Policy Researchers/ Operational Manager

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Policy Researchers/ Operational Manager

1.       Background:

Together with partners around the world, Forest Trends pioneers innovative finance for conservation, promoting healthy forests, sustainable agriculture, clean water, robust climate action, biodiverse landscapes, and strong communities. Our programs and initiatives publish timely research, bring together diverse actors, and apply these approaches to make a difference on the ground, often blazing trails for bold and far-reaching policies in the process.

Forest Trends has been active in Vietnam and Mekong Region in more than 15 years. Our works focus on improving the transparency in the supply chains of products, of which production might trigger deforestation and illegal logging. We have implemented extensive research and policy advocacy for the sustainable development of several key sectors, including timber, rubber, coffee, etc. with the aim of improving the livelihood of smallholder farmers who participate in the production of these commodities while promoting forest protection. 

2.       Job Description

We are looking for potential candidates to fill in the following consultancy positions:

a.      Policy researchers (2 persons)

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design and implement researches to provide evidence-based recommendations for relevant stakeholders in forestry-related topics, including but not limited to timber, coffee, rubber, EUDR, climate change, etc.
• Produce reports and relevant publications based on research results and disseminate information and recommendations to targeted stakeholders.
• Frequently update on domestic and international policy landscape and propose new ideas to enhance the overall working agenda of Forest Trends.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Have at least a master degree, preferably a PhD Decree, in natural resource management/ governance, forestry, international economics and/or related disciplines.
• Have good understanding about Vietnamese policy environment particularly concerning agri-forest commodities such as timber, rubber, coffee commodity, sustainable production, certification, resource tenure, etc.
• At least 10 years of working experience in the above-mentioned areas.
• Modelling and GIS skill is an asset.
• Have strong work experience with governemental agencies as well as in international organizations.
• Willing and being able to work as a team while proactively looking for new ideas and opportunities to enhance to the overall workstream.
• Fluent in both speaking and writing English.
• Willing to travel in Vietnam and other countries.

b.      Timber trade experts (2 persons)

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design and implement relevant activities to promote the sustainable development of the Vietnam’s timber industry, including timber material transformation, forest certification, wood villages, etc.
• Liase with relevant stakeholders, including governmental agencies, wood industry, international organizations, etc. for cooperation and effective implementation of Forest Trends’ activities.
• Frequently update on domestic and international policy landscape and propose new ideas to enhance the overall working agenda of Forest Trends.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Have strong working experience and connections with governemental agencies and other stakeholders in the timber industry, including MARD, timber associations and enterprises.
• Have at least a bachelor degree, preferably a master Decree, in natural resource management/ governance, forestry, international economics and/or related disciplines.
• Good understanding about Vietnamese policy environment related to timber and forestry sector.
• At least 10 years of working experience in the above-mentioned areas.
• Have good work experience with international organizations is an asset.
• Willing and being able to work as a team while proactively looking for new ideas and opportunities to enhance to the overall workstream.
• Working level of English.
• Willing to travel in Vietnam and other countries.

c.       Operational Manager cum. Researcher (1 person)

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop program workplan and oversee its implementation; arrange financial and logistic supports for the whole team and relevant stakeholders within the scope of work activities.
• Design and implement researches to provide evidence-based recommendations for relevant stakeholders in forestry-related topics, including but not limited to timber, coffee, rubber, EUDR, climate change, etc.
• Produce reports and relevant publications based on research results and disseminate information and recommendations to targeted stakeholders.
• Reporting to line managers and relevant stakeholders as required.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Have at least a master degree, in natural resource management/ governance, forestry, international economics and/or related disciplines.
• Have good understanding about Vietnamese policy environment particularly concerning agri-forest commodities such as timber, rubber, coffee commodity, sustainable production, certification, resource tenure, etc.
• At least 5 years of working experience in the above-mentioned areas.
• Have strong work experience with governemental agencies as well as in international organizations.
• Willing and being able to work as a team while proactively looking for new ideas and opportunities to enhance to the overall workstream.
• Fluent in both speaking and writing English.
• Willing to travel in Vietnam and other countries.

Note: All positions will be subject to the terms and conditions described below.

Location: home-based with potential travelling as required

Reporting & Supervision:

The Operational Manager reports directly to the Managing Director of FPTF while liaising regularly with FT headquarter on relevant matters. Other experts will report directly to the Managing Director only.

Contract term: consultancy contract of maximum 12 months with potential extension, actual payment is performance-based.

3.       Application

Interested applicants please send your latest CV and relevant documents to [email protected]. We will contact short-listed candidates within 5 working days for interviewing.

Deadline for application: 26 Jan 2024