Farmer Facilitation Associate

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

The “Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation in Botswana’s Communal Rangelands” Project funded by GCF aims to utilize collective management of livestock and ecosystems to restore Botswana’s communal rangelands, increasing the climate resilience of vulnerable populations and reducing GHG emissions. Over 8 years, the project will undertake activities in 104 villages in Ngamiland, Kgalagadi, and Bobirwa landscape areas covering six administrative districts of Botswana. In these three areas, the Project is targeting improved management of 4.6 million hectares of rangelands. The day-to-day activities of the Project are implemented in each of the three Project Areas. Administratively, the project areas cover the following districts: Okavango and North-West Districts (Ngamiland Area); Hukuntsi, Tsabong and Mabutsane Districts (Kgalagadi Area); and Bobirwa District (Bobirwa Area).

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Botswana (Sehithwa, Gumare, Shakawe, Maun (Ngamiland); Hukuntsi, Mabutsane, Tsabong (Kgalagadi); Mmadinare, or Bobonong (Bobirwa))

The Farmers Facilitation Associate (FFA) will report to the Area Manager while working closely with the Farmer Facilitation Lead (FFL) to support and facilitate farmer and community liaison and mobilization for project participation. Additionally, the FFA will assist in implementing project guidelines and supervision while ensuring effective pasture and livestock management, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, and maintenance of project equipment within the specified cluster.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Farmer and Community Liaison: Collaborate with the FFL to establish and maintain productive relationships with farmers and communities involved in the project. Facilitate effective communication and engagement to ensure their participation and adherence to project guidelines.
• Project Implementation: Assist the FFL in overseeing the activities of the Farmer Facilitation Teams (FFT) operating within grazing areas. Support FFT in executing pasture management, livestock management, monitoring and evaluation of tasks, as per project guidelines.
• Equipment Management: Ensure that all project operational equipment within project sites/villages is properly managed, maintained, and kept in good working order. Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to address any equipment issues or repairs promptly.
• Site Visits and Coordination: Facilitate Area Manager in coordinating site visits by project staff and associated stakeholders. Assist in arranging logistics, preparing necessary documentation, and ensuring smooth interactions between project representatives and participating communities.
• Reporting and Documentation: Lead in collecting data, maintaining records, and preparing accurate reports related to farmer and community engagement, pasture and livestock management, and project activities. Ensure timely submission of reports to the Area Manager.
• Stakeholder Relationships: Foster positive relationships with participating communities, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders. Promote a good working relationship, address concerns, and act as a bridge between the project and the community.
• General: Participate in project sites/Cluster, Project Area/District and/or national activities, meetings or training events as directed by the Area Manager.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Working outside normal working hours.
• Ability to travel frequently in the remote areas within Project Area.
• Ability to work with local partners.
• High adaptability to difficult conditions
• Supporting the staff in the implementation of other activities outside of its main responsibilities if needed.
• -Guidance on specific cluster villages will be shared during the interview process
• This role will be a 3-year fixed-term assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Certificate in agriculture, rural development, or a related field, or commensurate field-based experience.
• Up to 2 years of related work experience, preferably in the conservation, NGO, or advocacy arena.
• Knowledge of farming practices, livestock management, and rural development initiatives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with farmers and community members.
• Strong organizational and coordination abilities to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities.
• Detail oriented and able to prioritize, manage and complete tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in data collection, reporting, and documentation.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Valid class B driver’s license

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree and experience in extension office work will be an added advantage.
• Work experience and existing networks in agriculture, NGOs, community development, local authorities, or government at the district level.
• Familiarity with project management principles and guidelines is preferred.
• Fluency in local languages and knowledge of the local culture and customs is advantageous.
• Experience in sustainable production and relationships with private sector.
• Ability to function well in a multicultural, diverse, and fast-paced work team environment.
• Proven ability to work with and manage teams.
• Supporting the staff in the implementation of other activities outside of its main responsibilities.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter. Guidance on specific cluster villages will be shared during the interview process. Candidates are requested to motivate their preference for a particular area of choice in their application letter. Position area locals are encouraged to apply and will be given preference.

Application Deadline: September 14, 2025 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.