Assistant Community Forestry Technician At Pacific Community

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes plant protection, conservation, plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, biosecurity and trade facilitation, and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has two objectives: improved food and nutritional security and resilient communities. The division’s services are provided through seven technical/thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production and Extension; Genetic Resources; and Forests and Trees.

The Ridge to Reef (R2R) Project was developed with the aim of maintaining and enhancing Pacific Island countries ecosystem goods and services (provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural) through integrated approaches to land, water, forest, biodiversity and coastal resource management that contributes to poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.

The Assistant Community Forestry Technician (x2) will be the link between the project, the target communities, and the divisional key stakeholders. The incumbent will progressively coordinate and liaise with relevant project stakeholders and the proposed project communities for the implementation of the Ridge to Reef project activities in Fiji. This will include planning and facilitating project activities, organizing meetings with government bodies, liaising and negotiating with relevant community stakeholders on the implementation of activities, promoting sustainable forest management and sustainable land management frameworks in planning and implementation of activities, ensuring reporting requirements are successfully met. The incumbent based in Suva will report to the R2R Project Officer whilst the incumbent based in Vanua Levu will report to the Community Forestry Technician – North.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

• Promote and assist in the development of community-based sustainable forest management initiatives for the R2R project
• Actively participate in the review and formulation process for national forest policy and legislative framework and plans
• Assist in promoting sustainable forest and land management practices

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Certificate as a Forest Technician
• Diploma in Forestry or Agro forestry or land management

Knowledge and experience

• At least 5 years of experience addressing sustainable forest and land management issues, natural resource management, land use plan, community work, project planning and facilitation
• Experience in liaising with Fijian local communities on project implementation

Essential skills

• Excellent communicator, with strong verbal, writing and editing skills
• Demonstrated Proficiency with MS Office

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 30 September 2021

Remuneration – This is a full-time position at Band 6 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of 1,846-2,308 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander.

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.