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.

In Uganda, we are transforming landscapes and livelihoods across the Lake Victoria Watershed in the Eastern Region. With over 60 staff working on the ground, we collaborate with more than 7,000 farmers to implement the Forest Garden Approach. This initiative, in partnership with Catona Climate, is pending a Carbon Market verification, allowing farmers to benefit from carbon financing while restoring their land.

Learn more at trees.org/lvcarbon.

OPENINGS: 2 positions

LOCATION: Namayingo and Namutumba

THE ROLE

The Program Officer works directly with Project Officers, MEL teams, and farmer groups to support field-level implementation and coordination of project activities. The role provides technical extension support services on climate-smart agriculture, conducts monitoring and evaluation activities, and ensures successful execution of project standards. The Program Officer also provides field-based inputs and insights to inform managerial planning and decision-making. The positions will report to the Program Manager and will be based in Namayingo and Namutumba Districts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program implementation & coordination

• Coordinate day-to-day implementation of approved regional work plans through Project Officers and Assistant Project Officers.
• Monitor progress of field activities and troubleshoot operational challenges in collaboration with the Program Manager.
• Support mobilization of Farmer Groups and Lead Farmers and ensure understanding of project objectives, including the Lake Victoria Water Agroforestry Carbon Project.

Supervision & mentoring

• Directly supervise, mentor, and support Project Officers, Assistant Project Officers, and Lead Farmers.
• Ensure field teams follow approved work plans, training modules, and technical guidelines.
• Identify performance gaps and recommend capacity-building actions to the Program Manager.

Training coordination & support

• Identify training needs for Project Officers and Assistant Project Officers.
• Coordinate training schedules and participation in collaboration with Country Trainers and the Program Manager.
• Provide post-training follow-up and coaching to ensure application of skills in the field.

Monitoring, evaluation & reporting

• Coordinate with the M&E team to ensure accurate farmer registration and data collection using the TREES mobile app.
• Conduct first-level data quality checks and follow up on corrections and refresher training as needed.
• Compile and submit timely field activity updates and reports to the Program Manager.

Materials, seeds & logistics

• Conduct seed and material estimates for farmer groups in collaboration with Project Officers.
• Coordinate with the Seed Bank Manager on distribution and track utilization at field level.
• Report shortages, delays, or variances to the Program Manager for action.

Communication & documentation

• Ensure timely dissemination of program information to Project Officers and field teams.
• Attend Lead Farmer meetings and submit minutes and action points to the Program Manager.
• Maintain accurate documentation of field activities and implementation progress.

Program growth & support

• Collaborate with Project Officers to identify potential new project areas and staffing needs.
• Perform additional duties related to program delivery as assigned by the Program Manager.

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.

A problem solver who owns your work - You overcome obstacles in your work by identifying them, adapting to new information, and proactively devising solutions. You take action and hold yourself accountable based on set goals.

Adaptive to new working environments – You are able to quickly adapt to new working environment sometimes in difficult terrains and passion for working with small holder farmers and be able to be stationed at the appropriate Project base for the duration of the Project.

Self-driven – Able to plan and execute tasks without close supervision. Motivated by results.

Good planning and analytical skills – You will need to make independent judgement and structure your plan to fit into flexible farmer programs.

Team Player – You will be one in a team each contributing to the overall goal.

REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in the field of General Agriculture, Horticulture, Agroforestry, Environmental Science, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management, Forestry or any other related qualification.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience, Field-focused in the implementation of sustainable land management Practices within rural farmlands.
• A valid motorcycle riding license with experience in riding, both on and off road with a history of safe motorcycle operation.
• Willing and able to be stationed in the appropriate Project base for the duration of the Project.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and proficiency in local language(s) preferably Lusoga or Luganda.
• Ability to navigate smart phone applications.
• Must have studied and passed the Forest Gardening Training Examination within 2 months of hire.
• Knowledge of Nature Based Solutions and Carbon credits (preferred).
• A deep passion for our mission and line of work.
• A strong belief in a positive culture, in alignment with our core values

• Coordinate day-to-day implementation of approved regional work plans through Project Officers and Assistant Project Officers.
• Monitor progress of field activities and troubleshoot operational challenges in collaboration with the Program Manager.
• Support mobilization of Farmer Groups and Lead Farmers and ensure understanding of project objectives, including the Lake Victoria Water Agroforestry Carbon Project.
• Directly supervise, mentor, and support Project Officers, Assistant Project Officers, and Lead Farmers.
• Ensure field teams follow approved work plans, training modules, and technical guidelines.
• Identify performance gaps and recommend capacity-building actions to the Program Manager.
• Identify training needs for Project Officers and Assistant Project Officers.
• Coordinate training schedules and participation in collaboration with Country Trainers and the Program Manager.
• Provide post-training follow-up and coaching to ensure application of skills in the field.
• Coordinate with the M&E team to ensure accurate farmer registration and data collection using the TREES mobile app.
• Conduct first-level data quality checks and follow up on corrections and refresher training as needed.
• Compile and submit timely field activity updates and reports to the Program Manager.
• Conduct seed and material estimates for farmer groups in collaboration with Project Officers.
• Coordinate with the Seed Bank Manager on distribution and track utilization at field level.
• Report shortages, delays, or variances to the Program Manager for action.
• Ensure timely dissemination of program information to Project Officers and field teams.
• Attend Lead Farmer meetings and submit minutes and action points to the Program Manager.
• Maintain accurate documentation of field activities and implementation progress.
• Collaborate with Project Officers to identify potential new project areas and staffing needs.
• Perform additional duties related to program delivery as assigned by the Program Manager.

• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Self-driven
• Planning and analytical skills
• Teamwork
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Proficiency in local languages (preferably Lusoga or Luganda)
• Ability to navigate smart phone applications

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in General Agriculture, Horticulture, Agroforestry, Environmental Science, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management, Forestry or any other related qualification.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience, Field-focused in the implementation of sustainable land management Practices within rural farmlands.
• A valid motorcycle riding license with experience in riding, both on and off road with a history of safe motorcycle operation.
• Willing and able to be stationed in the appropriate Project base for the duration of the Project.
• Must have studied and passed the Forest Gardening Training Examination within 2 months of hire.
• Knowledge of Nature Based Solutions and Carbon credits (preferred).
• A deep passion for our mission and line of work.
• A strong belief in a positive culture, in alignment with our core values.