Experts for the Development of Management Information System for the Forestry Sector in Viet Nam

Experts 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 Information and Technology (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 II, started in May 2013, will be implemented during the period of 5 years. The project continues the work started in FORMIS Phase I (2009-2013). 

We are now seeking qualified candidates with Vietnamese nationality for the following positions to support the project implementation:

1.Forestry Expert

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 advise the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and GIS experts of the project to improve the functionalities of the applications. The minimum requirements include M.Sc. in forestry, 7 yrs. working experience in forestry and a good working knowledge of English. Experience in forestry IT and GIS is desirable. The Expert will be based in FORMIS II regional working station in Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong province with frequent travel to project provinces.  Full-time work contribution is desirable, but part-time work can also be considered. Tentative total working time is 12 months. The contract duration depends on the full-time or part-time contribution of the position, but at least 6 months are desirable for 2015.

2.Forest GIS Expert

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. The Expert will be based in FORMIS II office in Hanoi with frequent travel to project provinces. Full-time work contribution is desirable, but part-time work can also be considered. Tentative total working time is 12 months. The contract duration depends on the full-time or part-time contribution of the position, but at least 6 months are desirable for 2015.

All positions require good interpersonal skills and ability to work independently yet part of a team. NIRAS will offer an international and interesting working environment, and a chance to showcase your skills at high institutional level. The experts will be offered reasonable compensation for relocation and housing costs in case they need to move to the duty station to work for the project.

Terms of References for the postions can be found from the Recruitment section of the Vietnam forestry information portal (formis.vnforest.gov.vn/recruitment) or obtained from Ms Mai Giang upon request.

Interested candidates should send a Cover Letter outlining their interest in the position along with a CV with valid contact details of at least 2 referees, and copies of relevant degrees, certificates and ID (no need for notary) to Mr Tapio Leppanen ([email protected]) and Ms Mai Giang ([email protected]). Applications are in both English and Vietnamese. Please clearly indicate the Position that you apply for in the email subject. Also officers from Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development who are competent and meet the requirements are encouraged to apply for the positions.

Deadline for submission:  Friday, February 13th 2015

Applications will not be returned. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.  Applicants selected for an interview are required to provide evidence of their qualifications and experience.

Confidentiality: The identity of the applicants is public information unless the applicant specifically requests in the application letter to keep the application confidential.