Sustainable Livelihoods Manager

APPLY at: https://eden-projects.rippling-ats.com/job/973599/sustainable-livelihoods-manager-tz-nationals-only

Reports to: Program Director 
Department: Programs 
Position classification: Full-time  
Location: Lumuma, Kilosa District / Mbuga, Mpwapwa District (Rubeho Mountains Project Area) 
Employment type: LOCAL NATIONALS ONLY, preferably from Mpwapwa, Lumuma, Dodoma, or Morogoro; employment is through Compassionate Carbon Tanzania (Tanzanian-registered affiliate of Eden: People+Planet) 

Company Information 

Compassionate Carbon Tanzania Ltd is a mission-driven organization launched by Compassionate Carbon LLC and Eden: People+Planet (Eden). Specializing in developing and implementing landscape-scale forest carbon projects through Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), we collaborate with local communities to restore landscapes, create jobs, protect ecosystems, and mitigate climate change.  

Our projects integrate nature-based solutions to help meet global emissions targets while ensuring community ownership and long-term sustainability. The Rubeho Mountains Carbon Project, a significant initiative in Tanzania, focuses on native forest restoration and community-based conservation efforts. 

Position Summary 

The Sustainable Livelihoods Manager will guide the design and implementation of community livelihood initiatives within Compassionate Carbon Tanzania’s forest carbon projects. The role focuses primarily on sustainable agriculture while also overseeing other livelihood programs that improve community resilience, income, and wellbeing. Working closely with local communities and partners, the Sustainable Livelihoods Manager ensures that all interventions are socially-inclusive, environmentally sound, and aligned with the project’s carbon sequestration and biodiversity goals. The role will also lead FPIC (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent) processes and documentation to ensure full community participation and ownership throughout project  

Essential Responsibilities 

• Livelihoods Program Design and Planning
  • Lead the design of sustainable livelihood strategies and complement ARR and REDD+ project objectives.
  • Develop and oversee sustainable agricultural programs focusing on climate-smart and conservation/regenerative farming practices that enhance carbon benefits and ecosystem restoration.
  • Identify and support additional livelihood opportunities such as agroforestry, non-timber forest products, beekeeping, or eco-enterprises that promote community income diversification.
  • Conduct participatory assessments with communities to identify needs, priorities, and opportunities for sustainable livelihood development.
  • Prepare work plans and budgets for livelihoods activities, ensuring they integrate both scientific and community knowledge.
• FPIC Processes and Community Engagement
  • Lead the FPIC process for all livelihood interventions, ensuring full participation, transparency, and documentation at every stage. Facilitate community consultations and dialogues with local leaders, farmer groups, and other stakeholders to secure informed consent and strengthen trust.
  • Maintain comprehensive FPIC records in alignment with carbon and donor standards.
  • Serve as the main focal point for community development matters within the project, ensuring feedback and inclusion throughout the implementation.
• Implementation of Sustainable Agricultural and Livelihoods Initiatives
  • Oversee field implementation of agricultural and other livelihood programs, ensuring quality delivery and timely progress.
  • Support adoption of regenerative practices such as conservation farming, soil health management, agroforestry, and improved water use efficiency.
  • Coordinate with partners, cooperatives, and extension services to deliver technical support and inputs effectively.
  • Supervise demonstration plots and farmer learning activities to encourage adoption and peer-to-peer learning.
• Capacity Building and Technical Support
  • Provide technical guidance to project and community teams on sustainable agriculture and livelihood approaches.
  • Develop and deliver training programs and materials that are participatory, inclusive, and culturally-appropriate.
  • Strengthen local governance and community structures to sustain livelihood benefits beyond the project lifespan.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
  • Work with MEAL and MRV teams to develop indicators and methods for tracking livelihood and agricultural outcomes.
  • Monitor adoption, productivity, and social outcomes of livelihoods interventions.
  • Contribute livelihood and agriculture data for carbon certification and donor reporting.
  • Prepare clear, timely progress reports, success stories, and lessons learned.
• Partnership and Stakeholder Coordination
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with government institutions, agricultural research bodies, NGOs, and private sector partners.
  • Ensure coordination of livelihood activities with other community development and restoration efforts within the project landscape.
  • Represent Compassionate Carbon Tanzania’s in stakeholder forums and partnership meetings.
• Project and Resource Management
  • Manage day-to-day operations of livelihood and agricultural subprojects, ensuring activities are delivered on time and within budget.
  • Supervise field teams and consultants with clear objectives and performance oversight.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards, as well as donor requirements.
  • Support proposal writing and resource mobilization for livelihood and community development initiatives.
• Research, Learning, and Innovation
  • Stay updated on research and best practices in sustainable livelihoods, regenerative agriculture, and nature-based solutions.
  • Identify and pilot innovative livelihood models and technologies that strengthen community resilience and carbon outcomes.
  • Capture and share learning, integrating traditional and scientific knowledge across project teams.
• Other duties as assigned

Education + Work Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development, or a related field (Masters degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years (preferably more) experience in implementing and managing community-based livelihood or agricultural programs
• Demonstrated experience leading FPIC processes and working with rural communities in participatory ways.

Skills + Abilities  

• Models the Eden Ethos in all professional interactions, demonstrating a commitment to the organization's values, vision, and conduct standards.
• Strong knowledge of climate-smart agriculture, regenerative farming, and nature-based solutions.
• Proven ability to manage multi-stakeholder projects and partnerships.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and reporting skills in English and Kiswahili.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with different cultures. Can work well with local communities and indigenous groups, and handle relationships with government, donors, and community leaders.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to various audiences and produce high-quality technical documentation.
• Demonstrates strong listening and negotiation abilities to encourage productive teamwork and address the needs of different stakeholders.
• Commitment to community empowerment, gender inclusion, and environmental integrity.
• Proficient in standard office-related software and communications programs, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities, ensuring effective prioritization and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to work independently, as well as effectively as part of diverse teams and stakeholders.

Work Conditions 

• Work Environment: The position involves both office and field-based tasks. Fieldwork occurs in rural villages and agricultural areas, with varying weather conditions such as heat and humidity. Responsibilities may include interacting with community members and field staff, and walking across uneven terrain like hillsides, degraded land, or dense vegetation during landscape assessments and supervision. Office amenities include standard desk space, a computer, and internet access; field facilities may be basic.
• Work schedule: The typical workweek is 40 hours with core hours based on the local office hours scheduled. Flexibility is required due to community work, including occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends for meetings or fieldwork. Adjustments are planned where possible to flex working schedules. While a standard schedule is aimed for, adaptability to project needs and agricultural cycles is essential.
• Physical Requirements: The role requires moderate fitness for frequent fieldwork, including walking long distances on rough terrain, standing for extended periods, demonstrating farming techniques, marking plots, and carrying equipment or materials weighing 10-20 kg. Must tolerate various climates. Office tasks require standard abilities such as computer work and attending meetings. These requirements will be met with or without reasonable accommodation, CCT is committed to providing necessary support to enable all individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Travel: Significant domestic travel to rural project sites, often requiring challenging logistics and occasional overnight field stays. May require infrequent international travel for meetings or workshops.
• Safety + Special Conditions: Adherence to all applicable safety protocols and alignment of activities with established environmental and social safeguards. Preference given to qualified candidates who possess valid (unsponsored) legal authorization to reside and work in Tanzania. candidates must have legal authorization to live and work in Tanzania; Eden is unable to sponsor work visas.

Compassionate Carbon Tanzania is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. 

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Responsibilities may evolve and change over time based on organizational needs, programmatic priorities, and/or reasonable accommodation. 

Safeguarding: Compassionate Carbon Tanzania holds strict safeguarding principles and does not tolerate behaviors that harm others, including sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and other injustices. Employees are expected to abide by Compassionate Carbon’s Safeguarding and compliance policies. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection, and hiring criteria, subject to a thorough background, police clearance, and reference check process.   

Compensation: Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Compassionate Carbon provides a competitive benefits package including annual leave, health insurance, and contributions to statutory funds.