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Job Title: Agronomist & Social Safeguarding Officer
Location: Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed-term
Reports to: Community & Outreach Coordinator/ Human–Elephant Coexistence Lead
Salary Range: THB 450,000 – 640,000 per annum
Who We Are
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international conservation charity working to restore wildlife around the world, working in more than 50 countries. ZSL Thailand focuses on protecting biodiversity, fostering human–wildlife coexistence, and supporting sustainable livelihoods through science-based, community-driven conservation. Our work in Thailand includes nature-based solutions, habitat restoration, human-elephant conflict mitigation, and green financing for conservation impact.
Background
Agricultural expansion and land-use change in rural Thailand have intensified human–elephant encounters, causing crop losses, economic strain, and safety risks. Conventional farming practices have further depleted soil fertility, reduced biodiversity, and weakened ecosystem resilience.
To address these challenges, ZSL’s Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) agroforestry programme promotes mixed cropping, native tree planting, and the creation of habitat corridors. These efforts aim to restore ecosystem functions, enhance carbon sequestration, and diversify farmer incomes. In parallel, the Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC) initiative implements community-led barriers, real-time monitoring systems, and rapid-response teams to reduce conflict and promote coexistence between people and elephants.
Job Purpose
The Agronomist & Social Safeguarding Officer will play a key role in strengthening the ecological design, community engagement, and social accountability of ZSL’s agroforestry interventions. This position will oversee the planning and implementation of agroforestry activities, support community outreach, and ensure social safeguarding standards are met. Additionally, the officer will contribute to ZSL’s green finance initiatives by coordinating efforts to scale up nature-positive, socially inclusive financial mechanisms—particularly through the development and piloting of an agroforestry bond.
Key Responsibilities:
Model Farm & Stakeholder Engagement (50%)
Establish demonstration plots with local farmers, cooperatives, and extension services.
Design mixed-cropping systems, soilamendment plans, and wildlifedeterrent features in collaboration with technical advisors.
Facilitate farmer groups/cooperatives to strengthen market access.
Conduct rapid appraisals of NbS products (timber, NTFPs, intercrops).
Map value chains, develop basic business plans, and connect producers with buyers, including digital platforms.
Social Safeguarding & Community Liaison (30%)
Implement social safeguarding plans (land tenure, gender, child protection) and ensure FPIC.
Work with FAIRER team to integrate Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles into all project activities.
Monitoring, Reporting & Project Support (15%)
Define agronomic and social indicators; collect and analyze data from surveys, focus groups, and remote sensing.
Prepare periodic reports on agronomy, community engagement, safeguards, and finances.
Assist Project Manager with budgeting, advances, contracts, and fund tracking.
Capacity Building & Representation (5%)
Develop and deliver training on elephantresilient farming, biosafety, social safeguards, and basic financial literacy.
Mentor junior staff and represent the project at stakeholder meetings, policy forums, and technical groups.
Required Qualifications & Skills
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Agronomy, Agroforestry, Agriculture, Rural Development or related field.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in smallholder agriculture, with at least 2 years in social safeguard or community engagement roles.
Demonstrated track record in setting up model farms, understanding of carbon credits, carbon sequestration and conducting market assessments.
Experience in budget preparation, financial tracking, and donor compliance.
Understanding of human–wildlife conflict dynamics would be an asset
Experience collating and analysing data in excel, SPSS, and/or GIS
Fluency in English and Thai; excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills and report-writing
How to Apply:
Submit your CV and cover letter to:saravanee.namsupak@zsl.org, Please include "Agronomist & Social Safeguarding Officer" in the subject line.
Contact : supaporn.sorndee@zsl.org/099-035-4839 and saravanee.namsupak@zsl.org