SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. We are driven by a vision of a better world: A world where across every society all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. To make this vision a reality, we need transformations in vital agri-food, energy, and water systems. SNV contributes by strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships in these sectors. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

Building on 60 years of experience we support our partners with our technical and process expertise and methodological rigour. We do this in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia with a team of approximately 1,600 colleagues. By being adaptable and tailoring our approaches to these different contexts, we can contribute to impact at scale, resulting in more equitable lives for all.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information about SNV, please refer to our website: www.snv.org

We are currently looking for Project Field Officer, full-time, based in Palu, Central Sulawesi to support implementation of Sustainable Cocoa (Safe Scores) project.

The Project

GIZ – Mondelez International (MDLZ), and Guan Chong Berhad (GCB) are initiating a 18-months project in Central Sulawesi (Palu) to produce cocoa sustainably while preserving the ecosystem in adjacent rainforest areas. It will enable cocoa buyers to source from traceable and more reliable (deforestation-free) producing areas, securing their access to the EU market. Smallholder cocoa farmers will receive higher and diversified incomes from cocoa agroforestry, including incentives for protecting tree coverage in cocoa-forest conjunction areas, reforestation, and other environmental risk mitigation actions. Higher-income will convince them to stay in cocoa production in the long run.

MDLZ and GCB are committed to promoting long-term and inclusive business partnerships with smallholder cocoa farmers, traders, and farm service providers (e.g. nurseries and farm input providers) to ensure traceable, sustainable, and deforestation-free cocoa supply chains. Therefore, SCORES focuses on building the capacity of these local businesses and helping them create viable business models. In addition, the PES aims to provide tangible incentives to cocoa farmers and other community members residing in forest areas in reforestation efforts.

GIZ grants financial means to SNV. With this grant, GIZ finances the implementation of several activities in SNV’s responsibility. SNV will responsible to form and legally establish farmer groups using the database of farmers gathered in the previous component. The project will train group members on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Environmental Practices (GEP), with special emphasis on agroforestry practices.

Alongside training, SNV will develop and implement agroforestry pilot programs suited to the local farming conditions. The initial assessment will be conducted, specifically for non-cocoa products, to explore their suitability, needs, and market potential. To increase adoption, cocoa and non-cocoa nurseries will be developed and integrated with the development of new clone bud wood gardens. Cocoa seedlings and non-cocoa seedlings will be distributed and planted on the farm, as per GAP, GEP, and agroforestry models.

SNV also responsible to identify and choose local service providers from a group, including farmer champions, local traders, farmer organisations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and women groups. These selected individuals and organisations will receive training and support to develop a sustainable business model using SNV’s Institutional and Business Development training modules. This might involve producing high-quality and affordable cocoa seedlings using superior clones and providing inputs like fertilisers to boost productivity. The market access will also be another important aspect for these groups/entities, particularly for non-cocoa products in the agroforestry system.

The Project Field Officer works to ensure the (quality of the) service delivery to the client or user community. Executes the local delivery of the project conform advice given by the advisor(s)/ project manager and conform SNV procedures and guidelines, making sure timelines and project standards are met. Anticipates on delivery challenges to ensure service and delivery continuity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Service & process delivery

• Deliver capacity-building programs to 1,500 targeted smallholders and 90 local champions, equipping them to adopt agroforestry practices for environmental sustainability while enhancing their income resilience.
• Provide hands-on technical support to farmers and community members through field visits and demonstrations.
• Offer continuous advisory services to farmers on farm management, crop diversification, and post-harvest handling
• Guide community businesses and farmer groups in creating sustainable business models, business planning, financial management, and resource mobilization efforts.
• Enhance market skills for community organization, including developing market access, institutional empowerment, connect businesses with farmers to support on Agroforestry implementation for cocoa commodity
• Collaborate with team members to implement project plans effectively in the field.

1. Internal and external communication.

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, including government, companies, local communities, and project partners (local NGO).
• Act as a liaison between the project team and stakeholders, addressing concerns and ensuring smooth communication.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder meetings and maintain productive partnerships
• Represent SNV and actively participate in the dialogue, workshop, and meetings of the Cocoa commodity initiative at the provincial or district level.

1. Project data handling.

• Support PME activities in data collection, analyzing, and assuring data quality.
• Contribute to the report development by providing relevant data and information.

1. Process improvement

• Support the Project Coordinator in monitoring the quality-of-service delivery and effectiveness of applied methodology.

• University degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, or other relevant background.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience working with a development organization, particularly in community development, agroforestry initiatives, agribusiness, or related fields
• Having experienced in providing training to the community related to agriculture or business thematic issue
• Good representation and interpersonal skills, ability to liaise with partners and government officials
• Independent, initiative, and creative in solving problems
• Good command of spoken and written English

Contract Duration: A year with the possibility of extension

Desired start date: February 2025

Working at SNV
SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We offer a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal global network of experts. 

How to apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation before/on the 27 December 2024. 

Please submit your application only via SmartRecruiters. All information will be in the strictest confidence. We will revert to you as soon as possible when we have reviewed your application.

If we see that your experience and skills match the requirements of the position, we will contact you to advise you of the next steps in the recruitment process.

We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement.