Summary Information

·            Department: Programme/ GEF India ILM project

·            Location(s): Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, India

·            Commitment: One year

·            Desired start date and duration: 26 May 2025

·            Under the supervision of: Senior Project Manager

This ToR pertains to the RA-led GEF UNEP ILM India project “Transforming agricultural systems and strengthening local economies in high biodiversity areas of India through sustainable landscape management and public-private finance”.

As part of this project, an agroforestry component is being integrated to improve productivity, diversify farm income, and restore degraded landscapes. An experienced Agroforestry Consultant is required to design, advise on, and support the implementation of context-appropriate agroforestry systems.

Project Overview

The project seeks to address two critical challenges that have a negative impact on India’s environmental health and the well-being of its people: land degradation and the loss of biodiversity. Land degradation, defined as the deterioration or loss of the productive capacity of the soil, leads to food insecurity, higher food prices, climate change, environmental hazards, and the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. It is estimated that 27.77% of India’s total geographical area has been degraded as of 2015-16. Biological diversity underpins the ecosystem goods and services that sustain human societies and generates considerable socio-economic value through the provision of goods such as food, water, and services such as climate regulation, pollination, disaster protection, and nutrient cycling. The Government of India is a signatory to all the major biodiversity and land degradation treaties and conventions. It is committed to restoring twenty-six million hectares of degraded land by 2030, including through sustainable agriculture. The project aims at enabling sustainable agricultural production systems, participatory land use management, and responsible supply chains to reverse the process of land degradation and conserve biodiversity.

In addition to building the skills and knowledge of small farmers, it will harness policy development, market demand, and public-private investment to make sustainable land management (SLM) economically viable. At the farm level, there are two main SLM practices endorsed under this project: The first is based on the RA-SAS in Karnataka (KA). The second is based on the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF).

Position Summary:

The Rainforest Alliance is seeking a highly experienced and professional agroforestry expert to guide and advise the project team in designing agroforestry models to enhance biodiversity in the project landscapes. Key objectives of the position include:

·       Assess the agroecological and socio-economic conditions of the project area.

·       Develop context-specific agroforestry models and management plans.

·       Build local capacity for agroforestry planning, implementation, and maintenance.

·       Provide technical support and quality assurance during implementation.

·       Contribute to the monitoring, evaluation, and documentation of agroforestry outcomes

Key responsibility/ Scope of Service:

The consultant’s responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to:

Baseline assessment:

·       Review and scope out the land use patterns, soil conditions, climate, water resources, biodiversity, and socio-economic aspects.

·       Identify opportunities and constraints for agroforestry.

Agroforestry system design:

·       Recommend suitable tree, shrub, and crop species combinations.

·       Design agroforestry models (e.g., alley cropping, silvopasture, food forests, boundary planting, home gardens) tailored to site conditions and farmer needs.

·       Integrate soil and water conservation measures.

Implementation planning:

·       Support the team in developing planting plans, management guidelines, and maintenance protocols.

·       Identify input needs (seedlings, tools, soil amendments) and prepare a cost estimate.

Capacity building:

·       Support the team and provide technical inputs in developing training materials and conducting workshops for project staff, farmers, and local stakeholders on agroforestry practices. The role is primarily to advise the project team.

Technical supervision:

·       Advise during nursery establishment, planting, and early establishment phases.

·       Conduct periodic site visits and provide troubleshooting support.

Recommendations:

·       Support in developing simple monitoring indicators for survival rates, growth performance, and farmer uptake.

·       Provide technical recommendations for adaptive management.

Qualifications:

·       Advanced degree in agroforestry, environmental science, forestry, agronomy, or a related field.

·       Minimum 25 years of experience in designing and implementing agroforestry systems, particularly in [region or similar agroecological zones].

·       Familiarity with participatory approaches and local farming systems.

·       Strong communication, facilitation, and training skills

Deliverables and Expectations:

 The consultant is expected to:

·       Conduct thorough site and community assessments
Understand the local agroecological conditions, land use, farming practices, and farmer needs.

·       Design practical and context-appropriate agroforestry models
Provide designs that are climate-resilient, economically viable, and socially acceptable.

·       Collaborate effectively with stakeholders
Work closely with project teams, government agencies, local leaders, farmers, and implementing partners.

·       Build capacity and transfer knowledge
Equip project staff and farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to establish and manage agroforestry systems.

·       Provide technical backstopping during implementation
Ensure that planting, maintenance, and monitoring follow best practices.

·       Document lessons learned and provide actionable recommendations
Help the project adapt and improve based on field experience.

The consultant shall deliver the following outputs:

1. Baseline / Site Assessment Report

   • Description of current land use, ecological conditions, farmer practices, and opportunities/constraints for agroforestry.

2. Agroforestry Design Package

   • Recommended species list (trees, shrubs, crops, grasses)

   • Planting models and site characterization

   • Management and maintenance guidelines

3. Implementation Plan and Inputs List

   • Schedule for planting and maintenance

   • Required seedlings, materials, and labor

   • Estimated costs

4. Training and Capacity Building Materials – technical input

   • Farmer-friendly guides or handouts

   • Workshop agendas, presentations, and training reports

Donor Requirements:

-        The contract is initially for one year only.

-        Deadline to apply: Apply within 7 days of publication of the advertisement.

Thank you for your interest in working with The Rainforest Alliance.