Programme Assistant - Forest Management

Organizational Setting

The Sustainable Wood-Based Value Chains (GCP/UGA/072/EC) is a project being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Uganda. FAO integrates operational capacity with technical expertise and experience to promote forest production, and sustainable use while considering human, social, economic and environmental factors. Most tree growers who were previously funded by EU through the FAO/SPGS project have trees which are now ready for harvesting and processing. These downstream operations require specialised skills and knowledge which are not yet well developed in the forest sector. Community, medium and small-scale tree growers in Uganda would like their employees to be equipped with appropriate skills and knowledge and attitudes so that operational productivity, production, efficiency and occupational health and safety are improved. The growers would also want to improve the competencies they gained upstream in plantation, establishment and maintenance over the years. 

Reporting Lines

The Programme Assistant - Forest Management will work under the general supervision of FAO Representative in Uganda, and the direct technical supervision of the Sustainable Wood-based Value Chain Project Coordinator and UTGA Chief Executive Officer and will work closely with the UTGA Programme Officer and the Technical Advisor Harvesting and Processing.

Technical Focus 

The Programme Assistant - Forest Management will conduct plantation development and wood processing related activities to improve the competence of key partners and their employees in executing Best Operating Practices (BOPs) in forest sector. The Programme Assistant - Forest Management will have specialized expertise in preparing and presenting short skills training courses in Plantation Establishment, Weeding, Pruning, Coppice Reduction, Thinning, Mapping, Inventory and Planning, Harvesting, Roads and Transport, Occupational Health and Safety, Saw doctoring, Sawmilling, Wood Seasoning, Wood Preservation, Wood Moulding, Reconstituted and Timber Engineered Products to improve the competency of employees on the job. The skills training courses are delivered through on site-visits (extension), demonstrations and practical.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The Programme Assistant - Forest Management will specifically carry out the following tasks:

•    Conduct forest planning including strategic, operational and forest inventories for selected stakeholders. 
•    Contribute to valuation of forest plantations.
•    Train forest owners and their employees in plantation development and wood processing skills courses (1 day to 5 days courses). 
•    Participate in the development of forest guidelines and promote their use to achieve Best Operating Practices (BOP). 
•    Plan and coordinate forestry related field days, on-site training, demonstrations and stakeholder exchange visits. 
•    Conduct regular monitoring visits to ensure quality plantation standards are maintained. 
•    Facilitate formation and strengthening of aggregated wood processor groups. 
•    Support timber grading operations to ensure adherence to the national timber grading standards. 
•    Support UTGA members in establishment and management of forest resources to desired standards.
•    Develop training materials and management information for staff and UTGA members. 
•    Contribute to UTGA’s research agenda.
•    Implement and report on UTGA projects activities including where UTGA is an implementing partner. 
•    Oversee the forest restoration activities of UTGA.
•    Represent UTGA in stakeholder engagements. 
•    Any other duties that may enhance the smooth running of the organization as may be assigned by your supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    A Bachelor university degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or any related qualifications. 
•    At least 5 years of proven experience in commercial forestry, sustainable forest management, and natural resources management of small to medium-scale tree growers in Uganda. 
•    Must be a Ugandan National. 
•    Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English. (Level C)

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Solid experience in Forest Management, processing and training in Uganda.
•    Experience in forestry certification and standards is an added advantage
•    Previous experience working with international partners on related assignments.

Selection Criteria

•    A postgraduate qualification would be an added advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION