Agroforestry Coordinator

Background Community Climate Solutions

Community Climate Solutions is a start-up focused on developing holistic and trusted carbon offset projects that benefit both the climate as well as the rural subsistence farmers. Headquartered in Zug and Lusaka, we have a team of over 80 people and are growing rapidly, with the majority of staff permanently residing in and serving over 100’000 farmers in Zambia.

Our carbon capture model is to empower rural subsistence farmers to reduce and remove carbon emissions from their own agricultural land and its surroundings. Our interventions are centered on (i) reducing uncontrolled bush fires and (ii) restoring the Miombo ecosystem, all by equipping and incentivizing the individual farmers. These activities increase carbon storage, which we monetize on behalf of the farmers using the voluntary carbon market. Executed with our social mind set and mission, this allows us to multiply the farmers income and drastically reduce severe poverty.
Our differentiating factors are (i) focusing on direct household payment, with farmers getting paid for the amount of carbon they remove on their own fields and surrounding areas, enabling them to become self-motivated eCO2preneurs. (ii) Our projects are embedded in an existing and expanding ecosystem comprising vocational education facilities, a microfinance institution and an affordable housing provider, which ensure community payouts are multiplied and invested for generations.

Job Description

One of our key objectives for the upcoming year is to plant 2.8 million seedlings, contributing to reforestation, biodiversity restoration, and community empowerment. The Agroforestry Coordinator will oversee the operations of our tree nurseries, ensuring the production of high-quality seedlings to support our ambitious planting goals. This role requires a dynamic leader with expertise in nursery management, a passion for environmental sustainability, and strong organizational skills.

Key Responsibilities:

1.Nursery Management:

• Oversee daily operations of the nurseries, including propagation, planting, watering, and maintenance.
• Ensure optimal growing conditions to produce healthy and resilient seedlings.

2. Seedling Production:

• Develop and implement plans to achieve the production target of 2.8 million seedlings.
• Monitor and maintain seedling health, including pest and disease management.

3. Team Leadership:

• Recruit, train, and manage nursery staff, volunteers, and community members.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive working environment.

4. Resource Management:

• Manage nursery budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Coordinate the procurement of seeds, soil, tools, and other necessary materials.

5. Quality Assurance:

• Implement and maintain quality control processes for seedling production.
• Conduct regular assessments to ensure seedlings meet planting standards.

6. Collaboration and Reporting:

• Work closely with the reforestation and community engagement teams to align nursery operations with organizational goals.
• Prepare and present regular progress reports to senior management.

. Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Forestry, Environmental Science, or a related field. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
• At least 3 years of experience in nursery management or a related role.
• Proven track record in large-scale seedling production.
• Knowledge of plant propagation techniques, soil management, and pest control.
• Familiarity with sustainable and eco-friendly nursery practices.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage diverse teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Passion for environmental conservation and climate action.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines