Project Officer – Simiyu Job Vacancy at Trees for the Future (TREES)

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 Tanzania, we partner with over 8,000 farmers across Singida, Tabora, Mwanza, and Simiyu, supported by 60 dedicated staff. Together, we will plant 8 million trees in 2025, restore degraded landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen local food systems. By adopting the Forest Garden Approach, farmers are leading the charge for sustainable development and creating brighter futures for their communities.

Learn more at trees.org.

THE ROLE

The Project Officer (PO) is responsible for coordinating the execution activities of the Simiyu Projects 1 and 2. The Project Officer champions the adoption of TREES Forest Garden Approach in farmlands and collaborates with the Program Manager to oversee the successful implementation of Agroforestry Project standards. The Project Officer will manage farmer recruitment, contracting, and develop 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 consultative 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 Trees for the Future Simiyu Project 1 & 2, the critical requirements and standards of the project and ensure Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) and that farmers will willingly join the project and sign 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 contracts, engage Lead Farmers to have all 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 tools
• Communicate with Lead Farmers and participating farmers regularly to organize and accomplish training and extension activities in 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 Program officer 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 Officer.
• Assist with the development and/or translation of locally appropriate training materials.
• Empower Assistant Project Officers (APOs) who support farmers in improving their farming practices.
• Share lessons learnt with counterparts in other countries to contribute to a culture of learning and cooperation.
• Supervise Assistant 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.

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 Implementer. You are an adept trainer and field extensions.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• A minimum of three (3) years of 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.

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, medical insurance and paid time off benefit applicable for our Country Staff.

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 March 10th 2025. Ensure both documents are shared as PDF or Word documents. We review applications on a rolling basis.

Trees for the Future is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, or other characteristics or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

We embrace and value diverse skill sets and backgrounds. We are a community of leaders who are proud to represent many different nationals, racial, ethnic, socio-economic, religious, gender, and other identities. Our diversity as a community is our strength, driving our ability to be empathetic, visionary, and effective leaders.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.