WHO WE ARE

At Trees for the Future (TREES), we believe farmers have the power to transform the world. For over 30 years, we’ve been a global leader in agroforestry training, partnering with farming families to build vibrant economies, sustainable food systems, and thriving ecosystems. Through our signature Forest Garden Approach—a proven nature-based solution—farmers restore their land, plant thousands of trees, and grow diverse crops, breaking cycles of climate change and generational poverty. By reclaiming their agency, farmers are creating new possibilities for their families, communities, and the environment. We’ve worked all around the world and are currently active in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. TREES has planted over 400 million trees to date. Joining our passionate, collaborative team means empowering farmers to lead lasting change for people and the planet.

In Uganda, we are transforming landscapes and livelihoods across the Lake Victoria Watershed in the Eastern Region. With over 60 staff working on the ground, we collaborate with more than 7,000 farmers to implement the Forest Garden Approach. This initiative, in partnership with Catona Climate, is pending a Carbon Market verification, allowing farmers to benefit from carbon financing while restoring their land.

THE ROLE

The Program Manager provides strategic, technical, and managerial leadership for the implementation of TREES’ regional programs and retains overall accountability for program performance. The role is responsible for people management and supervision of Program Officers, budgeting and financial oversight, consolidated reporting, compliance with TREES policies and local regulations, and external representation. Working closely with the Director of Field Programs, the Program Manager ensures that program activities are implemented on time, within budget, and in alignment with organizational goals. The positions will be based in Mt. Elgon, Buganda, and Busoga Regions.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program leadership & implementation

• Lead planning, coordination, and execution of regional programs to ensure delivery against agreed targets, timelines, and budgets.

• Ensure consistent, high-quality implementation of the Forest Garden Approach across all project sites.

• Support the identification, feasibility assessment, planning, and rollout of new projects, including expansion into new locations and partnerships, ensuring appropriate resourcing and alignment with organizational priorities

Staff supervision and capacity building

• Supervise, mentor, and support Program Officers and field teams to strengthen performance, accountability, and coordination.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management in collaboration with HR.

• Foster a respectful, ethical, and inclusive work environment aligned with TREES’ values.

• Lead and support staff training and certification in program methodologies in collaboration with Training teams.

Budgeting, procurement and resource management

• Coordinate preparation and oversight of regional program budgets; monitor expenditures and address variances in collaboration with Finance.

• Identify procurement needs and coordinate timely procurement and delivery of materials and services.

• Oversee seed, materials, and inventory planning and distribution in coordination with Technical Manager.

Monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting

• Ensure accurate data collection, validation, and reporting in collaboration with MEL teams.

• Review and submit consolidated program reports to the Director of Field Programs on time.

•  Use MEL insights to support adaptive management and continuous program improvement.

Partnerships, stakeholder engagement and compliance

• Maintain strong relationships with government authorities, partners, and key stakeholders.

• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, local laws, and organizational policies.

• Support coordination of meetings, workshops, travel, and external engagements linked to program delivery.

WHO YOU ARE

• An enthusiastic advocate for TREES’ mission and values. You are passionate about improving livelihoods through agroforestry. You center farmers in every decision, ensuring projects drive real impact for communities and the environment.

• A problem solver who owns your work – You overcome obstacles in your work by identifying them, adapting to new information, and proactively devising solutions. You take action and hold yourself accountable based on set goals.

• Adaptive to new working environments – You are able to quickly adapt to new working environment sometimes in difficult terrains and passion for working with small holder farmers and be able to be stationed at the appropriate Project base for the duration of the Project.

• You are self-driven – Able to plan and execute tasks without close supervision. Motivated by results.

• Good planning and analytical skills – You will need to make independent judgement and structure your plan to fit into flexible farmer programs.

• Team Player – You will be one in a team, each contributing to the overall goal.

REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in the field of General Agriculture, Horticulture, Agroforestry, Environmental Science, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management, Forestry or any other related qualification. A post Graduate Diploma in Project management is desirable.

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in the implementation of sustainable land management Practices within rural farmlands, people and budget leadership.

• A valid motorcycle riding license with experience in riding, both on and off road with a history of safe motorcycle operation.

• Willing and able to be stationed in the appropriate Project base for the duration of the Project.

• Fluency in spoken and written English.

• Ability to navigate smart phone applications.

• Must have studied and passed the Forest Gardening Training Examination within 2 months of hire.

• Knowledge of Nature Based Solutions and Carbon credits (preferred).

• A deep passion for our mission and line of work.

• A strong belief in a positive culture, in alignment with our core values

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment in this position will be a one (1) year renewable contract (with three months’ probation period) subject to availability of funds and continued existence of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND BENEFITS

TREES is an International Organization that strives to be the best home for staff wanting to make an impact on the farmers we serve. We believe that the diversity of our staff contributes to excellence. TREES values collaboration and teamwork that fosters increase engagement and innovation for professional growth