Application deadline: 20th December 2013
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 developing capacity for community forestry and devolved forest management. With over 20 years of international experience and a dynamic approach to capacity development—involving research and analysis, demonstration sites, and training products and services—RECOFTC delivers innovative solutions for people and forests.
In recent years, the organization has established Country Programs in Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, with its headquarters in Thailand. The Center’s work focuses on the four thematic areas of: securing community forestry; enhancing livelihoods and markets; people, forests and climate change; and transforming forest conflict; for developing capacities for community forestry at all levels.
RECOFTC in Vietnam
RECOFTC has been working in Vietnam for more than 10 years, playing a major role in developing in-country capacity for community forestry. RECOFTC training curricula are used in the country's forestry universities, and the Center has directly trained hundreds of the country's forestry professionals. RECOFTC has carried out numerous studies and independent evaluations of Vietnam's forestry policies and programs, including a review of its Community Forest Management pilot program and a national capacity-building needs assessment. RECOFTC’s Country Program in Vietnam is working to help ensure continuing community forestry efforts work for both its people and its forests.
In the strategic plan of 2013-2018, RECOFTC plans to advance its involvement in Vietnam through development of the capacity of a team of trainers as well as that of CF practitioners, and demonstrate at the field level how CF works in practice.
RECOFTC is currently seeking a Community Forestry Partnerships Coordinator under Vietnam Country Program. The successful applicant will be based at RECOFTC Vietnam Country Program in Hanoi.
The contract duration is for two years with a possibility of extension
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Community Forestry Partnerships Coordinator (CFPC) works as a team member of the RECOFTC Vietnam Country Program (VCP). S/he is positioned in the VCP Office located in Hanoi, under the direct supervision of the Country Program Coordinator (CPC). The Community Forestry Partnerships Coordinator is responsible for development of piloting and demonstration sites in the field in partnership with relevant stakeholders. S/he will work directly with RECOFTC partners (e.g. Government agencies at different levels, Vietnamese and international NGOs, Research and training institutions, local communities, and donors) in the development of Community Forestry policy in line with the existing legislation and local practices. The Community Forestry Partnerships Coordinator will also support national level initiatives, providing hands on technical experience into policy discussions, knowledge management and proposal development. Additionally, s/he will also contribute to raising awareness and developing the capacity of concerned partners and stakeholders to support the development of CF in Vietnam.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the CPC and in close collaboration with other VCP staff and support from RECOFTC headquarters, the Community Forestry Partnerships Coordinator will:
Program development
- Contribute to the development and update of country strategic plans for RECOFTC in Vietnam.
- In collaboration with both RECOFTC headquarters and VCP staff, develop concepts and proposals for CF related activities in Vietnam.
Program and service delivery
- Be responsible for the coordination, development, and delivery of VCP community forestry activities, including follow-up, mentoring and back-stopping.
- In collaboration with VCP staff and RECOFTC headquarters, source appropriate experienced consultants when required.
- Responsible for the establishment (including site survey, design, etc) and maintenance of RECOFTC supported piloting and demonstration sites at the field level as well as documentation of the lessons learned from these.
- Assist in the collection, development, adaptation, documentation, translation and dissemination of appropriate extension materials, including manuals and case studies;
- In collaboration with the VCP Training Coordinator (TC) support the development of training modules and plans for field projects and other stakeholders;
- Provide technical assistance and act as trainer/ facilitator/ consultant for relevant training/ community forestry activities as required;
- Liaise with the responsible officers at Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST) and its line agencies at local level and its other subordinate bodies to ensure collaboration in the formalization, development and monitoring of Community Forestry;
- Support the establishment and coordinate activities of the National Community Forestry Network/ Working group;
- Network with all CF initiatives and other natural resource and environment organizations and projects to share and learn lessons, and to develop joint plans for complementary work to formalize and develop community forestry;
- Provide support to RECOFTC’s ongoing projects as and when required.
Planning, reporting and monitoring
- Prepare budgets and financial reports for all CF related activities and ensure accuracy, transparency and efficiency;
- Create and maintain relevant databases and maps for CF;
- Help with the preparation of periodic reports for the overall Vietnam Country Program and specific projects.
- Participate and contribute in the RECOFTC Annual Work Planning and Budgeting process;
General
Perform other tasks as are assigned from time to time by the Country Program Coordinator.
Qualifications and Experience
The Community Forestry Partnership Coordinator will have the following essential and desirable qualifications and experience:
Essential
- Bachelors degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management or related first (Masters qualification desirable)
- Minimum 5-years working experience in community forestry.
- Demonstrated experience in program/ project design, development, delivery, coordination, planning, networking, facilitation and extension material development.
- Experience working in close partnership with Vietnam Administration of Forestry and other CF actors, including NGOs and donors;
- Posses leadership personality, and able to take on and solve problems expeditiously and efficiently;
- Good knowledge and understanding of emerging issues related to community forestry, including FLEGT, PES, and climate change, especially REDD+.
- Demonstrated strong experience in analytical and research skills as well as in applying participatory tools and methodologies.
- Ability to prepare concept notes, proposals, and reports.
- Good written and verbal Vietnamese and English
- Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally.
- Vietnamese National
- Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including MS Excel.
- Available for regular travel to the field
General
In addition, 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.
- Posses 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] [1]. 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 [2]
Women and candidates from the Asia-Pacific region are strongly encouraged to apply. RECOFTC is an equal opportunity employer and the successful candidate will be selected based on merit.
*RECOFTC reserves the right to offer the position at a lower grade.