Institutional Collaboration & Coordination Specialist – aGROWforests Programme (Indonesia)

We are looking for an Institutional Collaboration & Coordination Specialist to bridge the gap between the aGROWforests programme, government bodies, and private sector partners, ensuring regulatory alignment and strong institutional support for sustainable spice landscapes in Indonesia.

About the role

As the aGROWforests for Sustainable Spices project expands from farm-level interventions to a landscape-based approach, success depends on strong alignment with local regulations, spatial planning policies, and government development goals.

The purpose of this consultancy is to facilitate high-level coordination. The Specialist will build and maintain strategic relationships with government institutions (national and regional), private sector partners, and civil society, ensuring that the project's agroforestry and "Spice Hub" models are institutionalized and supported by local policy frameworks.

Project background

The aGROWforests for Sustainable Spices project is a partnership aimed at creating a sustainable, bio-diverse, and climate-resilient spice 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. To ensure the long-term sustainability of these efforts beyond the project lifecycle (2027), the project requires a dedicated specialist to formalize partnerships, secure government buy-in for landscape management, and facilitate the legal framework for multi-stakeholder cooperatives.

Scope of work

The Specialist will work closely with the Project Coordinator and MUTN Manager. The scope includes:

1. Government & Stakeholder Relations

• Act as the primary focal point for coordination with government agencies (e.g., Dinas Pertanian, Bappeda, KLHK) at district and provincial levels.
• Facilitate regular multi-stakeholder forums to align project activities with regional development plans (RPJMD) and spatial planning regulations.
• Identify and mitigate institutional bottlenecks hindering the adoption of agroforestry at the landscape level.

2. Institutional Framework & Formalization

• Lead the legal and administrative process for formalizing partnerships, including drafting and reviewing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Cooperation Agreements (PKS).
• Support the MUTN Manager in establishing the legal governance structures for "Spice Hubs" and multi-stakeholder cooperatives.
• Ensure all project activities comply with relevant Indonesian laws and regulations regarding agriculture and land use.

3. Policy Advocacy & Knowledge Exchange

• Analyze relevant policies to identify opportunities where aGROWforests can contribute to or influence local regulations (e.g., on sustainable land use or carbon trading).
• Organize high-level policy dialogues and dissemination events to showcase project successes to decision-makers.
• Bridge communication between technical teams (Geospatial/Nursery) and policymakers to translate data into policy recommendations.

Expected deliverables

• Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement Strategy: A comprehensive map of key actors and a strategic plan for engagement.
• Formal Agreements: Signed MoUs, LoIs, or Cooperation Agreements with key government bodies and partners.
• Policy Briefs: Concise documents summarizing project lessons and policy recommendations for government stakeholders.
• Multi-Stakeholder Forums: Successfully organized coordination meetings with documented minutes and action plans.
• Legal Governance Support: Completed legal registration or documentation for project-supported cooperatives/entities.

Target audience / main users

• Government Agencies: Who need to align project outcomes with public goals.
• Project Consortium: Who require legal certainty and institutional support.
• Farmer Cooperatives: Who need assistance with legal formalization and advocacy.

Required profile

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Political Science, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5–7 years in institutional relations, government liaison, or partnership management within the development/NGO sector.
• Network: Strong existing network with relevant government institutions in Indonesia (experience in Bangka Belitung/Lampung is a major asset).
• Legal Skills: Experience in drafting MoUs, agreements, and understanding Indonesian agrarian/environmental law.
• Communication: Excellent negotiation, facilitation, and diplomacy skills.
• Languages: Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia (native level preferred for government interaction) and professional English.

Proposal submission

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

• Technical Proposal: Outlining approach to stakeholder engagement and timeline.
• Financial Proposal: Including daily rate/fees and estimated days.
• CV/Profile: Highlighting experience with government collaborations.

Selection criteria

The team will select the consultant based on the strength of their network, understanding of the regulatory landscape, proposed methodology, and competitive cost packages.

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