Forward-looking reforestation projects: Engagement in agroforestry at an inspiring non-profit organisation in Armenia

Background and Partner Organisation

SHEN NGO is an important player, facilitator and guarantor of quality: over the past 25 years, the NGO has established the concept of organic agriculture, organic agriculture laws and national criteria for organic agriculture, as well as a Master's Degree Program in organic agriculture at the Armenian National Agrarian University.
SHEN NGO, which means „prosperous village", particularly focuses on creating vibrant communities, for example, by strengthening skills and employment, community-based organizations and agricultural cooperatives, and by improving infrastructure and market access.
Inspired by the above-mentioned successes in the field of organic farming, SHEN is now aiming to implement agroforestry projects on a larger scale - with 10-20 hectares each at 4-5 different locations in Armenia. The first very simple agroforestry plots, which were planted with trees and berry bushes, have proven to be extremely successful and are now to be further developed. The existing structures and networks of the organisations involved provide an ideal framework for expanding these projects.
SHEN is looking for an international professional to continue the ongoing agroforestry projects and to support the development and management of the planned and proposed projects. Together with the SHEN project coordinator, the aim is to realise unique agroforestry projects in Armenia and establish a new field of work for PO.
The position is located in Yerewan, headquarters of SHEN NGO, Armenia.

Job Scope

At SHEN NGO, you will contribute to the establishment, further development, implementation and management of agroforestry projects by analysing the need for further training of colleagues and strengthening their skills through creative workshops. In cooperation with universities, you will contribute to the capacity development of knowledge/skill building in agroforestry. You will contribute to the conceptualisation of innovative agroforestry projects and the development of a national and international agroforestry network.

In particular, you are responsible for the following:

• Support in planning, establishing and managing agroforestry systems, designing plots and selecting species
• Implementation of water management and erosion control concepts
• Needs analysis to strengthen the expertise of colleagues
• Conception, organisation and implementation of on-the-job training/workshops
• Designing learning materials for the adaptation of agroforestry systems
• Establishing a national and international network for the protection and restoration of forest landscapes, for example together with local partner organisations of SHEN and associations
• Supporting alliances and cooperation, e.g. for the identification of needs, including through the organisation of round tables with relevant stakeholders from science, ministries and public administration as well as civil society, e.g. non-governmental organisations
• Supporting the policy and strategy development of state actors in the areas of forests and biodiversity

Profile

• Master's degree in agriculture/horticulture/forestry or Bachelor's degree in agriculture/agriculture/forestry
• Work experience in the development and management of agroforestry projects
• Knowledge of agroforestry concepts
• Very good knowledge of English
• Intercultural communication skills and sensitivity
• Enjoy promoting colleagues through collegial counselling/workshops
• Openness for social integration into the culture of Armenia and for business

Please note that citizenship of a member state of the European Union or Switzerland is a formal requirement. In accordance with the requirements of the reintegration programme, applications from Armenian professionals from Germany may be considered.

Benefits provided by Bread for the World and Dienste in Übersee

Bread for the World provides a framework in which the professionals of Dienste in Übersee share their knowledge and skills with people of other cultures.

Supportive cooperation, mutual learning and intercultural exchange are made possible by:

• Individual preparation
• Three-year contract with benefits in accordance with the German Development Aid Workers Act
• Coaching

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Dienste in Übersee gGmbH is a 100% subsidiary of the
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with the brand Bread for the World