Temporary Field Technician in agroecology
Burera, Rwanda
About Us
CIFOR & ICRAF in action
Landscape Alliance transforms science into action, unlocking the power of trees, forests and agroforestry landscapes to advance planetary health and human well-being. It is the shared operating name of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), two independent International Organizations and CGIAR Research Centers working together through a common strategy, governance and leadership structure.
CIFOR and ICRAF bring together decades of scientific leadership in forests, trees, agroforestry, biodiversity, climate, food systems and livelihoods. CIFOR, headquartered in Bogor, Indonesia, advances research on forests and landscape management to inform policies and practices that improve human well-being, protect the environment and increase equity. ICRAF, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, harnesses the benefits of trees for people and the environment, generating knowledge that helps governments, development partners and farmers make farming and livelihoods more sustainable.
Overview
The Field Technician will play a hands-on, critical role in executing on-the-ground activities for the DeSIRA+ funded agroecology project in Rwanda. The technician will serve as the primary link between project scientists, local authorities, extension agents (Twigire Muhinzi/FFS), and farming communities. He will be responsible for the establishment, daily management, and data collection of farmer-managed testing plots, on-farm demonstration sites, agroforestry nurseries, and agroecological interventions across the assigned district.
Job Description
1. Field testing & on-farm demonstrations
- Co-establish and manage farmer-managed testing plots and strategy-aligned demonstration plots (e.g., multipurpose agroforestry, high-value cover crops, minimum tillage, composting units).
- Construct and monitor a local agroforestry nursery, including procurement support, seed multiplication, seedling distribution, and nursery labor supervision.
- Provide continuous technical backstopping, coaching, and supervision to beneficiary farmers and cooperatives.
2. Data collection, monitoring & research support
- Execute scientific data collection for biophysical metrics (soil health, organic carbon, crop yields, tree survival/growth) and socio-economic indicators (labor use, gendered time use, input costs) using standardized protocols
- Utilize mobile data collection tools and digital platforms daily, including Open Data Kit (ODK) and the Regreening App.
- Support regular Cost-Benefit Analyses (CBA) by recording precise Business-As-Usual (BAU) baseline data versus agroecological innovation (AEI) inputs and yields.
3. Capacity building & community engagement
- Participate in mobilization campaigns targeted to farmer groups, cooperatives, women-, and youth-led enterprises to participate in agroecological innovation (AEI) testing, field days, and exchange visits.
- Support cascade training of Trainers (ToTs), Farmer Field School (FFS) facilitators, and lead farmers in local languages (Kinyarwanda).
- Assist in establishing and facilitating digital communication channels for peer-to-peer farmer advisory support.
Requirements
- B.Sc. in forestry; agroforestry, agronomy, environmental sciences or related field with a broad understanding of agroforestry systems.
- A minimum of 6 months to 1 year’ post-graduate working experience including experience in research in agroforestry trees and nursery management.
- Post- graduate studies in either of the two subjects and/or experience from similar positions elsewhere will be considered an additional advantage.
Education, Experience and Technical skills
•B.Sc. in forestry; agroforestry, agronomy, environmental sciences or related field with a broad understanding of agroforestry systems. •A minimum of 6 months to 1 year’ post-graduate working experience including experience in research in agroforestry trees and nursery management. •Post- graduate studies in either of the two subjects and/or experience from similar positions elsewhere will be considered an additional advantage.
Terms and conditions
•This is a temporary position for Locally Recruited Staff (LRS). CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience. •The appointment will be for be for 6 months. •The duty station will be in Burera District in Northern Province, Rwanda Offices.
