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. 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.

Learn more at trees.org/lvcarbon.

THE ROLE

The Agroforestry Technical Specialist provides practical guidance and leadership in TREES Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania programs to ensure technical integrity in the design, improvement, and implementation of agroforestry programming. Reporting to the Technical Director as a member of our Central Office technical leadership team, the Agroforestry Technical Specialist is a director-level position working closely with technical, training, seed bank, and central tree nursery teams, field staff, and smallholder farmer beneficiaries in each country of operation to set technical standards and strengthens training systems. He/she ensures that inputs (e.g. seeds and seedlings) as well as promoted agroforestry practices are technically sound, locally appropriate, climate-resilient, and aligned with farmer priorities and livelihoods opportunities. In addition, the role supports organizational learning, documentation, and the creation of adaptable tools and resources.

This position requires applied agroforestry and forestry expertise, experience working with smallholder farming communities, and the ability to translate technical concepts into practical, field staff- and farmer-friendly guidance. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated ability to blend technical forestry skills with regenerative agriculture, a deep understanding of smallholder farming communities, behavior change, and familiarity with relevant carbon standards and methodologies. The Agroforestry Technical Specialist will represent the program in technical forums and cultivate strategic partnerships, ensuring the program approach remains credible, scalable, and responsive to organizational priorities and local contexts.

The preferred location for this role is Kisumu, Kenya. Strong candidates based in other locations in Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda are also encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical leadership in species selection and plant suitability across agroecological contexts.
• Advise on seed and seedling systems, including quality assurance and improvement plans for nurseries and seed supply chains. This entails making CTN improvements, from sourcing to germination to maintenance, to out planting, to monitoring and extension.
• Develop locally appropriate and evidence-based protocols for design, implementation, monitoring, and long-term management of the tree-based components of a highly diversified agroforestry system (e.g. woodlots, fruit trees, living fences, alley cropping).
• Design and oversee the implementation of field-based experiments to trial new practices and planting formations. This included supporting with revising Forest Garden design, including localizing tree species selection and extension packages for each, at the country level, working with both internal and external partners.
• Support adaptive learning by documenting field experiences and promoting cross-country knowledge sharing.
• Guide the integration of trees, grasses, legumes, field crops, and other horticultural crops into forest garden systems.
• Collaborate with central office and country teams to develop technical resources, tools, and standard operating procedures.
• Participate in field visits to assess implementation quality, recommend improvements, and provide technical support and mentoring.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with relevant public and private sector stakeholders ( Local Government, input suppliers, research networks, NGOs, universities etc.).
• Contribute to the development, adaptation, and maintenance of training materials.
• Provide technical assistance to the MEL and Carbon teams.

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.

• An effective community mobilizer. You engage and inspire farmer groups, building trust and fostering strong participation in TREES programs to maximize impact.

• An organized and detail-oriented Agroforestry Technical Specialist. You provide practical guidance and leadership to ensure technical integrity in the design, improvement and implementation of agroforestry programming.

• A skilled trainer and mentor. You excel at building the capacity of technical team members by providing ongoing support and knowledge-sharing.

• A problem-solver with a solutions mindset. You anticipate challenges and take initiative to address issues, keeping projects moving forward.

• A resource coordinator. You effectively manage procurement and distribution of seeds and materials, ensuring timely delivery to farmer groups.

• A strong communicator and collaborator. You engage with multiple stakeholders ensuring seamless coordination and alignment. You possess excellent collaboration, writing, and communication skills.

• An evidence-based agroforestry technical strategist. You have the ability to design, lead, and interpret field trials and adapt practices based on evidence.

REQUIRMENTS

• Master's degree from a recognized institution in the field of Agroforestry, Agronomy, Forestry, Environmental Sciences, or any other related qualification.

• A minimum of 10 years of practical experience in agroforestry and forestry operations; experience in NGOs as well as commercial or enterprise settings is preferred.

• Extensive knowledge and experience working in diverse agroecological zones and farming systems in East Africa.

• Experience designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems for seedling propagation, planting, and survival monitoring, including familiarity with tree seed systems, nurseries, and input supply chains.

• Experience with carbon standards and methodologies, MRV requirements, and integrating carbon considerations into agroforestry designs and training a plus.

• Willing and able to be stationed in the appropriate Project base for the duration of the Project.

• Fluency in spoken and written English, Swahili, and preferably the local language(s).

• Must pass TREES’ Forest Gardening Training Examination within 2 months of hire.

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 increase 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. Submit you application by January 30^th, 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.