National Project Officer For Voices for Mekong Forests (V4MF) Project

Application Deadline: 21st May 2018

RECOFTC – The Center for People and Forests holds a unique and important place in the world of forestry. It is the only international not‐for‐profit organization that specializes in capacity development for community forestry and devolved forest management. RECOFTC engages in strategic networks and effective partnerships with governments, nongovernment organizations, civil society, the private sector, local people, and research and educational institutes throughout the Asia‐Pacific region and beyond. With over 30 years of international experience and a dynamic approach to capacity development—involving research, analysis and synthesis; strategic communication; training and learning networks; and piloting and demonstrating—RECOFTC delivers innovative solutions for people and forests.

RECOFTC is currently seeking a Program Officer for the Voices for Mekong Forests (V4MF) project. The successful candidate will be based in Vientiane with frequent travel to the provinces and to the region. The contract period will be for 24 months, with possibility of extension. Expected starting date is on 1 July 2018.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Voices for Mekong Forests (V4MF) Project is a European Union (EU) funded project. The overarching rationale of the project is that for forests to be sustainably managed, civil society actors must have the capacity to organize themselves to share information, strengthen their negotiating positions and effectively present their concerns and solutions to policy-makers. The project contributes to the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade – Voluntary Partnership Agreements (FLEGT-VPA) initiative and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), by helping to ensure they are built on multi-stakeholder processes. The overall objective of the five-year (2017-2021) project is that by 2021, empowered and networked NSAs in three trans-boundary landscapes assess, monitor and respond appropriately to strengthen forest governance, particularly in FLEGT-VPA and REDD+, and effectively engage in policy processes.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Project Officer will work under supervision of the RECOFTC Lao Country Director (CD). His/her main role is to implement project activities according to the project’s scope by focusing on coordination for activities in the Lao Country Programme areas at central and landscape level in Xayabouly and Attapeu provinces, coordination with the project partners to ensure that the project’s expected results are effectively delivered satisfactorily and within the agreed timeline, and support in project management to systematically manage the project finance and administration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The main tasks of the Project Officer will include but not be limited to the following:

1) Coordination and administration

  • Coordinate with project partners at central and landscape to ensure that the project activities are implemented as planned and synergized between implementing partners;
  • Record and prepare technical reports for the RECOFTC’s key activities and compile technical reports from project partners for submission to the CD;
  • Prepare budget information and administration to support the project implementation as well as budget management;
  • Monitor budget spending and prepare financial narrative progress reports;

2) Technical support

70% of her/his time will be spent to support the V4MF project in Lao PDR while another 30% will be spent on other projects and technical support for Lao Country Program (LCP)

V4MF project:

  • Support the development of the Forest Governance Monitoring/Information System (FGMIS)
  • Support the capacity development process e.g. training, workshop, field activities etc. for the NSAs and state actors
  • Support technical training to CSOs, communities on selected capacity development topics, for instance on how to use tools/applications for forest governance monitoring system;
  • Support NSAs to participate in and contribute to the national FLEGT VPA and REDD+ process;
  • Strengthen existing landscape and national networks on FLEGT and REDD+

Other projects and technical support:

  • Together with the LCP team and partners (government and CSO, NGO), coordinate and implement LCP program and projects including RAFT3, ASFCC/VFWG, EPF, IKI, KfW VFMP, forest landscape baseline/database, IFC private sector engagement, community enterprises and others
  • Perform any other task as assigned by the C
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The Project Officer will have the following essential qualifications and experience

Essential:

  • Bachelor Degree (or higher) in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Social Sciences or related fields;
  • Minimum five years of relevant working experience;
  • Good knowledge and experience working on forest governance, community forestry, other related conservation or development issues;
  • Experience in managing project and budget;
  • Experience in adult learning, training, knowledge and skill transfer;
  • Proven ability to meet datelines;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and web based applications;
  • Fair English skills;
  • Lao nationality

Desirable:

  • Proven understanding of forestry laws and skills in using land use mapping and GIS;
  • Experience in facilitating meeting and networking;
  • Independent with time management skills;
  • Output and outcome oriented;
  • Willingness to travel

General:

In addition to job specific skills and experience, the applicant should possess the following characteristics (including attitudes and skills)

  • Interpersonal communication skills, individually and in‐groups, with an ability to work as an active member of teams. This implies flexibility and open‐mindedness;
  • Possess leadership personality, and able to take on and solve problems quickly and efficiently;
  • Hands‐on experience and able to work independently with minimum supervision;
  • Initiative and ability to make informed independent judgments (which is not inconsistent with an overall team approach);
  • Ability to work in a variety of cultural and institutional contexts.

Interested candidates are requested to submit CV and a cover letter indicating why they are suitable for this position along with salary requirements and current contact details of three referees, including recent supervisors to [email protected]. Please quote the position title in the subject line of the email. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. RECOFTC has a competitive compensation package. However, offers shall be based on salary history, relevant experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.
To learn more about RECOFTC, please visit our website www.recoftc.org

Women are strongly encouraged to apply. RECOFTC is an equal opportunity employer and the successful candidate will be selected based on merit.
RECOFTC retains the right to offer this position at a job grade relevant to the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.