Experts and Support Staff for the Development of Management Information System for the Forestry Sector in Viet Nam – Phase II (FORMIS II)

Niras Finland Oy, part of Niras Group, provides expertise in forestry, information society, clean technology, natural resources management and rural development. Niras Finland has operated in Vietnam for the past 15 years and has a strong presence in Southeast Asia.

Development of Management Information System for Forestry Sector – Phase II (FORMIS II) project is implemented by the Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST) under the Ministry of Agriculture and rural Development (MARD). The purpose of FORMIS II is to develop a fully integrated Management Information System (MIS) for sustainable management of forest resources and in this way contribute to the alleviation of poverty in the socio-economic development framework of Vietnam. FORMIS II key activities are to create information standards and information sharing mechanisms for forestry sector, to develop and maintain a centralized IT platform and portal within VNFOREST, to create capacity for forest related information management and to set up a Forest Information Centre/IT Unit within VNFOREST. 

The project is funded by the Government of Vietnam and the Government of Finland. Niras Finland Oy as a lead consultant, in collaboration with GFA and Green Field Development, provides technical assistance services for the project. FORMIS, Phase II, started in May 2013, will be implemented during the period of 5 years. The project will continue the work started in FORMIS Phase I (2009-2013).

Niras Finland Oy is now seeking the following experts to support the implementation of FORMIS II Project:

National Experts:

1.      Forestry Expert (52.5 months)

The Expert will support the deployment of FORMIS at local level, and facilitate the integration and sharing of forest data. The expert will also obtain feedback from users, typically forestry professionals, and advice the ICT and GIS experts of the project to improve the functionalities of the applications.  Minimum requirements include M.Sc. in forestry, 7 yrs. working experience in forestry and a good working knowledge of English. Forestry IT and GIS skills are desirable.

2.      Forest GIS Expert (43 months)

Main role of the Expert is to support in the development and maintenance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) related to forestry.  The tasks include maintaining and updating the metadata catalog, facilitating data sharing and supporting the training of end-users. Minimum requirements include Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural geography or related field with specialization on GIS, 3 yrs. of working experience with forestry GIS, proven experience in GPS technology and ICT, including hardware installation and maintenance. Good English reading skills and fair writing skills are also required.

Supporting Staff:

3.      Financial Manager (48.5 months)

The Financial Manager will ensure the quality of financial management. Main tasks include setting up an accounting system, supervising accounting, maintaining financial instructions, managing personnel and managing budgets and financial reporting. Minimum requirements include university degree in financial accounting, 7 yrs. experience in accounting and financial management, good skills with MS Office and good command of spoken and written English.

4.      Procurement Advisor (31.5 months)

The Advisor will be responsible for managing the procurement of goods and services including e.g. vehicles, office equipment, IT infrastructure, information system services and training services. Minimum requirements include a B.Sc. in engineering, IT, forestry, economics or other relevant field, 5 yrs. of working experience in procurement or administration, good knowledge and skills in standard office applications and fluent written and spoken English. Experience in ODA projects is an advantage.

5.      Accountant (59 months)

The Accountant will ensure conformance of donor and consultant guidelines. Tasks include making payments, entering transactions to the accounting system and reconciliation of bank accounts and cash. Minimum requirements include a university degree in financial accounting, 5 yrs. working experience as an accountant and good command of English. Experience in ODA projects is an advantage.

6.      Project Administrator (49.5 months)

The role is to maintain well-functioning and secure office. The main tasks will include maintaining the Project Implementation Manual, procuring office supplies and equipment, supporting project personnel in travel logistics and maintaining work safety, health instructions and project documentation. Minimum requirements include a B.Sc. and 5 yrs. experience in office administration, good computer skills and excellent communication skills in Vietnamese and English. Experience in ODA projects is an advantage.

7.      IT Specialist (52.5 months)

IT Specialist will provide IT support to the PMU office in Hanoi. The tasks include IT installations, maintenance and data security. The IT specialist will support workshops and training activities, provide expertise in system design and development and testing of FORMIS modules. Minimum requirements include university degree in IT, 3 yrs. working experience and fluency in English.

8.      Interpreter/Secretary (48 months)

Main tasks include interpreting in meetings and workshops, translating project correspondence and documentation and supporting in secretarial tasks. Minimum requirements include university degree in English, journalism or other relevant field, at least 5 yrs. experience as an interpreter and translator. Good computer skills and fluency in Vietnamese and English are also required.

9.      National Coordinator (49.5 months)

The main duty will be supporting planning, reporting and communication on project implementation at national and local levels of administration. Main tasks will include coordination of project activities with the CTA, preparing work plans and progress reports and setting up monitoring and evaluation practices. Minimum requirements include a university degree in forestry, natural resources management, ICT or other relevant field and 10 yrs. experience in ODA projects, government agencies or private enterprises. Experience from ICT projects or ICT related activities in forestry sector, good working skills with MS Office applications and fluency in written and spoken English are also required.

All positions require good interpersonal skills and ability to work independently yet part of a team. Positions are based in Hanoi unless stated otherwise. Interested candidates should note that flexibility to travel is required: Hanoi based jobs include frequent travel to project provinces. NIRAS will offer an international and interesting working environment, a chance to showcase your skills at high institutional level. The national experts will be offered reasonable costs of relocation and housing in case he/she needs to move to Hanoi to work for the project. Please note that only expert positions give entitlement to housing and relocation support.

Detailed job descriptions (ToRs) for the assignments can be found from URL: http://formisvietnam.com/recruitment1. They can also be obtained from Ms Hanne Vaarala upon request.

Applications should include a cover letter, a CV with valid contact details of at least 2 referees, and copies of relevant degrees and certificates (no need for notary). Applicants are encouraged to apply online at http://recruitment.formisvietnam.com/symfony/web/index.php/recruitmentAp.... Also please send you application by email to Mr Tapio Leppanen, Chief Technical Advisor ([email protected], tel. +84 123 723 6298) and to Ms Hanne Vaarala, Associate Forestry Advisor ([email protected], tel. +84 124 469 9667). Please indicate clearly the position you are applying for in the email subject heading and the cover letter. The closing date is 31.7.2013. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.  Applicants selected for an interview are required to provide evidence of their qualifications and experience. Applications will not be returned. For further information on the ToRs, please contact Ms Hanne Vaarala or Mr Tapio Leppanen.