Project Manager, Dual-Certified Timber Pilot
Bonn, Germany
€40,000 pro rata
Part-time, 18 month contract
Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International
Description
Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) unites the producer-, market- and business-facing activities within the Fairtrade Labelling system. FLO develops the Fairtrade Standards; promotes the empowerment of Fairtrade-certified producers by supporting them in gaining and maintaining Fairtrade Certification and capitalizing on market opportunities; and facilitates global Fairtrade markets, to optimise benefits for producers.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) International Center sets standards which seek to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests. Other organizations within the FSC Group are also involved, namely Accreditation Services International, which accredits and monitors the certification bodies which audit forest management and chain of custody certification, and FSC Global Development, which manages the FSC trademark and promotes the market for FSC certified products and services.
Since 2007, FLO e.V. and FSC have engaged in a joint research process to explore the potential for dual Fairtrade/FSC certification to support community-based forest producers to access export markets on better terms and to manage their forest resources sustainably. In 2008, the Boards of both organizations agreed to enter into a pilot project to develop and test models for standard setting, dual certification, and supply chain and market development for dual certified timber products.
The pilot project is envisaged to run over 18 months in total. Working with FSC-certified producer organizations in several countries, the project will assess how the Fairtrade standards and certification approach can be adapted to include dual-certified timber products. It will aim to develop market partnerships and supply chains for dual-certified products, and to test the dual certification of products in at least three key markets. This will involve work on both FLO and FSC standards to ensure compatibility, and additionally on the optimum means to evaluate these in the field. Finally, the pilot project will include a capacity-building component intended to support the participating producer organizations in meeting Fairtrade standards and accessing the relevant export markets.
At the end of the project period, an independent evaluation will recommend whether FLO and FSC should continue the partnership by formally adopting dual-certified timber products as a new product category for labelled Fairtrade.
The participating organizations now seek to hire an experienced Project Manager to co-ordinate the activities of the diverse project partners and ensure the overall smooth running and progress of this exciting and challenging new project.
OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE:
The post holder will manage a pilot project testing approaches to the development and marketing of Fairtrade (FLO) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) dual-certified timber from community-based forest enterprises.
PRINCIPAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• To further shape and develop the plans for the pilot project.
• To manage the FLO-FSC dual-certified timber pilot project, ensuring that all workstreams are delivered on time and on budget.
• To be the main point of co-ordination for the project, linking and co-ordinating the activities of the diverse participating organizations, and ensuring ongoing project momentum is maintained.
• To develop and maintain effective project partnerships with donors, producer partners, market partners, and FLO/FSC national organizations in key markets.
• To take the lead in communicating about the project internally and externally as required.
• To manage the project budget and project plan.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
• Knowledge / Job Specific Competencies (E= Essential; D=Desirable):
− Significant experience in the management of complex, multi-stakeholder projects to time and to budget (E);
− Experience and knowledge of the international timber industry, including understanding of production, supply chain, and markets (E);
− Experience in supporting small business development with forest-based producers in developing countries (D);
− Experience in working with international standard-setting and certification systems, particularly standards development (D);
− Masters level of education in forestry, development, agro-economics or other relevant field (E);
• Professional Skills
− Outstanding communication and relationship management skills (E);
− Fluent English. Ability to work effectively in Spanish (E);
− A qualification in project management would be an advantage (D).
• Personal Qualities
− Demonstrable ability to drive forward work on own initiative and with limited guidance (E);
− Demonstrable ability to motivate and enthuse others (E);
− Preference for working in multicultural environments (D);
− Good understanding of and commitment to the work of Fairtrade and FSC (E);
− Relevant contacts and institutional relationships in the forestry/development sectors would be helpful (D).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
• Duration of contract: 18 months, fixed term.
• This is a part-time role (60%). However, qualified candidates seeking full-time employment are also encouraged to apply. If appointed on a full-time basis, the postholder will assume additional responsibilities relating to this or to other projects.
• The role is primarily based in the FLO e.V. offices in Bonn, Germany. Close institutional co-operation with FSC’s secretariat in Bonn is expected.
• The working language is English
• Salary approximately €40,000 per annum pro rata plus an attractive benefits package.
• 30 days annual leave per annum pro rata
• Start of employment: March 2009 or as soon as possible.
Contact
Applications, in the form of a letter of motivation (including likely start date and preference for full- or part-time employment) and Curriculum vitae, should be submitted via e-mail to
citing ‘Project Manager: Dual-Certified Timber’ in the subject field.
Source: Ethical Performance
