Community Nursery Manager – aGROWforests Programme (Indonesia)

We are looking for a Community Nursery Manager to oversee the production and distribution of high-quality, climate-resilient seedlings, ensuring the successful scaling of agroforestry systems for pepper farmers in Indonesia.

About the role

As the aGROWforests for Sustainable Spices project shifts from individual farm-level adoption to a broader landscape-based approach, a reliable supply of site-appropriate seedlings is critical.

The purpose of this consultancy is to ensure sustainable, well-coordinated nursery operations. The Community Nursery Manager will guarantee the availability of high-quality seedlings (pepper, coffee, patchouli) that meet Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) standards, supporting the long-term performance of agroforestry systems in Bangka Belitung.

Project background

The aGROWforests for Sustainable Spices project is a partnership aimed at contributing to a sustainable, bio-diverse, and climate-resilient spices sector. The project targets 2,300 farmers in Bangka Belitung and Lampung to increase productivity and income through climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and agroforestry.

By the end of 2025, over 1,300 farmers have been trained, with 200 transitioning to agroforestry systems. The effectiveness of these systems depends on the availability of diverse, climate-resilient seedlings. This role addresses existing gaps in seedling supply, improves survival rates, and supports the scale-up of the pilot until 2027.

Scope of work

The Community Nursery Manager will work closely with the MUTN Manager and Spice Hub Managers. The scope includes:

1. Strategy, Planning & Standardization

• Develop and implement annual/seasonal nursery production plans for pepper and non-pepper cash crops (e.g., coffee, patchouli).
• Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for nursery operations according to GAP and Regenerative Agriculture principles.
• Manage seedling standardization processes and coordinate with local partners to support certification requirements.

2. Operations & Quality Control

• Manage daily nursery operations, including sourcing, treatment, maintenance, and infrastructure checks (soil conditions, shading, irrigation).
• Implement Quality Control (QC) procedures to ensure seedlings are healthy, pest-free, and ready for planting.
• Apply environmentally sustainable practices (efficient water use, waste management) in all operations.

3. Distribution, Monitoring & Capacity Building

• Manage seedling distribution and track post-planting survival rates in coordination with Spice Hub Managers.
• Maintain comprehensive records of germination rates, mortality, and distribution data.
• Provide hands-on training and mentoring to farmers and volunteers on nursery techniques and soil health management.

Expected deliverables

• Nursery Strategy: Annual and seasonal production plans with clear targets for priority cash crops across all Spice Hub focus areas.
• SOPs: Approved technical and management SOPs aligned with GAP and Regenerative Agriculture principles.
• Quality Control System: A functional QC system and acquired seedling certification for wider distribution.
• Operational Facilities: Fully set up and maintained nursery infrastructure in targeted Spice Hubs.
• Reporting: Monthly technical reports and consolidated impact analysis on seedling growth and survival rates.

Target audience / main users

• Farmers: Who require reliable access to diverse, high-quality seedlings.
• Spice Hub Managers: Who coordinate the distribution and planting schedules.
• Project Partners: Who rely on data regarding seedling survival and agroforestry adoption rates.

Required profile

• Experience: Proven experience in nursery management, agronomy, or forestry, particularly with spice or cash crops.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), Regenerative Agriculture, and soil health management.
• Operational Skills: Ability to manage daily field operations, infrastructure maintenance, and small operational budgets.
• Data Management: Proficiency in maintaining records, tracking survival rates, and reporting.
• Training Skills: Experience in providing hands-on training or mentoring to farmers and community groups.
• Teamwork: Ability to coordinate with cross-functional teams (MUTN Manager, Spice Hub Managers).

Proposal submission

Interested consultants (individuals or organizations) are invited to submit:

• Technical Proposal: Outlining understanding of the assignment, approach, methodology, and timeline.
• Financial Proposal: Including daily rate/fees and estimated days.
• CV/Profile: With examples of similar work or portfolio.

Selection criteria

The team will select the consultant based on a combination of criteria including relevance of experience, the understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and competitive cost packages.

If you have any questions about this ToR please contact [email protected]