Tree Monitors

Title: Tree Monitors

Reports to: MEALs Officer -ULN

Job Location(s): Lyantonde, Sembabule, Mubende, Kassanda and Kiboga.

Vacancies: Ten (10) Position, 2 Per District

About ULN:

Uganda Landcare Network (ULN) is an association of individuals and institutions committed to the principles, philosophy and practice of Landcare in Uganda. ULN is registered as a trustee and a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to champion Landcare activities nationwide.

Project Background:

Restore Africa is a 5-year program funded by Climate Asset Management (CAM) through the Global Evergreening Alliance (GEA). The program covers six Eastern and Southern African countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. In Uganda, the program is implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) as the lead in partnership with CARE International, The Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST), CIFOR-ICRAF, Uganda Landcare Network (ULN), World Vision Uganda, Caritas Moroto, Caritas Tororo, Caritas Hoima and Caritas Fort Portal. The project aims at restoring 560,000ha of degraded landscapes by planting 25 million trees in 34 districts in the West Afromontane, Mt. Elgon, and parts of the Karamoja regions through transformational land restoration, regeneration, and carbon sequestration, contributing to improved food security and diversified livelihoods and increased resilience to climate extremes for 352,500 smallholder farming households.

ULN is specifically implementing the RESAf project within the Pastoral rangelands of mid-western Uganda covering the districts of Lyantonde, Sembabule, Mubende, Kassanda and Kiboga. The ULN targets include growing 4,005,000 trees in restoring up 89,000 hectares of degraded landscapes, to benefit about 56,033 households by close of 2027.

Job Summary:

ULN is recruiting Tree Monitors to be in charge of mapping land committed to tree planting totalling 89.000 hectares in 5 districts in the cattle corridor; tagging 4,005,000 trees planted under Resaf across implementation sites also monitoring their tree growth; and ever greening practices that enhance tree permanence.    This is to ensure the project targets are met within the set timelines specifically working within an MRV system and tree monitors using a Tree planting and Area Locator (TPAL).

A tree monitor will undertake the following but not limited to:

• Mapping all modelling unit boundaries (tree planting sites) for all farmers enrolled into the project. This should be for all implementation practices (Agro-Forestry Perennial/annual, Silvo-Pastoral, Woodlots, Boundary and Riparian Buffer). This will provide an indication of where all the trees will be planted.
• Using the census-based approach, tag (and count) all trees planted under agro-forestry systems and boundaries
• Using area-based approach, count the number of all tree species planted under silvo-pastoral systems (FMNR/ANR), woodlot and riparian buffer.
• Support in technical monitoring such as correct spacing, correct planting including pitting, suitability of species,
• Closely monitor if there are invasive tree species and report for support
• Provide extension advice to farmer households on tree management during mapping and tagging exercises.
• Provide extension advice to farmer households on tree management during mapping and tagging exercises
• Conduct annual monitoring of tree management practices and report on survival rates. Track tree growth & health over time, management practices such as pruning, thinning, fire control, pest & disease control, safety of trees on farm.
• Support in the mobilization of farmers and community leaders on RESAf activities where need be.
• Support in site verification for tree growing, can include the 10yr deforestation rule and other quality parameters for the project
• Support with data entry work
• Prepare and submit monthly reports including feedback through the FCRM mechanism

1. Deliverables for tree monitors and other administrative support:

This a service-based assignment, and therefore tree monitors will be paid based on deliverables clearly defined and monitored on daily basis as follows:

• 15 hectares mapped per day for Agro-forestry and FMNR/Woodlot/Silvo-Pastoral
• 10 farms mapped for boundary systems per day
• A minimum of 500 trees per day (agro-forestry and boundary)
• For Woodlot/FMNR/Silvo-pastoral, count and record tree species on a minimum of 10 sites per day
• For monitoring household visits, a minimum of 6 households visited, with documented evidence of issues discussed or addressed with the household using a defined monitoring tool
• For on-farm visits to monitor management practices, at least 6 farms visited per day including observing and recording tree management practices on the farm (data should be synced and checked on the system)
• Any other duties assigned

2. Operation areas and number of positions required

Uganda Landcare Network (ULN) is specifically partnering with CRS to implement the RESAf project within the Pastoral rangelands of mid-western Uganda covering the districts of Lyantonde, Sembabule, Mubende, Kassanda and Kiboga. The ULN restoration total targets include growing 4,005,000 trees in restoring up 89,000 hectares of degraded landscapes, to benefit about 56,033 households by close of 2027. ULN is therefore recruiting up to 10 tree monitors to work in its areas of jurisdiction.

3. Minimum qualifications and experience of tree monitors:

• A minimum of a certificate in forestry or Agroforestry from a reputable institution
• Demonstrated experience working in tree growing or landscape management/restoration projects
• Demonstrated ability to communicate efficiently with the communities in English and the local language, applicants should be knowledgeable of the local language spoken by communities in the areas of implementation
• Applicants should be familiar with the local context and areas of implementation for easy monitoring and outreach
• Proficiency in computer use and related data collection tools/applications
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of tree species, suitability to planting areas, some management practices and uses
• Candidates should be minimum of 18years of age
• Able to ride a motorcycle, should have a valid Class A riding permit.
• Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Please send the CV and Application to info@ugandalandcare.org