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 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 team members to support the implementation of the FORMIS II Project:

Local Experts:
Only candidates with fluent Vietnamese language skills are eligible for the following posts:

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.  The 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. Full-time work contribution is desirable, but part-time work can also be considered.

2.National Forest ICT Expert (52.5 months)
The National Forest ICT Expert will be responsible for the maintenance of FORMIS Platform, further design and testing of FORMIS Portal and the deployment of information systems. The Expert will also maintain and develop further the Database Management Systems and applications, assist in program documentation, assist and facilitate the work of other technical experts, and provide in-service training and guidance. The minimum requirements include a Master’s degree in information technology with specialization in forestry IT, 4 yrs. work experience in information technology and experience in platform technology. The successful candidate will have considerable experience in preparation of documents in Vietnamese and sound knowledge of English. Some working experience in forestry-related projects and in GIS database technology is preferred. Having professional programming certificates, such as Sun or Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer, is an advantage.

All positions require good interpersonal skills and ability to work independently yet part of a team. Positions are based in Hanoi. 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, and a chance to showcase your skills at high institutional level. The national experts will be offered reasonable compensation for relocation and housing costs in case they need to move to Hanoi to work for the project.

Detailed job descriptions for the assignments can be found from URL: http://formisvietnam.com/recruitment1. The Terms of References and further information on the job descriptions can 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). 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 24.11.2013. 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.