Spice Hub Manager – aGROWforests Programme (Indonesia)

We are looking for Spice Hub Managers (Changemakers) to lead community-driven "Spice Hubs" in Bangka Belitung, bridging the gap between pepper farmers, regenerative agroforestry, and global markets.

About the role

The aGROWforests for Sustainable Spices project has established 10 Spice Hubs (Rumah Tani) across key pepper-producing locations in Bangka Belitung.

The purpose of this role is to manage these hubs as independent, community-driven entities. The Spice Hub Manager (Changemaker) will provide hands-on support in capacity building, sustainable business development, and market access, ensuring these hubs become self-reliant engines for economic and environmental resilience.

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.

Extended to 2027, the project is shifting towards a nature-positive, landscape-based approach. Spice Hubs are central to this strategy, serving as centers for training, regenerative agriculture adoption, and commodity trading. As the project consolidates into 5 key strategic areas, Spice Hub Managers will play a crucial role in operational success and long-term sustainability.

Scope of work

The Spice Hub Manager acts as a "Changemaker," driving two core functions: Capacity Building (training/knowledge transfer) and Socio-Enterprise Development (trading/market access). Key responsibilities include:

1. Institutional Capacity & Governance

• Build the organizational structure, SOPs, and governance systems for the Spice Hub to function independently.
• Mentor local champions and teams to take on management roles, fostering local ownership.
• Facilitate community-led initiatives and collective actions.

2. Sustainable Business & Market Access

• Design and implement sustainable business models (using Business Model Canvas) to generate income from cash crops and value-added products.
• Connect the hub with buyers, off-takers, and exporters to build long-term supply chains.
• Manage the hub's budget and financial planning using entrepreneurial literacy principles.

3. Training & Technical Support

• Deliver training on regenerative agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, and financial literacy.
• Provide technical extension services and facilitate "Farmer Field Schools" using participatory methods.
• Support landscape-based strategies (land assessments, ecological corridors) in collaboration with government institutions.

4. Data Management & Reporting (MEAL-R)

• Apply Results-Based Management (RBM) to plan and track outputs.
• Manage field data collection (using tools like KoBo) to support project dashboards and decision-making.
• Produce evidence-based reports and document success stories/lessons learned.

Expected deliverables

• Strategic Proposal: A project proposal covering hub strategy, work plan, and budget allocation.
• Operational Hub: A fully functioning Spice Hub with established governance and a local team.
• Business Model: A viable business strategy (BMC) and active trading/market links.
• Training Completion: Successfully delivered training modules on agroforestry and business management.
• Data & Reporting: Regular submission of field data, financial reports, and impact updates.

Target audience / main users

• Pepper Farmers: Who receive training and market access.
• Local Champions: Who are mentored to lead the hub in the future.
• Buyers & Exporters: Who source sustainable spices from the hub.

Required profile

• Leadership: Strong facilitation skills to bring together farmers, cooperatives, and partners.
• Business Acumen: Ability to analyze markets, value chains, and develop business models (BMC).
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of regenerative agroforestry, pepper cultivation, and cash crops.
• Data Skills: Familiarity with digital data collection tools (KoBo, Odoo) and RBM principles.
• Community Development: Experience with Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and empowering local communities.
• Governance: Understanding of ESG frameworks and SDGs (1, 2, 5, 8, 15, 17).

Proposal submission

Interested candidates or institutions are invited to submit:

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

Please send your application to [email protected] (cc: [email protected]) with the subject line: "Changemakers/Spice Hub Manager Application".

Selection criteria

Candidates will be selected based on the strength of their proposal, relevant experience in community/business development, and alignment with the project's sustainability goals.

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