About this role

Research Coordination & Package of Practices

Coordinate with research institute stakeholders like Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Assam Agricultural University, ICAR, and other relevant bodies to develop and localize a Package of Practices (PoP) for smallholder tea growers (STG), with particular emphasis on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other agronomic practices relevant to small tea growers.
Ensure Tea Garden Management content reflects nature positive and wildlife friendly principles consistent with the project's elephant-conflict mitigation goals.
Maintain a working relationship with research partners for ongoing technical validation and updates to the PoP.

Farmer Field Schools (FFS)

Coordinate with subject-matter experts and research partners to design and run Farmer Field Schools for smallholder tea growers, using the food management practices and certification requirements as curriculum inputs.
Plan FFS scheduling, venues, and farmer mobilization in coordination with local partners and community structures.
Track FFS attendance, learning outcomes, and practice adoption as part of project M&E.

Certification & Compliance Support

Coordinate with certification bodies (Rainforest Alliance and others as relevant) to support smallholders through the adherence of compliance and certification audit process.
Provide or organize hands-on support to farmer groups/estates for meeting and maintaining certification standards, including documentation and internal management system requirements.
Track certification status, gaps, and renewal timelines across the smallholder base.

Market & Supply Chain Linkages

Coordinate with tea estates: both domestically and export-oriented/international brands to facilitate the inclusion of certified smallholder production into formal supply chains.
Support the development of sourcing relationships and agreements that create sustained demand for smallholder green leaf.
Contribute to branding and market positioning of smallholder-produced tea, in coordination with WWF communications and relevant partners.

Food Safety & BLF Coordination

Coordinate with Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs) to ensure smallholder production meets applicable FSSAI food safety standards.
Support farmer-level compliance activities (e.g., pesticide residue management, hygienic harvest/handling practices) required for BLF acceptance and food safety norms.

Project Management & Reporting

Ensure all Outcome 3.3 activities are implemented on schedule and within allocated budgets, flagging risks/delays early to the Project Manager.
Maintain accurate records of stakeholder engagement, farmer participation, certification progress, and expenditure against work plans.
Contribute to donor and internal reporting as required.
Undertake any other tasks assigned by the Project Manager/supervisor in support of project objectives.

Strong stakeholder coordination skills across research, government, private sector, and community actors.
Ability to design and facilitate farmer-level training (FFS experience a plus).
Sound understanding of agri-supply chains and market linkage facilitation.
Good planning, budgeting, and reporting discipline.
Proficiency in Assamese and/or local dialects, plus working English/Hindi.
Willingness to travel extensively in Assam within the tea growing regions, conflict-hotspot districts, and outside Assam if required

Coordinator-Tea