About Trees for the Future
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. We’ve worked all around the world and are currently active in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. TREES has planted over 400 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 Assistant Project Officer (APO) will be responsible for sensitizing, recruiting, contracting and developing Capacity of small holder farmers for the Lake Victoria Agroforestry Carbon Project in Kenya. The APO shall work in accordance with the laid down Forest Garden model Standards to ensure quality and effective Project implementation. The Assistant Project Officer reports to the Project Officer.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Undertake scouting and documentation of potential project areas for expansion, mobilize and recruit farmers for the Lake Victoria Watershed Agroforestry Carbon Project.
- Support stakeholder and farmer dialogue and consultative meetings with project farmers and organize farmers into groups.
- Provide relevant training and skills development to farmers on the Forest Garden Approach agroforestry model and as per TREES training framework.
- Provide Forest Garden extension services, field visits and coordinate the establishment of Forest Gardens.
- Undertake monthly data collection, participate in regular Field Area Measurements and M&E activities in accordance with the laid-out schedules to collect data for the project.
- Update and maintain farmer records through TREES Taroworks data collection App.
- Support and organize monthly Lead Farmer meetings and advise farmers on the best Forest Garden farming practices.
- Sensitize farmers on farmer carbon contracts requirements, administer farmer contracts, monitor and report on farmer carbon contract administration.
- Collaborate with the Project Officers to inform project reports and plans for all participating Farmer Groups that account for all Project activities, material acquisition and distribution, training events, monitoring & evaluation.
- Ensure timely data collection and report submission, including the Monthly Reporting Form (MRF) to the Project Officer on all project activities, as per TREES reporting requirements and deadlines.
- Assists with the development and/or translation of locally appropriate training materials.
- Provide information and accomplish additional tasks in a timely manner as requested by the Project Officer, Program Manager or the Director of Field Programs.
WHO YOU ARE
- An enthusiastic advocate for TREES’ mission and values. You are passionate about improving livelihoods through agroforestry. You center farmers in every decision, ensuring projects drive real impact for communities and the environment.
- You are a problem solver who owns your work. You overcome obstacles in your work by identifying them, adapting to new information, and proactively devising solutions. You take action and hold yourself accountable based on set goals.
- You are adaptive to new working environments. You are able to quickly adapt to new working environments sometimes in difficult terrains and passion for working with small holder farmers and be able to be stationed at the appropriate Project base for the duration of the Project.
- You are self-driven. You have the ability to plan and execute tasks without close supervision. Motivated by results.
- You are an analytical planner. You develop and structure plans that align with flexible farmer programs.
- You are a team player. You are a collaborator dedicated to collective team success.
REQUIREMENTS
- Possession of an Undergraduate degree or Diploma from a recognized institution in the field of General Agriculture, Horticulture, Agroforestry, Environmental Science, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management, Forestry or any other related qualification.
- A minimum of one year of a demonstrated degree of achievement in agriculture, preferably in agroforestry and sustainable Agriculture is an added advantage.
- Experience in participatory training and facilitation.
- A valid motorcycle license with experience in riding both on and off road and a history of safe motorcycle operation.
- Fluency in spoken and written English, Swahili and preferably the local language (s)
- Ability to navigate smart phone applications used in data collection.
- Knowledge of Nature Based Solutions and Carbon credits project requirements (preferred)
- A strong belief in a positive culture, in alignment with our core values
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND BENEFITS
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 March 18th, 2026. 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 national, 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.
