Project Coordinator (Cocoa Project)

Job Summary:

At the Rainforest Alliance, we are building an alliance to create a better future for people and nature by making responsible business the new normal. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of a cocoa project that promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and agroforestry systems. The role requires close collaboration with stakeholders, including farmers, cooperatives, government agencies, and partner organizations, to enhance cocoa productivity, sustainability, and farmer livelihoods while preserving biodiversity.

The objective of this project is to enhance the knowledge, skills, and capacities of 1,000 smallholder cocoa farmers in Poso to adopt Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices. By providing training, technical support, and access to sustainable farming inputs, the project aims to increase cocoa yields, improve environmental sustainability, and promote the adoption of agroforestry models. Ultimately, the project seeks to build resilient farming communities that are better prepared to navigate the challenges posed by climate change while contributing to long-term sustainability in the cocoa sector. The project will be implemented in Poso, specifically in the sub-districts (kecamatan) of Lore Peore, Lore Utara, and Lore Timur.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning and Management

• Develop detailed project work plans, budgets, and timelines in alignment with organizational goals.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to define objectives, activities, and results.
• Ensure the project complies with donor requirements and organizational standards.

Implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

• Organize and conduct training sessions for cocoa farmers on GAP, including pest management, pruning, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Support farmers in adopting GAP techniques to improve cocoa yield and quality.
• Promote the use of sustainable farming inputs and organic practices where feasible.

Promotion of Agroforestry Systems

• Guide farmers in designing and implementing agroforestry systems suitable for cocoa cultivation.
• Collaborate with agronomists and environmental experts to introduce suitable shade tree species.
• Monitor the integration of agroforestry practices to ensure ecological and economic benefits.

Stakeholder Engagement, Capacity Building, Communication and Advocacy

• Build relationships with farmers, cooperatives, local government, NGOs, and private sector partners.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and cross-learning among stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance and mentorship to field staff and farmer groups.
• To highlight project achievements, prepare communication materials, including case studies, newsletters, and press releases.
• Represent the project at conferences, workshops, and community events.
• Advocate for policies that support sustainable cocoa farming and agroforestry practices.

Financial and Administration

• Prepare project budgets, ensuring alignment with funding guidelines and project goals.
• Track expenditures and ensure financial accountability, submitting timely reports to the finance department and donors.
• Collaborate with the finance team to conduct audits and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date project documentation, including reports, contracts, and meeting minutes.
• Manage procurement processes for project materials and services in compliance with organizational policies.
• Monitor and evaluate project progress, preparing periodic progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

• Conduct field assessments to gather data and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop M&E tools to track project progress, including adoption rates of GAP and agroforestry practices.
• Collect and analyze data on project performance and impact.
• Prepare detailed and periodic technical and financial reports for donors and stakeholders, ensuring timely submission.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience in agriculture, Agroforestry, Environmental Science, Project Management, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability (3-5 years) coordinating agricultural or sustainability projects, preferably in the cocoa sector.
• Experience handling project budgets and administration.
• Strong knowledge of GAP, agroforestry practices, and sustainable cocoa farming.
• Proficiency in project management tools and techniques.
• Financial literacy, including budget preparation and expense tracking.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities and problem-solving and decision-making skills under strict timelines.
  

Languages and Technical Tools

• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required.
• Knowledge of local languages is an asset.
• Reasonable understanding of computer programs for reporting purposes (MS Office and Internet).

Job Level: 6

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Deadline: 14 March 2025

Notes: Preferred candidates are those who reside in the Poso (Indonesia) area or are willing to be assigned to the project location.

If you have any questions about the job vacancy, please contact the HR department: recruitment@ra.org

The Rainforest Alliance encourages diversity and inclusion across the global organization. With this commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ages, disability and any other protected group.