position title

fws Farm Manager

when

position

team

Kesho Krew / fws Permaculture Team

position purpose

To counterpart with Tanzanian staff and residents in the sustainable management and development of the Kesho Leo farms and environmental systems; while developing opportunities for economic sustainability and education.  

responsibilities

• Counterpart with local staff regarding the development and maintenance of Kesho Leo’s environmental and permaculture systems.
• Understand and implement the concepts of permaculture and environmental sustainability.  
• From the Kesho Leo farms, strive to meet productive living needs through the production of 100% of food, water, energy and shelter needs for the residents of Kesho Leo.
• Develop and maintain economically viable and sustainable small business systems with the approval of the fws board, via the Program Proposal system.
• Provide and manage permaculture education opportunities for Kesho Leo residents, staff and the wider community.
• Research innovative and locally appropriate permaculture solutions from Tanzania and abroad to meet the fws goals.  
• Achieve all goals in an environmentally sustainable fashion while assisting in community development.
• Fo rmally report monthly to the fws Permaculture Manager and maintain informal communication at other appropriate intervals. Work with the fws Permaculture Team as appropriate.  
• Work and live harmoniously and productively with other volunteers.
• Provide site tours to visitors, residents, volunteers and others are times arranged by the Kesho Leo Manager.  
• Provide information (written and photographic) to the fws Australia Communications team outlining the work being undertaken so it may be used for promotional and fundraising purposes.
• Provide information to the fws Australia Grants team as required for related grant applications or grants reporting.
• Be willing to partake in email, phone or TV interviews as the fws Australia Media team is able to arrange them, outlining the work being undertaken.

key performance indicators

• Through a counterpart arrangement assist in the educational and managerial development of Tanzanian staff.
• Sustainably increase production of the Kesho Leo farms.
• Research and put to the fws board for approval via an fws Program Proposal Form at least two permaculture based, economically viable business opportunities. Develop them.
• Ensure that regular permaculture education opportunities exist for residents and that at least four community education opportunities occur per year.    

liaise with

• Tanzanian Farm Manager
• fws Permaculture Manager
• fws Kesho Leo Manager
• Tanzanian local staff, community and residents
• Tanzanian Kesho Leo Assistance Manager
• Other fws volunteers, based both in Tanzania and in Australia

report to

• fws Permaculture Manager
• fws Kesho Leo Manager      

pre-package

• Free accommodation (on-site)
• Monthly stipend

skills & requirements

• A good understanding of sustainable production and living.
• Practical experience and knowledge of organic farming and/or gardening.
• Completion of a Permaculture Design Certificate.
• An understanding of the operation and principles involved in systems such as compost toilets, biodigesters, rainwater harvesting and/or solar is an advantage.
• Experience of travel or living in developing countries.
• An understanding of rural and community development in developing countries.
• Experience in providing education opportunities.
• Formal qualifications are an advantage.
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Senior first aid and resuscitation, as a minimum.

personal qualities

• Flexible, open-minded and able to adapt to changing and often challenging situations while living in Tanzania.
• Excellent communication skills to assist in working with a broad range of staff including English and non-English speaking Tanzanians and international volunteers.
• A passion for environmental protection and sustainable agricultural development, and an understanding of the importance of this in developing countries.
• An ability to work as a diverse team, yet be independently driven and lead when required.
• Effective problem solving and organisational skills.
• Cross-cultural understanding and a desire to learn Kiswahili, the local language.  
• Personal fitness and health.

keen to keep the kesho farms green and growing?

Email osvolunteer@foodwatershelter.org.au