Central Tree Nurseries (CTN) Consultancy – Request for Proposal at Trees for the Future

Job Description

Employer: Trees for the Future (TREES)
Position: Central Tree Nurseries (CTN) Consultancy – Request for Proposal
Qualification: Master’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or related field
Experience Level: Significant experience in nursery operations, grafted fruit trees, and agroforestry
Application Deadline: Not specified

Role Summary

Trees for the Future (TREES) is seeking a qualified consultant or consultancy firm to lead the Central Tree Nurseries (CTN) optimization project. The consultant will research best practices, conduct technical and operational analyses of existing nurseries, and design a strategic roadmap for sustainable, large-scale, low-cost fruit tree seedling production across East Africa.

Responsibilities

Phase 1: Research

  • Conduct literature review on large-scale, low-cost fruit seedling production.

  • Identify high-potential fruit tree species by agro-ecological zone (AEZ).

  • Map AEZs in the project areas and assess species suitability.

  • Conduct key informant interviews with experts and TREES’ CTN managers.

  • Review alternative nursery models, including youth, women’s groups, and CBO-led operations.

Phase 2: Technical & Operational Analysis

  • Visit and assess TREES CTN setups, operations, and challenges.

  • Recommend nursery site locations, staffing needs, and species mixes.

  • Review input sources (scions, seeds, soil amendments, tree sacks, etc.).

  • Recommend low-cost, organic pest management and phytosanitary protocols.

  • Assess potential for biodegradable nursery materials.

Phase 3: Strategic Planning & Documentation

  • Develop a species-specific production plan and schedule by country.

  • Create operational procedures for CTN establishment and seedling production.

  • Propose staffing structure and training needs.

  • Recommend a monitoring and evaluation framework for CTNs.

  • Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for nursery operations.

  • Deliver an actionable roadmap to optimize CTNs for greater impact.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in agricultural science, horticulture, forestry, biology, or related field.

  • Proven experience in fruit tree nursery management, grafting, and seedling production.

  • Strong background in agroforestry and working with smallholder farmers.

  • Prior experience in East Africa preferred.

  • Demonstrated ability in research, technical analysis, and strategic planning.

  • Excellent communication, analytical, and report-writing skills.

  • Ability to develop practical SOPs and technical manuals.

Value Proposition

This consultancy provides an opportunity to shape the future of sustainable agriculture and agroforestry in East Africa. The selected consultant will play a pivotal role in designing scalable and impactful nursery models that empower farmers and strengthen TREES’ mission of building resilient livelihoods.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified consultants should apply through the TREES portal at:

👉 Apply Here


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