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 Sanggau, West Kalimantan Barat, to support implementation of Sustainable Natural Rubber (Safe Rubber) project.

The Project

Rubber cultivation by smallholder farmers in West Kalimantan is characterized by low yields due to a lack of good agricultural practices and challenges in managing pests and diseases. Combined with low rubber prices in the world market, many smallholder farmers only generate low incomes with rubber cultivation. In this situation, many are (considering) shifting rubber plantations to palm oil. Sustainably managed rubber plantations tend to support higher levels of biodiversity compared to oil palm plantations and still provide habitat for various plant and animal species while requiring fewer chemical inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers, compared to oil palm cultivation. Further, the provincial government of West Kalimantan has identified natural rubber as a priority commodity to reduce economic dependencies on palm oil.

Sustainability and legality requirements mandated by national regulations and international markets (for example, through the EUDR) are challenging for many smallholder farmers, especially as rubber supply chains in Indonesia are generally more complex than those in most other rubber-producing countries. Without compliance, many smallholder farmers in the project risk losing market access.

Additionally, farmer organizations (FOs) are highlighted as crucial for enabling sustainable change among rubber smallholders. However, many farmers are not yet sufficiently organized and face challenges accessing inputs and advisory support. These FOs can serve as technical assistance and input support channels, and even business units can provide essential agricultural inputs. Strong FOs can also support their farmer members in achieving the sustainability and legality standards mentioned above by establishing operational standards in their groups. 

This project addresses the gap in traceable rubber procurement in Indonesia’s natural rubber sector, West Kalimantan (Sintang, Sanggau, and Landak districts). With the EUDR regulation coming into full force in 2024, it is observed that many Indonesian smallholder farmers are ill-equipped and might be left out of the supply chain for shipments into the EU due to their lack of understanding, training, and preparation. As such, SNV has formed a consortium with Agridence. (AGD), software as a service company that offers traceability products to enable KMG to meet the EUDR requirements while supporting the smallholders in their supply chain and beyond.

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

• Provide capacity building to the 1,000 targeted smallholders, and 50 farmer group resilient.
• Provide farmers and community members with hands-on technical support through field visits and demonstrations.
• Guide the local trainers for conducting the mapping on smallholder plantation
• 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 Agroforestry implementation
• 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 collecting, 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, Forestry, or other relevant background.
• At least three (3) years of experience working for a development organization, in particular, community development and training for rubber commodity.
• At least three (3) years of experience in providing training to the community related to agriculture or business thematic issue
• Have a spatial knowledge.
• 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 30 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.