Temporary Field Technician - Silvopastoral Systems & Grazing Land Restoration
Nyagatare, Rwanda · Kayonza, 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 be responsible for day-to-day on-the-ground execution of silvopastoral activities focused on restoring degraded rangelands and climate-proofing ecologically sensitive landscapes in the districts of Kayonza, Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts of Eastern Province. The technician will participate in baseline assessments, management of fodder tree and forage nurseries, establishment and management of fodder demonstrations and model pastureland and organization of training sessions for lead farmers.
Job Description
1. Nursery management
- Facilitate seed and seedling acquisition, distribution, and local enterprise development around forage multiplication
- Monitor production and supply of quality tree seedlings and mobilize producer cooperatives to keep their nurseries at high standards and business-oriented.
2. Model pasturelands & technical implementation
- Co-establish pilot demonstration plots featuring fodder production of crop land, paddocking systems and cattle packing, and integrated agroforestry fodder/fruit/timber trees.
- Implement Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) and drought-resilient fodder systems across degraded grazing lands.
- Assist in farmer identification and installation of water tanks ( 5000 litres) and monitor their use and maintenance by the beneficiary livestock farmers
- Support distribution and training on hay boxes and silage-making materials.
3. Capacity building & scaling up
- Prepare and conduct bi-annual training of trainers (ToT) for lead farmers on fodder production, harvesting, conservation and feeding, and manure composting and utilization on farms.
- Participate in capacity-building workshops and peer-to-peer exchange visits for lead farmers, local extension staff, and community leaders.
- Take part in the production and distribution of knowledge production including extension materials (leaflets, training manuals) to strengthen improved management of grazing land.
4 4. Data collection, monitoring & research support
- Execute scientific data collection for biophysical metrics (soil health, organic carbon, tree survival/growth), socio-economic indicators (labor use, gendered time use, input costs) and silvo-pastoral improvement indicators using standardized protocols
- Utilize mobile data collection tools and digital platforms daily, including Open Data Kit (ODK) and the Regreening App.
- ·Support regular monitoring of impact and Cost-Benefit Analyses (CBA) by recording precise Business-As-Usual (BAU) baseline data versus agroecological innovation (AEI) inputs and yields.
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 Kayonza, Gatsibo, and Nyagatare in Eastern Province, Rwanda Offices.
