Community Coordinators – PMI Project

Reference number: 2485
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local
Duty station: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, India
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

India’s Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco industry, primarily located in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, plays a significant role in the rural economy and contributes substantially to the country’s export revenue. A key component of FCV tobacco production is the curing process, which relies largely on fuelwood as an energy source.

While various initiatives have introduced alternative biomass options, fuelwood remains the predominant source used by tobacco farmers. As part of its commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing, Philip Morris International (PMI) is working towards achieving zero net deforestation across its supply chain by 2025.

In support of this commitment, the present study aims to assess the sustainability of fuelwood usage in FCV tobacco production. It will examine the availability, sourcing patterns, and chain of custody of fuelwood at the district level, as well as explore opportunities for enhancing sustainability and traceability. The findings will help establish a baseline and guide future strategies to ensure that fuelwood use remains environmentally and economically viable in the long term.

As part the study, CIFOR-ICRAF is looking to hire Community Coordinators to support field-level data collection, community engagement, and coordination under the PMI-supported initiative. The selected candidates will be responsible for facilitating district-level implementation of the study by conducting field surveys, engaging with tobacco farmers, plantation owners, fuelwood vendors, and other local stakeholders, and ensuring that data collection is carried out as per the defined methodology and timelines. The role will also involve managing field logistics, maintaining records, and regularly reporting progress to the state research team.

Duties and responsibilities

• Conduct field-level data collection from tobacco farmers, plantation owners, fuelwood vendors, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Administer structured surveys and support in-depth interviews as per the study protocol.
• Coordinate field visits, manage logistics, and ensure timely completion of assigned field tasks.
• Ensure ethical data collection practices, including informed consent and confidentiality.
• Engage with local NGOs, community leaders, and government departments as needed.
• Accurately record and maintain field data, GPS points, photos, and field notes.
• Submit weekly updates and assist in the preparation of monthly progress reports.
• Flag field challenges or risks promptly to the State Project Manager.
• Support the research team during field assessments, validations, and supervision visits.
• Carry out any additional tasks assigned by the Project Manager or research team.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 1 years’ experience in community-level field operations, farmer training, and data collection. An experienced person who can work closely with farmers and other stakeholders.

Terms and conditions

• This is a short-term project position.
• Number of positions: 14
• The initial contract will be for 6 months which is renewable upon satisfactorily performance and need.
• A consolidated monthly remuneration of ₹ 20,000 will be provided.
• In addition, a two-wheeler travel allowance will be offered to support local field travel within the assigned district, as per project policy.
• Work location Andhra Pradesh: Prakasam, Bapatla, Guntur, Palnadu, Krishna, East Godavari, West Godavari Karnataka: Mysuru, Tumkuru, Mandya, Hassan, Chikmangalur, Kodagu, Shimoga, Devangere Telangana: Bhadradri Kothagudem To apply, please visit our career site at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org/about/work-with-us/ To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org/ CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged. CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Application process

The application deadline is 10 May 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.