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
- A Trees for the Future Seed Bank Assistant is responsible for participating in the overseeing the development and implementation of the seed bank country strategy and plans. The main purpose of the position is to support the country program in development and implement an in-house tree seed sufficiency strategy that enables our operations to regularly and sustainably have all tree seed types, species, and quantities needed at any time of the year including surplus that can be accessed by both partners and peers in the tree planting industry space. The position is based at the TREES Mbale office and will be reporting to the Seed Bank Manager / Training Coordinator.
In this role, you will…
- Seed Quality Assurance: This involves reviewing seed bank procedures, maintaining a seed collection calendar, monitoring seed vendors, testing seed germination, and ensuring high-quality seeds reach farmers.
- Seed Bank Operations: This covers tasks related to setting up and maintaining the seed bank facilities, including budgeting, acquiring materials and equipment, seed drying, storage, record-keeping, and supervising casual workers.
- Seed Sourcing and Procurement: This focuses on identifying and training seed collectors, managing vendor records, communicating with vendors for seed collection and purchase, and ensuring timely payments.
- Training and Events: This involves supporting the training team in organizing and facilitating seed collection and processing workshops, managing training budgets and logistics, and co-organizing seed fairs for farmers and stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
- Diploma or a University degree in relevant field (e.g. agroforestry, forestry, agriculture, Certificate in ToT, Community development and social work), OR a minimum of 2 to 3 years of demonstrated degree of achievement in agricultural trainings, preferably in agroforestry and sustainable agriculture (e.g. through demonstrated success and innovation in gardening, forestry, or agroforestry)
- 2 years’ experience with training, field project management and supervision
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with a keen understanding of cross cultural communication, respect for all, and animated work personal
- Demonstrated experience with participatory training facilitation
- A valid motorcycle license with a history of safe motorcycle operation (preferable) OR an ability and willingness to take courses and obtain a motorcycle license
- Fluency in spoken and written English and preferably the local language(s)
- Excellent computer skills including Excel and smartphone utilization
Competencies
- Committed team player
- Excellent problem solver and respectful to all types of learners
- Focused, disciplined, and determined
- Friendly, enthusiastic, innovative, collaborative, open to new ideas, patient and flexible
- Capacity to ride a motorcycle with a clean riding license, or willingness to learn riding a motorcycle
Terms of Employment
Employment in this position will be on a one (1) year renewable contract (with three months’ probation period) subject to the availability of funds and the continued existence of the position.
Ready to Join Our Team?
We’re thrilled that you want to change the world with us. Please apply for the position by COB 12/7/2024. Apply here.
TREES is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices.