Konservasi Indonesia is a national foundation established to support sustainable development in the country. We are the main partner of Conservation International in Indonesia. For more information, please visit: www.konservasi-id.org
We envision a healthy and prosperous Indonesia where biodiversity is valued and preserved. With offices and project sites across Indonesia, we promote a sustainable landscape-seascape approach and establish partnerships with multiple stakeholders across sectors and jurisdictions to deliver lasting impacts for people and nature in Indonesia.
As we are constantly expanding, we are currently hiring to fill the following position for our office in Tapanuli Selatan:
Senior Officer Livelihood
(Code: SOL)
Konservasi Indonesia (KI) is seeking an experienced and self-motivated individual for Senior Officer Livelihood to implement the Sustainable Production Program of Konservasi Indonesia in North Sumatra, specifically by promoting best sustainable practices for various local commodities to farmers in North Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, and Madina. This includes preparing all activities for Farmer Field Schools for GAP, P&C Certification, Regenerative Agriculture, and institutional support as well as supporting the development of Association enterprises such as compost production. The role involves assessing prospective farmers, forming Farmer Groups, and Palm Oil Farmer Associations for ISPO and RSPO certification, both for palm oil and other key commodities.
This position will be responsible to build a farmer database with accurate data, develop work plans, and report progress to the Field Program Manager monthly. In addition to the relevant palm oil commodities, this position will also be involved in all conservation activities along the riverbanks in the independent farmer plantations in South Tapanuli, and will participate in sustainable production programs for coffee, cocoa, rubber, and other potential commodities.
The Senior Officer Livelihood supports smallholder associations and their boards to ensure efficient operations, SOP compliance, and audit readiness while fostering organizational growth. It facilitates farmer group operations, partner relations, and FOKSBI program implementation to achieve South Tapanuli’s Sustainable Palm Oil Action Plan. The role includes data collection, sustainable livelihoods program management, stakeholder engagement, and manage the implementation of sustainable livelihoods and green economy sector activities on the ground. The position is based in South Tapanuli, report directly to Senior NS Field Program Manager and collaborate with KI’s Medan and Jakarta teams.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Promote sustainable farming practices:
- Conduct program orientation sessions with association leaders for farmer groups on Regenerative Agriculture training for palm oil and gain community and stakeholder support at village and district levels.
- Organize ToT sessions on Regenerative Agriculture for local Agricultural Extension Officers (PPL), NGOs, and selected farmers.
- Conduct FFS on Regenerative Agriculture, GAP refreshers for palm oil, and RSPO/ISPO criteria, collaborating with local PPL/NGOs as facilitators and monitoring GAP-Reg Agri implementation.
- Responsible for creating Regenerative Agriculture demonstration plots for palm oil in strategically selected areas as examples for the public. Additionally, support the development and management of association business units, such as compost production units, including planning and operations.
Organize and support farmer groups:
- Identify independent palm oil farmer association members for Regenerative Agriculture training, secure their participation, and conduct additional training such as GAP refreshers, P&C RSPO, and business development.
- Provide training and guidance to association management on leadership, organizational management, annual work plan development, bookkeeping, financial management, monitoring, internal control, and RSPO criteria.
- Oversee regular operations of Association Managers/Advisors and administrative/financial personnel in managing the association’s business.
Manage data and progress reporting:
- Develop work plans and training curricula for Regenerative Agriculture, preparing necessary materials to train farmers and enhance the economic status of target areas based on assessments.
- Update HCV/HCS reports for the association as new farmers join and monitor conservation activities, including riverbank protection from agrochemical pollution and tree planting in degraded areas.
- Prepares technical reports on a regular basis and as necessary the policy technical reports and paper works.
Facilitate Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships:
- Collaborate with association executives to conduct internal audits, ensuring document completeness, database updates, and field audits for RSPO criteria compliance. Prepare internal audit reports for external audits.
- Work with Certification Bodies to facilitate external audits, manage administrative and field audits, and address corrective actions promptly if issues arise.
- Establish partnerships with local governments bodies, Coordinator BPP, PPL and FOKSBI Tapsel.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor degree preferred in Agriculture, Forestry, Biology or natural resources management related science or candidates with technical experiences in the palm oil, rubber, cocoa, coffee with 2 – 4 years of experience on Oil Palm plantation and RSPO/ISPO certification for smallholder.
- Having a successful track record of working with independent oil palm farmer associations to achieve RSPO/ISPO certification, as well as a deep understanding and capability to implement RSPO and ISPO Principles & Criteria (P&C). Possess knowledge and experience in the implementation of regenerative agriculture practices for oil palm plantations and commercial compost production.
- Understanding of Sustainable Production approach issues at regional level including knowledge of community livelihood and community-led conservation issues.
- Experiencies on community development and implemented Farmer Field School .
- Ability to work and communication effectively in cross-cultural situations with a wide range of people in both the public.
- Flair for diplomacy; negotiation, mediation, conflict resolution, negotiating, develop networking and multi-stockholder facilitation skills.
- Proven record of success as part of interdisciplinary conservation project teams and self-motivated with the drive and determination to succeed.
- Excellent communication skills in local language, Bahasa Indonesia and English.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Experienced in collaborating with the Plantation Agency, Plasma Palm Oil Plantations, Cooperatives or Independent Palm Oil Farmer Associations, or NGOs with environmental and sustainable production programs.
- Demonstrated and proven commitment to protection and conservation of natural resources.
- Demonstrated and proven ability to produce tangible results, prioritize tasks and develop timelines for project completion work independently, ability to complete tasks in a timely fashion, defining goals and deliverables, and delivering products.
- Ability contribute to the efficient and effective operation of the project and to positively influence the team work and to adapt to changes in work load and positively influence the project team and able to work under pressure and with multiple deadlines.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Duty station will be in Madinah/Tapes/Taput/ districts. Work will be required to travel and work long hours, including work in arduous field conditions, often to remote areas and work weekends and after hours as needed.
- Cultural life will vary North Sumatra, where the incumbent is required to be capable of being tolerant and respectful to the respective cultural life.
Please send your current resume and cover letter (no more than 4 pages) to:
indonesia.hrd@konservasi-id.org
Please fill the “subject” column of the e-mail with this format:
< SOL > – < your name >
Closing date for the application is Feb 24, 2025
(Only short-listed candidates will be notified).
