Agroforestry Innovations Specialist

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

One Acre Fund supports smallholder farmers through agricultural inputs, tree seedlings, credit, agronomic training and related services designed to improve productivity, incomes and resilience. Its Nigeria programme operates from Minna and delivers agricultural, retail and agroforestry services.

JOB DETAILS

Job Title: Agroforestry Innovations Specialist

Organisation: One Acre Fund

Location: Bauchi, Nigeria

Career Level: Professional

Minimum Experience: 3+ years

Education: University degree in Agriculture, Forestry, Development Studies, Environmental Science or a related field

Preferred Start Date: As soon as possible

Application Deadline: August 31, 2026

ROLE PURPOSE

The Agroforestry Innovations Specialist will design, test and scale agricultural and forestry innovations that improve One Acre Fund’s tree programmes and farmer outcomes. The position will lead operational trials, strengthen field execution, improve farmer adoption, coordinate cross-functional work and build the capacity of programme teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Trial Design and Analysis

• Design and plan operational trials covering seedling production, planting methods and seedling survival.
• Lead site-specific species-matching exercises to support appropriate production and planting decisions.
• Define trial objectives, protocols and data-collection plans with relevant innovation teams.
• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets and KPI trackers for trial implementation.
• Analyse trial results and translate findings into recommendations for programme strategy and species selection.
• Maintain the Trees Product Portfolio Strategy and apply validation processes before new species are introduced.

Field Execution and Risk Management

• Oversee programme rollout across operational regions and monitor timelines and quality standards.
• Work with programme teams to identify field constraints and support delivery of state-level objectives.
• Conduct regular field visits to engage farmers and frontline teams, resolve operational issues and improve programme delivery.
• Lead seed-aggregation trials and other scale initiatives that reduce operational risks.
• Maintain the Trees risk map and coordinate the identification and mitigation of emerging risks.

Farmer Experience and Behaviour Change

• Lead social and behaviour change communication activities that improve planting practices and adoption.
• Conduct field assessments to understand farmer experience and programme outcomes.
• Test and refine training, tools, engagement approaches and incentives that strengthen tree planting, survival and farmer satisfaction.

Collaboration, Training and Team Leadership

• Coordinate with market-access, business-innovation, impact-innovation and other programme teams.
• Support initiatives involving nursery practices, new tree species, distribution models and farmer education.
• Develop and deliver training for field teams and strengthen consistent implementation across regions.
• Support recruitment, establish team goals, monitor performance and provide timely feedback.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education:

• University degree in Agriculture, Forestry, Development Studies, Environmental Science or a related discipline.

Required Experience:

• At least three years of relevant professional experience, including experience leading teams.
• Demonstrated experience designing and scaling forestry or agronomy trials, pilots and innovation programmes.
• Practical knowledge of nursery management, climate-smart agroforestry and pest and disease control.
• Experience monitoring, analysing and reporting trial results.
• Experience developing and scaling sustainable farmer or nursery models.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in complex rural settings.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Agroforestry; forestry and agronomy trials; research and development; nursery management; climate-smart agriculture; data collection and analysis; monitoring and reporting; programme scaling; project planning; budgeting; KPI tracking; field management; SBCC; farmer engagement; risk management; staff training; team leadership; and cross-functional collaboration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The duty station is Bauchi, Nigeria. The position is open only to Nigerian citizens or permanent residents. One Acre Fund lists health insurance and paid time off among the benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified applicants should review the complete requirements and submit their application through One Acre Fund’s official recruitment page using the application link provided. The official online application form has been tested and is active. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the vacancy may be filled before the closing date.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

August 31, 2026

DISCLAIMER

NGO Career Link is not the recruiting organization and does not influence the selection process. Applicants should never pay anyone for recruitment or employment.