Programme Assistant

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Description

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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, processing and marketing. Community, medium and small-scale tree growers in Uganda would like to sell their wood and non-wood forest product in niche markets which require certification of the forest the wood is coming from, processing facilities and products. The Forest or Product Certification Schemes can be conducted by national or international organisation.

The project aims to use certification as a catalyst for raising standards in forest practices and forest management.  Certification can open new markets, increase revenue and enhance public image (create benefits) for forest and wood processing industries in Uganda. People want to know that the forest products they purchase come from a forest that is managed in a responsible manner and are sustainably and legally produced. 

The Programme Assistant – Plantation and Wood Products Certification 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, The Programme Assistant – Plantation and Wood Products Certification will specifically carry out the following tasks:

The Programme Assistant – Plantation and Wood Products Certification will be specialized expertise in forest management second party auditing and must have an in-depth knowledge of social, environmental and economic issues related to the forest sector in Uganda.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee national and international certification schemes.
• Take on the role of Group Resource Manager for UTGA group certification scheme.
• Expand the scheme in terms of membership and certified area.
• Manage, update and provide feedback on the group scheme software.
• Create awareness, organize and conduct trainings for UTGA members on certification.
• Lead the auditing, monitoring and reporting function of the group scheme and ensure continuous compliance throughout the group scheme.
• Prepare all documentation and evidence needed for compliance by the group scheme.
• Provide timely feedback to all stakeholders on certification.
• Participate in the national certification audits for harvesting contractors and wood processors.
• Develop national audits checklists to ensure that harvesting operations and wood products meet environmental, social and economic standards.
• Any other duties as may be allocated by your supervisor.

Minimum Requirements:

• University degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or any related qualifications. A postgraduate qualification would be an added advantage
• At least 5 years of proven experience in commercial forestry, sustainable forest management, and natural resources management in Uganda
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English (Level C)
• National of Uganda

Technical/Functional Skills :

• Solid experience in Forest Management Certification and Chain of Custody Certification in Uganda.
• Previous experience working with international partners on related assignments.

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2501332

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