Assistant Project Officer

About Trees for the Future (TREES)

At Trees for the Future (TREES), we believe farmers have the power to transform the world. For over 30 years, we have 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 this year, 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 Assistant Project Officer (APO) is responsible for sensitizing, recruiting, contracting, and developing the capacity of small-holder farmers in Simiyu Project 1 and 2. The APO works in guided by the TREES Forest Garden Approach 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.
• 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 Monitoring & Evaluation (MEL) activities in accordance with the laid-out schedules to collect data for the project.
• Update and maintain accurate farmer records.
• Support and organize monthly Lead Farmer meetings and advise farmers on the best Forest Garden farming practices.
• Sensitize farmers to farmer contracts requirements, administer farmer contracts, monitor and report on farmer 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 Country Director.

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 Farmer-Focused Field Supporter. You enjoy working directly with farmers and technicians, conducting site visits, troubleshooting issues on the ground, and demonstrating technical skills. You are comfortable spending significant time in rural settings and prioritize farmer needs and support.
• A Skilled Trainer & Community Facilitator. You have experience in adult education, participatory training methods, and community engagement. You are able to break down complex concepts into practical, actionable steps for farmers, technicians, and partners. You have successfully led training sessions and facilitated discussions effectively.
• A Detail-Oriented Data Manager. You have experience collecting, verifying, and managing data for Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) and demonstrate experience in using data to assess project effectiveness, generate reports that inform decision-making.
• An Effective Collaborator & Reporter. You communicate clearly and professionally in both verbal and written formats. You have experience in report writing, sharing key findings with stakeholders, and working collaboratively with teams across different functions.
• A Reliable and Adaptable Professional. You demonstrate consistency in delivering results, even in dynamic environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in a relevant field (e.g., Agriculture, Agroforestry, Environmental Science, Agribusiness, Forestry, or related disciplines).
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in agroforestry, climate-smart, and sustainable agriculture.
• A background in participatory training and facilitation is preferred.
• Proficiency in smartphone applications for data collection.
• Valid motorcycle license with off-road and on-road riding experience with a proven safe riding history.
• Fluency in spoken and written English, Swahili, and preferably the local language(s).
• Strong alignment with organizational values and a positive culture.

Work Environment and Benefits

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 nationalities, 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.