Research Carbon Coordinators

Description

Kijani Forestry is seeking a proactive and knowledgeable Carbon Coordinator (CC) to join our expanding team in Northern Uganda. The Carbon Coordinator will play a critical role in the successful implementation of our biochar production initiative, which involves training and supporting smallholder farmers in converting crop residues into biochar. This position requires a dynamic individual with a strong background in sustainable agriculture and community engagement, who can manage the entire process from farmer recruitment, to farmer training, to data collection and quality assurance.

Farmer Recruitment and Training

• Community Engagement: Recruit and onboard smallholder farmers and leader farmers into the biochar production program.
  

• Training Programs: Deliver comprehensive training sessions on biochar production, focusing on techniques that adhere to the Carbon Standards International (CSI) standards.
  

• Leader Farmer Management: Identify and train leader farmers who will assist in supervising biochar production and data collection among their peers.
  

Biochar Production Oversight

• Standards Compliance: Ensure that all farmers are producing biochar in line with Kijani standards, with a focus on maintaining low emissions and high-quality output.
  

• Technical Support: Provide ongoing technical assistance to farmers, troubleshooting production issues as they arise and facilitating continuous improvement.
  

• Periodic Check-ins: Conduct regular visits to farmers and leader farmers to monitor progress, provide feedback, and address any challenges.
  

Data Collection and Reporting

• Biochar App Management: Train farmers and leader farmers on the use of the biochar data collection app. Ensure accurate and timely data entry by all participants.
  

• Data Gathering: Collect and compile data on biochar production, including quantitative measurements, qualitative observations, and biochar samples.
  

• Reporting: Maintain detailed records of all activities and data collected, and prepare reports for internal use and external reporting.
  

Quality Assurance

• Sampling: Collect biochar samples regularly for quality testing to ensure adherence to project standards.
  

• Feedback Mechanism: Implement a system for collecting and acting on feedback from farmers and leader farmers to improve biochar production processes.
  

Payment Facilitation

• Farmer Payments: Facilitate and manage payments to farmers when necessary, ensuring that all transactions are handled transparently and efficiently.
  

• Documentation: Keep accurate records of all financial transactions related to farmer payments.
  

Process Improvement and Scaling

• Data Collection for Scaling: Gather insights and data on the challenges and successes of scaling the biochar project.
  

• Collaboration: Work closely with the biochar team to refine and improve the project’s operations based on field experiences and data collected.
  

• Innovation: Contribute to the design and implementation of new strategies for expanding the biochar program to additional communities.
  

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's or Diploma in Agriculture, Environmental conservation and Management , forestry or a related field is required.
  

• At least 2 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, or community development, preferably with experience in biochar production or agroforestry.
  

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using mobile data collection tools.
  

• Communication Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and engage effectively with rural communities.
  

• Mobility: Ability and willingness to travel frequently and work in remote, rural areas. Must be able to ride a motorcycle long distances.
  

Preferred

• Leadership Experience in managing or leading teams in a community setting.
  

• Project Management: Familiarity with project management tools and techniques, particularly in a rural development context.
  

• Language: Fluency in English and Acholi.