New

Forest Governance Technical Advisor-Located in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Management & Engineering Technologies International, Inc.
United States, D.C., Washington
Dec 20, 2024
The successful applicant will be hired through a contractor (METI Inc.) to work with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Office of International Programs on international natural resource projects. The US Forest Service's (USFS) Office on International Programs (IP), as a part of the US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement's Office of Global Programs and Policy (INL/GPP) programming in Papua New Guinea (PNG), requires the services of a Forest Governance Technical Advisor to enhance the capabilities of key government partners through technical cooperation and capacity building activities on forest governance and timber legality, among others. Background on Papua New Guinea's Forestry Sector The forestry sector is a major contributor to PNG's economy. As reflected in its Medium-Term Development Plan and Vision 2050, the National Government of PNG has committed to building a forestry sector that is sustainable and profitable, including ambitious goals such as: Improving monitoring and surveillance to track and minimize illegal logging in the country Decreasing unprocessed round log exports from natural forests to 50% by 2025 while increasing domestic onshore processing (such as sawn timber, plywood, and veneer) by 50% by 2025 Expanding forest plantation areas from 62,000 hectares to 800,000 hectares by 2050 Increasing safeguards of landowners' rights and increasing participation of Iandowners and provincial governments in forestry activities, and Assessing how the management of PNG's forests can contribute meaningfully to climate change issues. As part of this vision, the Government of PNG (GoPNG) is working to upgrade the timber sector so that forests are maintained to provide benefits into the future. Developing a trusted "PNG-Brand", and subsequently broadening PNG's international market for domestically processed wood products, is part of this vision. In support of the vision, the PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA), along with other government agencies and stakeholders, has developed and piloted a PNG Timber Legality Standard (TLS), which defines what constitutes legal timber production in PNG. Outcomes from piloting the TLS will guide the development of a PNG Timber Legality Verification System (TLVS). At the provincial level, the Oro provincial government has been particularly proactive in its efforts to counter illegal logging, promote conservation, sustainable forest management and forest product legality. About the Forest Governance Technical Advisor USFS is launching programming in PNG, funded by INL/GPP, that is designed to strengthen the capacity of key government partners such as the PNG Conservation and Environment Protection Authority, PNG Forest Authority, and provincial governments in forest governance and timber legality through technical cooperation and capacity building activities. Civil society organizations may also be included in these activities. As part of its programming, the USFS intends to station a Forest Governance Technical Advisor (FGTA) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, to provide long-term (12 to 18 months), bilateral technical assistance that is highly customized to the priorities of the relevant national or provincial government institutions and civil society partners. USFS programming will also require the services of an In-Country Coordinator (described in a separate skills search document), who will also be based in Port Moresby. The In-Country Coordinator will collaborate with and provide operational support to the FGTA as well as help design and implement other complementary USFS programming. The FGTA will work side-by-side with key partners to provide customized technical assistance, facilitate information exchanges, provide policy recommendations, and implement capacity building activities related to strengthening forest policies, governance and practices within PNG. An essential part of the FGTA's role will be to develop and maintain strong relationships with partners and foster cooperation with national or provincial government agencies with regulatory authority over forest resources. Additionally, the FGTA will coordinate with other US Government partners working in PNG, as well as with non-governmental partners supporting related programs. These relationships will help to ensure priorities and needs are understood and that synergies with other programs can be identified and lessons learned from previous efforts incorporated. Focal areas for the FGTA may include, among others: Strengthening law enforcement, investigation, and prosecution of natural resource crimes at national and/or subnational levels. Improving monitoring and surveillance methodologies for tracking illegal logging. Strengthening government institutions; promoting the development and implementation of standards, policies and regulations; and supporting reform leading to increased transparency and compliance within the forest sector to increase access to legal international markets for PNG timber products. Building knowledge of the impacts of illegal forest activities and strengthening capacity of subnational actors (such as community groups, landowners, and provincial governments) to recognize illegal activities and make informed decisions to protect forest resources. Once the FGTA is placed, they will work in close collaboration with a USFS Program Manager based in the United States, to further refine and customize the strategic design of the program to ensure the activities carried out address specific needs of the partners and are carried out in ways that are adapted to the local culture and customs. The FGTA may also: Represent USFS/IP at government and non-government sponsored events, meetings, and other activities. This representation may include making formal presentations to partners, regional organizations, national governments, and local communities. Provide regular program updates to and collaborate with the US Embassy and other US affiliated entities. Develop and facilitate community engagement and educational activities. Identify needs and engage USFS subject matter experts to provide training or other technical assistance to support the program. By the end of the project, the FGTA will have developed and supported the implementation of strategies to enhance forest governance, monitoring, compliance, enforcement, and/or sustainable forest management in close collaboration with national and provincial government agencies with natural resource regulatory authority. The FGTA will also document recommendations for both PNG and US governments on how to further strengthen forest governance and timber legality in PNG. Qualifications: A minimum of 15 years of monitoring, compliance, law enforcement, policy, regulatory, legal, and/or other relevant experience in the fields of forestry, land management, natural resources, and/or international trade. Extensive knowledge of core technical and policy issues pertinent to forestry and the development and implementation of strategies and/or policies, regulations, or legislation related to promoting timber legality and marketability. Minimum of an undergraduate degree (master's degree preferred), preferably in law enforcement or a natural resources related field. Demonstrated ability to provide technical coordination and leadership among a broad range of interested parties, across cultures, and varying capacity levels to catalyze improved outcomes. Demonstrated experience managing multi-stakeholder partnerships, engaging in consultative work planning, and coordinating activities and meetings. Self-starter with ability to work effectively without day-to-day supervision. Ability to work in a dynamic environment with PNG and US Government agencies, international donors, NGOs, community groups, and other stakeholders. Knowledge of emerging technologies (e.g., remote sensing, geographic information systems) used for mapping and monitoring land cover change, preferred. Knowledge of information management systems and their use in monitoring and reporting of natural resource data and information, preferred. Educational, professional, and/or personal experience overseas preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills to be able to build necessary relationships. Required computer proficiencies: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet; web-based conference platforms (e.g., Skype, Zoom). Language skills: Professional proficiency in spoken and written English. Salary: Competitive and will be determined by the candidate's experience and expertise. Level of Effort: Full-time for 12 months with the possibility of extension to 18 months. Duty Station: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Travel: It is anticipated the consultant will travel periodically within PNG and rarely overseas. When the US Forest Service moves forward with securing the services of an individual with these skills, the successful applicant will be hired through a contractor. Qualified individuals should send a resume and letter of interest to: Allison Saracina USFS Asia Pacific Program Manager Allison.Saracina@usda.gov