Coordinator-Tea

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. Requirements 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