Position: Field Officer (Full-time)

Location: Sintang, West Kalimantan

Type: On site – Contract 12 months

Deadline: 10 May 2024

Forestwise, established in 2018, is dedicated to combating deforestation in Borneo by creating #RainforestValue. We develop markets for rainforest products while empowering local communities and preserve the rainforest rather than cutting it down. Based in Sintang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, as PT Forestwise Wild Keepers, our mission is to #StopDeforestation and create #RainforestValue to uplift local community livelihood and keep forest standing.

This year, we are in partnership with P4G (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals) to take our business from startup to scale-up. Together with Yayasan Rimba Raya Abadi (YRRA), our project aims to preserve and protect 100,000 hectares of authentic rainforest land by 2026, while also improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and establishing a sustainable supply chain. By 2026, we aim to support 1800 local families.

To achieve our goals, one of our focuses is empowering local communities and improving their livelihood through land ownership, farmers’ education, and securing long-term contracts and conservation agreements to ensure the commitment of communities to forest preservation while enhancing their livelihoods.

Now, we are looking for experienced and dedicated Project Officers to help us support communities and achieve the project goal in areas such as land title/ownership, community education, and community engagement. 

Job Description:

The Project Officers will work under the supervision of the Project Coordinator and assist in various aspects of our projects aimed at empowering smallholder farmers and preserving forest resources in Borneo.

• Land Ownership

The objective of Land Ownership is to assess the status, requirements, and procedures for obtaining land certificates for farmers. POs will support the team in evaluating the status, requirements, and procedures for acquiring land certificates for smallholder farmers. This involves actively participating in on-the-ground assessments, gathering pertinent information, and identifying any gaps or challenges in the process. They will work closely with legal consultants to ensure adherence to compliance and legality in land ownership matters. Furthermore, they will offer assistance in research and evaluation endeavours to streamline the company’s support for farmers in obtaining land certification.

• Farmer’s Education

The aim of Farmer’s Education is to enhance farmers’ knowledge, particularly in sustainable farming practices, financial literacy, and product diversification, empowering them to support our environmental conservation mission. POs will have a pivotal role in executing educational programs centred on sustainable farming practices, financial literacy, and product diversification. They will actively participate in the training implementation process, ensuring its seamless execution. Additionally, they will oversee participant engagement and progress, contributing to monitoring and evaluation activities aimed at measuring impact and attaining set objectives.

• Farmer’s Contract and Conservation Agreement

The goal of these initiatives is to secure long-term off-take contracts, ensuring a stable market for farmers’ wild-harvested natural forest products, while also establishing robust agreements with farmers and local communities to safeguard and responsibly manage forest resources. POs will help build relationships and connections with farmers and local communities. They will assist in organising community meetings and events, guiding discussions, and building trust with everyone involved. They will also help get commitments from farmers and communities to protect forests and practice sustainability. Plus, they will support making sure everyone follows the agreements and sticks to conservation rules.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist in Land Ownership Initiatives:

• Assist Project Coordinator in on-the-ground assessments on land ownership, identifying gaps, and exploring legal options for ownership and usage.
• Support Project Coordinator and legal consultants to ensure compliance and legality in land ownership matters.
• Doing the land mapping activities related to the traceability Apps

Support Farmer’s Education Programs:.

• Support the consultant in tailoring curriculum, modules, and content to farmers’ backgrounds and needs if necessary.
• Responsible for training implementation, ensuring its seamless execution.
• Collaborate with Project Coordinators to ensure target participants are achieved.
• Conduct monitoring and evaluation in each training session.
• Step in as a trainer if necessary.

Assist in Farmer’s Contract and Conservation Agreements:

• Develop and foster relationships and engagement with registered farmers and local communities.
• Assist Project Coordinator and consultant in the establishment of agreements with farmers and local communities to safeguard and responsibly manage forest resources.
• Engage in direct communication with farmers and communities.

General Support Responsibilities:

• Provide assistance in reporting project progress, ensuring accurate and timely documentation of activities and outcomes.
• Assist in providing necessary information and insights to support reporting to donors and maintain donor relationships.
• Offer support for other activities related to farmers and local communities, as needed.
• Offer support for other activities related to the project.

Requirements:

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Social Science, or related field.
• Experience in assisting with project coordination, land titling activities, and community development
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of sustainable farming practices and agricultural extension methods.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Willingness to travel and work in rural areas.
• Good in english speaking and writing

Please send your application to info@forestwise.earth before May 10, 2024. Kindly note that only successful candidates will be contacted for the interview process.