Farmer Relations Officer

Job Overview

Kijani Forestry is seeking a dedicated Farmer Relations Officer to strengthen ties between the company and smallholder farmers participating in its reforestation and agroforestry programs across Uganda. This role focuses on building trust, delivering technical support, and ensuring farmers meet plantation standards that support carbon credit verification and sustainable land use.

The Farmer Relations Officer will work closely with field teams, community leaders, and farmer groups to disseminate best practices, monitor compliance, and address challenges that affect tree survival and growth. By fostering effective communication and providing timely extension services, the position contributes to the overall success of Kijani Forestry’s environmental and livelihood objectives.

Key Responsibilities

The Farmer Relations Officer will undertake a range of duties that link technical field work with community engagement and reporting. These responsibilities are designed to ensure that farmer activities align with plantation goals, that data is accurate for carbon payments, and that local stakeholders remain supportive of the project.

• Conduct regular farm visits to assess tree survival, growth rates, and adherence to silvicultural prescriptions, providing immediate feedback to farmers on corrective actions needed.
• Organize and lead farmer training sessions on plantation maintenance, fire prevention, and pest management, using locally appropriate demonstration methods and materials.
• Maintain accurate farmer registers, plot maps, and contact details, updating information regularly to support carbon payment verification and extension planning.
• Facilitate dialogue with local leaders and community committees to address land tenure concerns, resolve conflicts, and promote collective responsibility for forest protection.
• Collect and verify field data on survival checks, growth measurements, and incident reports, ensuring quality control before submission to the monitoring and evaluation team.
• Prepare concise monthly reports summarizing farmer engagement outcomes, challenges encountered, and recommended actions for review by senior management and project partners.

Through these activities, the Farmer Relations Officer helps to build a reliable network of informed farmers who are motivated to maintain healthy woodlots, thereby contributing to the project’s environmental impact and socioeconomic benefits for rural communities.

Effective farmer relations are critical to achieving high survival rates, ensuring that carbon credits are generated legitimately, and maintaining the social license to operate in the areas where Kijani Forestry works.

Qualifications & Experience

Candidates should possess a combination of academic background, practical experience in agriculture or forestry, and strong interpersonal skills suited to working with diverse rural stakeholders in Uganda.

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Science, or a related field from a recognized university.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in farmer extension, community development, or plantation management within a Ugandan context.
• Proven ability to conduct training sessions and deliver technical advice to smallholder farmers in local languages or through interpreters.
• Strong record of collecting, verifying, and managing field data using paper forms or basic digital tools such as smartphones and GPS devices.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trust and resolve disputes among farmers, leaders, and project staff.

Desirable

While not mandatory, the following attributes would strengthen a candidate’s application and enable quicker integration into the role.

• Experience working with carbon finance projects or knowledge of verification standards such as Verra or Gold Standard.
• Familiarity with Ugandan land tenure systems and community forestry regulations.
• Proficiency in using data management software like MS Excel, Access, or basic GIS applications for mapping and reporting.
• Ability to ride a motorcycle safely and hold a valid Ugandan rider’s license for field travel in remote areas.
• Willingness to travel frequently within assigned regions and to stay overnight in basic field accommodations when required.

What the Role Offers

Kijani Forestry offers a supportive work environment where employees can grow professionally while contributing to meaningful conservation and development outcomes across Uganda.

• Competitive monthly salary commensurate with experience, plus statutory benefits such as NSSF contributions and paid annual leave.
• Provision of a monthly transport allowance and fuel reimbursement to facilitate field visits to farmer plots and project sites.
• Access to ongoing professional development opportunities, including short courses in agroforestry, climate smart agriculture, and carbon project management.
• Opportunity to work with a dynamic team dedicated to restoring landscapes, improving livelihoods, and delivering verified climate benefits through reforestation.

These benefits are designed to support staff well-being, encourage retention, and enable the officer to focus on building strong farmer relationships that drive project success.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit an updated CV, copies of academic certificates, and a brief cover letter outlining their suitability for the Farmer Relations Officer position. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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