Regenerative Community Expert – aGROWforests Project

We are looking for a Regenerative Community Expert to design and guide the conceptual framework and social implementation of the aGROWforests programme, fostering worldview transformation , strengthening social capital through ethical livelihoods , and ensuring inclusive community participation in landscape-based agroforestry.

About the role

Transitioning to regenerative agriculture is not just a technical challenge; it is a fundamental shift in worldview and community ethics. As the aGROWforests for Sustainable Spices project shifts to a landscape approach, we need to ensure that farmer communities are socially cohesive, resilient, and motivated to adopt long-term sustainable practices based on ethical livelihoods.

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide the conceptual framework and methodology for community mobilization. The Expert will guide field teams in building strong farmer organizations, facilitating behavior change, and integrating local/traditional wisdom with regenerative agroecological principles.

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 (30% women, 15% youth) 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 sustain these achievements, the project requires a deeper focus on the "human component"—building the social resilience and conceptual worldview required for communities to manage landscapes collectively and resolve resource conflicts effectively.

Scope of work

The Expert will provide high-level conceptual guidance to the Project Coordinator and Spice Hub Managers. The scope includes:

1. Social Strategy & Worldview Transformation

• Develop a comprehensive Community Engagement Strategy that facilitates the mindset shift towards regenerative stewardship and ethical livelihoods.

• Design educational approaches to encourage the adoption of agroecology, permaculture, and biodiversity conservation within the community's cultural context.

• Conduct social mapping to identify local champions, traditional knowledge keepers, and community dynamics within target landscapes.

2. Strengthening Social Capital & Ethical Governance

• Create modules and guidelines for strengthening farmer groups, focusing on mutual assistance, conflict resolution, and internal governance based on traditional/local economic wisdom (e.g., Gift Economy or Mu'amalah frameworks).

• Advise on the structural and operational framework of the "Spice Hub" model to ensure it operates as an equitable, community-driven institution.

3. Inclusivity & Traditional Knowledge Integration

• Ensure the integration of inclusive community-building practices across all project activities.

• Document and strictly integrate indigenous knowledge, traditional ethics of livelihoods, and local wisdom regarding land management into the project's technical and social recommendations.

• Develop mechanisms for benefit-sharing within community groups to ensure fair distribution of economic gains based on equitable principles.

Expected deliverables

• Community Engagement & Livelihoods Strategy: A foundational roadmap for social mobilization integrating agroecology and traditional economic ethics.
• Capacity Building Modules: Training materials on group dynamics, regenerative livelihoods, and community building for field facilitators.
• Knowledge Integration Plan: Specific guidelines for integrating traditional land-management wisdom and inclusive practices into value chains.
• Community Cohesion Assessment: A report analyzing the change in social capital and community resilience.
• Mentorship: Regular coaching sessions for Spice Hub Managers on comprehensive community facilitation and worldview transformation.

Target audience / main users

• Field Facilitators & Hub Managers: Who will implement the strategies on the ground.
• Farmer Groups: Who will benefit from stronger governance and representation.
• Vulnerable Groups: Women and youth who require targeted inclusion strategies.

Required profile

• Education: Advanced degree in Community Development, Sociology, Anthropology, History & Philosophy of Science, Alternative/Traditional Economics, or related fields.
• Experience: Minimum 7–10 years of combined academic research and practical community mobilization in Indonesia or the broader Southeast Asian/Nusantara region. Proven experience in leading community-rooted initiatives.
• Methodology: Expertise in holistic community building, permaculture design principles, agroecology, and alternative socio-economic frameworks (such as the Gift Economy).
• Thematic Knowledge: Deep understanding of the intersection between philosophy of science, traditional ethics of livelihoods, and regenerative agriculture.
• Soft Skills: High emotional intelligence, empathy, and ability to navigate complex community dynamics and bridge academic concepts with grassroots implementation.
• Languages: Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia/Malay and English. Ability to translate complex conceptual frameworks into accessible community modules.

Proposal submission

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

• CV & Cover Letter: Indicating interest and suitability.
• Project Proposal: Covering strategy, work plan, and proposed budget allocation.

Selection criteria

The team will select the consultant based on the relevance of experience, the robustness of the proposed social methodology, and competitive cost packages.

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