Reference number: 2507
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Consultancy
Duty station: Colombo, Sri Lanka
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a

Enumerators

Overview

The Knuckles Mountain Range and its surrounding catchments form one of Sri Lanka’s most ecologically significant and climate-vulnerable landscapes. The GCF-funded project, titled “Strengthening Climate Resilience for Subsistence Farmers and Agricultural Plantation Communities Residing in the Vulnerable River Basins, Watershed Areas and Downstream of the Knuckles Mountain Range Catchment of Sri Lanka”, aims to improve the adaptive capacity of communities by enhancing ecosystem services in the uplands and diversifying livelihood options. The project covers approximately 701,304.6 hectares, comprising the Knuckles upstream catchment (166,250 ha) and the downstream irrigated command area (506,260 ha), benefiting over 1.34 million people.

The project is structured under three components: 1. Improved natural resource management in upstream catchments. 2. Establishment of sustainable financing models, including Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES). 3. Institutional strengthening for governance, integrated systems, and rural advisory services.

The project intends to establish a robust PES mechanism and monitoring framework built on ecological and socioeconomic baseline data. Conducting Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with farmers in Hulu Ganga sub-watershed (Panvila, Medadumbara, and Kundasale DSDs) is critical to understand local farming systems, conservation practices, and institutional capacities, which will inform PES design and implementation.

Duties and responsibilities

The enumerators will work under the technical guidance of the project team to:

1. Facilitate FGDs with farmer groups across the three identified DSDs (Panvila, Medadumbara, Kundasale).

2. Collect qualitative and quantitative information using structured FGD checklists and guidelines provided by the project.

3. Document farmer perspectives on:

Farming systems (types, scale, sustainability).
Key issues/challenges (climate, productivity, soil fertility, etc.).
Commodity futures (preferences of crops, market trends, livelihood potential).
Tree preferences for on-farm integration.
Existing environmental conservation practices and barriers.
Local institutions’ role, status, and activities.
Social forestry involvement, including legality and permits.

4. Ensure inclusivity by facilitating participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups.

5. Record and summarize findings systematically for submission.

Deliverables

FGD Notes/Transcripts for each session, including participant lists, key issues, and group consensus.
Summary Reports for each DSD, highlighting emerging themes on farming systems, conservation, institutional status, and PES-relevant insights.
Photo Documentation of FGD sessions (with consent).

Reporting and Supervision

Enumerators will report to the designated FGD Coordinator/Team Leader and work closely with the GCF Project Field Team.

Payment Terms

Payment will be made upon submission and acceptance of deliverables, in line with the agreed number of FGDs and quality of reports.
Travel and logistical expenses for fieldwork will be covered/reimbursed by the project.

Ethical Considerations

Enumerators must ensure confidentiality and obtain informed consent from all participants.
Discussions should be conducted in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner.


Education, knowledge and experience • A minimum Diploma/Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Forestry, Sociology, or related fields.
• Experience in facilitating community discussions, PRA tools, or socio-economic surveys.

Terms and conditions • This is a consultancy position.
• The Period of consultancy is 4 months (October 2025 – January 2026).
• Work location: Panvila, Medadumbara, and Kundasale DSDs
To apply, please visit our career site at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org/about/work-with-us/
To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org
CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.
CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Application process The application deadline is 04 Oct 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

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