Programme Assistant - Plantation and Wood Products Certification
Uganda
- Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
- Location: Uganda
- Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
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Occupational Groups:
- Administrative support
- Project and Programme Management
- Closing Date: 2025-06-09
IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
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, 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.
Reporting Lines
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\:
Technical Focus
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.
Tasks and 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.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
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
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
- For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.