Vacancy: Agroforestry Extension Worker

13th November 2024, Moroto – The Karamoja Conservation Zones Initiative is seeking Agroforestry Extension Workers to work in the Kidepo Landscape of Karenga and Kaabong Districts, Karamoja sub-region. Ideal candidates will possess knowledge and proven field experience in working with farmer groups in Karamoja, specifically in vegetable farming, tree nursery management, and agroforestry. Experience with drip irrigation systems and beekeeping is a significant advantage.

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Position title: Agroforestry Extension Worker
Duty Station: Karenga or Kaabong District
Contract: 12 months, wherefrom 3 months probation. Renewable for additional 9 months based on performance.
Reports to: District Coordinator
Responsibility: Identify, register and motivate farmers, establish tree nurseries and drip irrigation systems for vegetable farming, supervise and coach the farmers activities including raising tree/vegetable seedlings to planting, field monitoring and management as well as conducting regular hands-on training with farmers.
Key relationships: District Coordinator, Farmers
Working hours: Monday to Friday from 8.30 am-5.00 pm. Saturdays from 8.30 am-12.00 pm.
Deadline for application: 15th of December 2024

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Organisation background

Kara-Tunga is dedicated to fostering harmonious and prosperous communities that value their cultural heritage, safeguard biodiversity, and coexist peacefully within a thriving natural environment. Operating across five biodiversity hotspots in Uganda’s northeastern Karamoja sub-region, Kara-Tunga empowers indigenous custodians to protect their natural assets and improve their livelihoods. By supporting communities in developing community conservation enterprises, Kara-Tunga aims to alleviate poverty while safeguarding biodiversity.

Project background

The Karamoja sub-region in Uganda is rapidly developing and, as a result at risk of deforestation and land degradation because of mining, agricultural expansion and charcoal and firewood production. The sub-region needs effective conservation and reforestation interventions. The Central Forest Reserves, Wildlife Reserves and National Parks, specifically, have been identified as restoration hotspots. The Karamoja Conservation Zones initiative of Kara-Tunga attends to this potential by developing and scaling a model for ‘buffer zones’ at the borders of these areas, where reforestation and conservation efforts take place. As well as support of Community Conservation Enterprises like Ecotourism, Beekeeping and Agroforestry.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach and monitor farmer group activities.
• Mobilize the groups for training in nursery activities and hanson training farmers in tree nursery establishment, tree planting, tree growth management. As well as installation and management of drip irrigation systems for vegetable farming.
• Guide farmers in planting of trees and crops in agroforestry systems which favor the farmers. Ensure maintenance of agroforestry gardens, monitor the survival rate of the trees planted and supervise distribution of assorted tree species.
• Generate participants lists in the community and recruit lead farmers and provide accountability to district coordinators.
• Registration of nurseries, and trees growing on organization M&E tools.
  Preparing and submitting daily activity updates using organization M&E tools.
• Conducting regular meetings to disseminate information and gather feedback from farmer groups.
• Providing training on post-harvest handling and supporting farmers in identifying markets for their vegetable produce.
• Providing training on beekeeping best practices, including hive management and disease control. As well as assisting farmers in harvesting honey sustainably.
• Coordinate with local government leaders to ensure good relationships with the organization as well as jointly conduct environmental conservation sensitisation activities.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Uganda Certificate of Education.
• Minimum of a Diploma in a related field (Agroforestry, Forestry, Agronomy)
• Minimum 3 years of proven field experience working in Karamoja in a similar project with farmer groups on the above mentioned activities.
• Verbal skills in NgaKarimojong. Written and Verbal Skills in English.
• Knowledge and experience in of nursery bed establishment, tree planting and best practices in intercropping (agroforestry models)
• The ability to work, cooperate with the community and work on your own with minimum supervision.
• You should be good in verbal and good in written communication, time manager, ability to prioritize work attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Attractive personality. He/she should be able to attract people easily and hence should be polite so that all people can come to him/her without hesitation
• Availability from January 2025.

Benefits

• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Chance to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
• Opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of farmers and their families.

Expectations

Starting date: January 2025
Contract duration: 12 months, wherefrom 3 months probation. Renewable for additional 9 months based on performance.
Place of work: Karenga and Kaabong District.

Non-Discrimination

Kara-Tunga Foundation does not and shall not discriminate based on race, colour, religion(creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status or sexual orientation in any of its activities or operations. These activities include but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors and vendors.

Consenting

You consent to the company processing your data by applying for this position, the information could be saved for future use in the event of another opening.

How to apply

Only full applications will be received and only the successful candidates will get notified. A full application includes the following documents: Application/motivational letter, CV, (academic) qualifications, and recommendation letters or references with contact details. Send this all together in one email and use the job title as the email subject to: projects@kara-tunga.com.

Deadlines

Receiving of Applications will close by the 30th of November 2024. Only Successful candidates will be contacted.