Technical Expert in Timber Regulatory Frameworks, Law Enforcement, and Trade

Management & Engineering Technologies International, Inc.
United States, D.C., Washington
Dec 20, 2024
LOCATED IN VIETNAM Seeking Applications for a Technical Expert in Timber Regulatory Frameworks, Law Enforcement, and Trade The US Forest Service Office of International Programs (USFS/IP) is seeking a technical expert with extensive experience in the legality, enforcement and regulatory frameworks related to the international trade in timber and wood products for its Timber Legality Technical Expert (TLTE) Program in Vietnam. Background The TLTE Program is being implemented by USFS/IP with the support of the US State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Global Programs and Policy (INL/GPP). The long-term goal of the program is to strengthen the natural resource law enforcement capacity of key government partners in Vietnam, with a focus on combating illegal logging and the transnational movement of illegally sourced forest products. The TLTE will be embedded within the Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST), a department of the Government of Vietnam's (GoV) Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), providing technical assistance through day-to-day collaboration over an 18-month assignment onsite in Hanoi, Vietnam. This model of long-term technical exchange allows for targeted and highly customised support to GoV. The focus of the TLTE Program is to support VNFOREST in strengthening the timber and wood product legality and enforcement frameworks and capacities of Vietnam. Position Description The TLTE will serve as a senior-level advisor, mainly working with designated counterpart staff in VNFOREST, and with other government agencies as appropriate, and will be placed within VNFOREST's Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation (DOSTIC). The advisor should be prepared to address all or most of the following focal areas which have been jointly identified by USFS/IP and VNFOREST as priorities for the position, in addition to others as needed: Support technical cooperation and information exchange under the Vietnam-US Agreement on Illegal Logging and Timber Trade by facilitating bilateral cooperation on technical assistance, policy recommendations, information exchange and other activities related to promoting forest products trade legality and combating illegal logging in Vietnam and third countries. Support the identification of high-priority legality risks and high-risk source countries to Vietnam's timber industry and promote synergies with the Vietnam Wood Identification and Screening Center (V-WISC) Program (a technical assistance cooperation of USFS/IP with MARD) to enhance detection of these species. Establish new, or strengthen existing, cooperation mechanisms between legal entities within Vietnam, source countries, and/or destination countries on combating illegal logging and its associated trade. Strengthen understanding and compliance in relation to foreign trading partners' import regulations and requirements as well as the operationalization of regional Codes of Conduct and guidelines timber legality. Support Vietnam's ongoing implementation of the Vietnam Timber Legality Assurance System (VNTLAS) and assist in the identification of relevant entities to be added to the Enterprise Classification System (ECS) to ensure all relevant entities in the supply chain are covered under the VNTLAS. Position Requirements The TLTE will be a senior-level expert with extensive experience in timber regulatory and/or enforcement measures. Desired qualifications include: A master's degree or doctorate in one of the following: regulatory frameworks related to timber legality and trade, environmental policy, natural resource law enforcement, sustainable forest management, sustainable forest management certification systems, or other relevant areas of expertise related to promoting timber legality and combating illegal logging and associated trade; 15 years of law enforcement and/or policy, regulatory, or legal experience in the fields of land management, natural resources, and/or international trade; Extensive knowledge of core technical and policy issues pertinent to the development and/or implementation of timber regulatory frameworks, natural resource law enforcement strategies, policies, regulations, or legislation related to combating natural resources crime or promoting timber legality; Proven experience in facilitating cooperation among diverse stakeholders with competing priorities to catalyze improved outcomes; Experience working with USG agencies; Experience in program design and strategy formulation; Experience in managing teams, facilitating multi-stakeholder consultation processes, and building partnerships; Excellent written and oral communication skills; Excellent interpersonal skills; Demonstrated intercultural and diplomacy skills; Demonstrated ability to take initiative and thrive without day-to-day supervision; Educational, professional, and/or personal experience overseas (experience in Southeast Asia preferred); Required computer proficiencies: Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Fluency in English required Location: Hanoi, Vietnam Period of Performance: The tenure of the TLTE is estimated to be a continuous 18-month period, with the possibility of extension for an additional 1-6 months. The start date can be negotiated but is preferred to be on or before March 15, 2023. Remuneration: Salary will be at the discretion of the hiring agency, Management and Engineering Technologies International, Inc., and will be proportional to the demonstrated skills and experience of the successful candidate. Associated expenses such as housing, travel, health insurance, relocation allowance, education for dependent children, and other expenses will be covered as applicable for the successful candidate. To apply: Expressions of interest including a current curriculum vitae or resume and a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position will be accepted until the position is filled. All inquiries and applications may be sent to William Mateo, Program Specialist, USFS/IP at william.mateo@usda.gov (CC meothman@tuta.io).