility and willingness to work for long period within rural set ups of Kirehe, Kayonza, Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts.
• Ability to communicate effectively, work under pressure and within tight schedules to meet ambitious tree planting targets,

Terms and conditions

• This is a Nationally Recruited position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.

Application process

The application deadline is 01 Dec-2022

We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.