About the role
Reporting to the Head of Programme and Operations, the Livelihoods and Agroecology Specialist will be the principal livelihoods and agroforestry thematic resource for the ORCHARD programme during its initial implementation period, responsible for ensuring the technical quality and integration of livelihoods, agroforestry and relevant agroecological interventions. The Specialist will provide technical leadership on livelihoods, agroforestry, agroecology, enterprise development and resilient rural economies. Beyond ORCHARD, the role may work across programmes and geographies, as required, supporting teams to design and deliver livelihood solutions that are practical, economically viable, climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable, inclusive and rooted in local realities.
About you
You have proven experience of working with FPOs/FPCs, SHGs, producer groups, community institutions and smallholder farmers with practical understanding of livelihoods, enterprise development, agricultural value chains, agroforestry and climate-resilient/agroecological approaches, as applied in field programmes. You possess experience in field programme implementation, coordination, capacity building, stakeholder engagement and working with government departments or development partners. You are a self-driven professional with strong ownership, initiative and follow-through, sound judgement and maturity, the ability to manage multiple timelines, and a collaborative approach across teams. You hold a solid commitment to gender equality, inclusivity and alignment with Practical Action’s values and organisational priorities.
Why join us?
The opportunity to work for an organisation that is taking practical action against poverty and the environmental crises to start the big changes the world urgently needs. A friendly and supportive culture, working with values driven and highly engaged colleagues, work life balance and flexible working – these are just some of the reasons we think Practical Action is a great place to work.
About us
We are a global community taking practical action against poverty and today’s environmental crises. Across Africa, Asia and Latin America we partner with people experiencing these challenges, especially those who are unheard and excluded. Our approach is to identify what works on a local level, then adapt and amplify it across different regions, countries and continents. All of Practical Action’s work is focused on two connected areas for action – livelihoods and climate resilience – and we’re working to deliver three big, global changes:
Big change on food – to sustain people and planet
Big change on energy – clean and accessible for everyone
Big change on climate risk – safer lives, stronger livelihoods
Our Values
We are People Centred, striving to create an equal, fair, accessible, dignified and respectful environment for everyone we work with – from colleagues and communities, to supporters, suppliers and stakeholders.
We are Impact Driven, existing to make a positive difference, so everything we do is driven by our energy to create lasting value for the people and communities we serve.
We are Transparent and trustworthy, acting with integrity, honesty, and strong ethics, building mutual trust with everyone we work with to achieve the highest standards.
We are Innovative, and champion learning, curiosity and fresh thinking, bringing local knowledge to create global impact.
We are Resilient changemakers working for sustainable development, meeting challenges head-on, and evolving through the lessons learnt.
Additional information
We treat all applications for employment fairly regardless of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, caste, tribe, belief, age, marital status, pregnancy, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, or disability.
Practical Action is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and as such candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal checks and terrorist financing.
To ensure that Practical Action meets its obligations of safer recruitment, appointment to posts within Practical Action will be subject to a satisfactory criminal check. Criminal checks will be conducted for all roles.
The successful applicant must already have the right to both live and work in the country that they are applying for and should be willing and able to travel.
Closing date for applications: 7 October 2026
How to apply:
If you want to work for an organisation with significant people ambitions, then we would like to hear from you. Please submit the duly filled standard application form and a supporting statement that describes your suitability for the role to [email protected]