About Trees for the Future
At Trees for the Future (TREES), we train farmers in sustainable land use so that they can build vibrant regional economies, thriving food systems, and a healthier planet. As a global leader in agroforestry training for over 30 years, TREES provides hands-on education and support, encouraging farmers in developing countries to work with nature, not against it.
Our signature methodology, the Forest Garden Approach, helps farmers transform their land with thousands of trees and dozens of crops, creating new possibilities for themselves, and their communities. By embracing sustainable land practices, farmers are reclaiming their agency, breaking the cycles of climate change and generational poverty, and rebuilding our food systems from the ground up. Learn more at trees.org.
About the Opportunity
The (CARE Officer) Community, Advocacy, Relationship, & Engagement Officer will be based in our Kisumu, Kenya office, reporting to the Central Office in Washington, DC, USA, and working closely with the Kenya teams in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Siaya. This role focuses on key facets, working with each office to ensure Trees for the Future (TREES) complies with local and country laws, working with Country Directors to train on TREES policies, and acting as the grievances office with the Senior Director of Global HR. This role will require regular travel to Uganda and Tanzania.
In this role, you will…
- Works under the direct guidance and management of the Sr Director, Global HR.
- Implement a grievance mechanism procedure developed by TREES.
- Capacity building and regular meetings in groups with Community Grievance Representatives in the county (of approximately 35 representatives)
- Ensure complaints are appropriately recorded and coordinated, and responses are timely.
- Act as an impartial body offering sound advice.
- Provide support to all parties concerned through a transparent process for resolving complaints.
- Coordinate and document a proper complaint and appeals process.
- Submit regular progress reports.
- Documents decisions and resolutions.
- Train employees in compliance within the TREES organization.
- Stay up-to-date on all compliance matters and relevant legislation within TREES In East Africa.
- Conduct regular audits of internal procedures, risk analysis, and quantification of financial risks
- Continuously monitor and review compliance procedures to help identify possible areas for improvement.
- Have a strong sense and attention to detail and the ability to notice actions that may result in liability.
- Build trusting relationships with both the employees and farmers and create a communication channel for sensitive information—during the workshop, the female staff requested this.
- Review and assess inherent risk within new processes and systems and make recommendations.
- Updates company policies.
- Documents all compliance-related reports.
- Administer whistleblower website.
- Create awareness of risk management to create a risk-conscious culture across TREES.
- Implement the risk and compliance policies and procedures.
You’ll be a great fit if you have…
- Bachelor’s degree in business, HR, women’s studies, international development, psychology, or legal studies with five to seven years of experience is preferred.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Detailed record-keeping skills.
- Analytical thinking with problem-solving and solid abilities with attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure, with minimal supervision, and in a culturally diverse team.
- Ability to build strong relationships both internally and externally.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills.
- Ability to travel to field locations in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- Strong belief in TREES’ mission and culture.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Must be able to avoid bias and any perception of bias in the conduct of their work.
- Possess high ethical standards and honesty.
- Proven exposure to risk management and excellent understanding of the principles of risk management
- Ability to promote integrity and business ethics; demonstrate mature judgment, trust, and team spirit.
Ready to Join our Team?
We’re thrilled that you want to change the world with us and feel you meet the above requirements; please apply for the position by the close of business on 2nd May 2024
Trees is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.
Due to the high volume of inquiries that TREES receives, we thank all candidates for their interest, yet only those shortlisted will be contacted.