Forest Governance Project Officer

Who is FERN?

FERN is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working to achieve greater environmental and social justice, focusing on forests and forest peoples' rights in the policies and practices of the European Union. We have a long history of working with local groups to advocate for political space in forest-rich but governance-poor countries. For more information please visit: www.fern.org.

In 2008, FERN was awarded a 3-years contract with the European Commission for its project to support NGO coalitions to improve forest governance using the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) process. We have also put forward a proposal to do similar work around schemes to avoid deforestation (i.e. REDD).

Job Purpose:

FERN's forest governance programme is at the heart of present forest discussions. New global schemes to protect forests for their carbon and European initiatives to end illegal logging require strong analysis and campaigning with those people who live and depend on forests. The project officer will support the management of the project, liaising with African and Asian partners in close collaboration with our governance campaigners and finance manager. Specifically, the job aims to help achieve the project goals through helping plan the resources needed (financial and logistical), reviewing processes, and monitoring of and reporting on the project.

Who are we Looking for?

The candidate will have a strong commitment to team working and excellent interpersonal and numeracy skills. S/he should have the ability to turn political challenges into practical achievements for local communities and indigenous peoples' organisations, using a proactive approach to problem solving. His/her work will need to show attention to detail and, as there will be competing priorities, they should have the ability to multi-task.

In your covering letter please let us know how you fulfil the above and following criteria:

• Ability to learn quickly and on-the-job;
• Financial management experience, including responsibility for budgets;
• Organisational and administrative skills and experience;
• Willingness and ability to travel for two-week periods several times a year;
• Spoken and written fluency in English and French;
• Experience of project management, including in a not-for-profit organisation;
• Excellent computer skills.

What will the Chosen Candidate Do?

As the project officer, together with the forest governance team, you will help implement FERN's annual workplan and ensure it is compliant with donor requirements. Your main responsibility will be to ensure contracts with partners and financial administration are fulfilled.

Specifically you will:

• Draft and ensure implementation of partner contracts – in co-operation with FERN campaigners, and work closely with partners to ensure campaign budgets are met;
• Support partners in preparing financial reports for donors and auditors;
• Keep FERN's illegal logging website www.loggingoff.info up-to-date, in close co-operation with our partners;
• Assess partners' needs and develop plans to ensure these gaps are filled;
• Coordinate project-related logistics, liaise with suppliers and monitor all contractual obligations;
• Create and ensure implementation of consultants, researchers and volunteer contracts, if and when appropriate;
• Assist in the preparation of funding proposals;
• Carry out general managerial and administrative tasks for the organisation as a whole, as these are shared between all staff.

How to Apply?

Send your CV and a letter explaining your motivation for the job including why you would like to work for FERN to: job@fern.org.
All applications must be received by 20 March 2009.

Relevant Information:

Yearly gross salary starting at € 32,000, depending on experience and location. Initial contract will be for 2 years with the possibility to extend depending on funding. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview and notified by 25 March 2009.

The interview will take place on 3 April 2009 in our Brussels or UK office. To start as soon as possible.