Tree Nursery Expert

Vacancy Announcement for Tree Nursery Expert

Shangri-La Development Association (SDA) is a non-government, not-for-profit organization established by youth for community development in 2014 A.D. SDA has been making community interventions since the inception of the organization. To date, SDA has conducted Shangri-La Sustainable Local Initiative Project (SSLI, SSLI-I, SSLI-II, SSLI-III, SSLI-IV,), School Building Reconstruction and Education Support Project (SBRES), Shangri-La Reconstruction and Development Project (SRDP), and One Time Support Project (OTSP).

All the other projects done were incorporated in such a way that it supports the SSLI project and strengthens the interventions. Shangri-La Sustainable Local Initiative Project 5 (SSLI5) is a three-year project of the Shangri-La Association (SA), Switzerland / Govinda Association (GA), Germany, and SDA. The target project areas are Karnali Higher Secondary School, Anamnagar, Jumla, and Kailash Rural Municipality of Makwanpur district. SSLI targets three wards of the municipality where approx. 1800 Chepang people live in 246 households. Apart from these, 40 deaf children in Jumla are the targeted beneficiaries through Jumla Special Children Project (JSCP). Through the SSLI project activities, SDA is committed to supporting vulnerable populations such as women, children, person with disabilities, and indigenous people in those districts.

Among the various activities in the project, a tree nursery has been developed on the organization’s property. This nursery serves as a site for planting, nurturing, growing, and regenerating trees. The primary objective is to train farmers in the foundational aspects of tree nursery management, including tree cultivation, nurturing, and regeneration through various methods such as seed propagation and grafting. Farmers will also be guided in establishing their own nurseries to address the scarcity of tree saplings required for plantations.

The impact of climate change is increasingly evident in rural communities, such as the Chepang people, who depend heavily on natural resources and forest products. To address this, the project seeks to integrate agriculture, livelihood, and climate change by providing farmers with practical training on climate change adaptation strategies. The initiative aims to empower farmers to transition from subsistence farming to income-generating agricultural practices.

A dedicated “tree nursery” has been established on the property, focusing on growing and maintaining trees until they are ready for transplantation or sale. The nursery will specialize in cultivating trees that (i) produce fruits or (ii) provide timber or firewood. The harvested fruits, timber, and firewood will benefit the farmers and community, either for direct use, secondary product production (e.g., butter, honey), or sale in local markets.

The long-term goal is for the nursery to become self-sufficient, producing all required trees on-site without relying on external purchases. Training sessions will be conducted for selected farmers, equipping them with skills to plant, grow, and maintain various tree types while ensuring sustainable yields and healthy growth. Seedlings and trees will be distributed to farmers who successfully complete the training program.

SDA will facilitate this training, which will be led by a professional expert or forester specializing in tree cultivation. The organization will also provide necessary materials and support to ensure the effective implementation and sustainability of the project.

Objective

The Tree Nursery Expert will be responsible for establishing and managing tree nurseries, ensuring the sustainability and productivity of the initiative while contributing to environmental conservation and community development objectives of SSLI5.

Key Responsibilities

1. Nursery Establishment and Management

• Design and establish tree nurseries in project areas.
• Ensure proper site selection, layout, and resource allocation.
• Develop and implement nursery management plans, including seed collection, sowing, and propagation techniques.

2. Training and Capacity Building

• Provide training to local communities and project beneficiaries on nursery management and tree planting.
• Conduct workshops to build awareness of the importance of reforestation and sustainable forestry practices.

3. Technical Support

• Offer technical guidance on species selection based on ecological suitability and community needs.
• Monitor and address pests, diseases, and environmental challenges in nurseries.

4. Collaboration and Coordination

• Work closely with project staff, local stakeholders, and government agencies to align nursery activities with broader project goals.
• Coordinate with environmental and forestry experts to ensure best practices.

5. Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor nursery progress and maintain records of plant growth, survival rates, and distribution.
• Prepare periodic reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

Professional Experience

• At least 3-5 years of experience in tree nursery management or related fields.
• Experience in establishing and managing nurseries is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of agroforestry practices and sustainability principles.

Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agroforestry, or a related field preferred.
• Computer literacy and ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.
• Proven ability to coordinate with government officials and agricultural offices.

Deliverables

• Operational tree nurseries in project areas.
• Trained farmers and staff capable of independently managing nurseries.
• Comprehensive reports detailing project progress, challenges, and recommendations.

Terms of Employment

• Fixed-term, part-time employment based on project requirements.
• Compensation: As per organizational policies. Applicants must include expected pay and benefits with their application.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:

1. Motivation Letter
2. Updated Resume/CV
3. Attested copies of educational qualifications
4. Attested copies of experience certificates
5. Attested copies of Citizenship and PAN certificates

Application Process

Interested candidates are requested to submit the above mentioned documents, and two references to hr@sdanepal.org by 10th January 2025.

Contact Number: 015230003

Safeguarding and Ethical Considerations

SDA is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. The Tree Nursery Expert must adhere to SDA’s safeguarding policies and ensure all project activities prioritize the safety and protection of beneficiaries.