ThaiNGO

The Center for People and Forests (RECOFTC) holds a unique and important place in the world of forestry. It is the only international not‐for‐profit organization that specializes in capacity development for community forestry and devolved forest management whilst taking a landscape approach to natural resource management. The Center engages in strategic networks and effective partnerships with governments, nongovernment organizations, civil society, the private sector, local people, and research and educational institutes throughout the Asia‐Pacific region and beyond. With over 30 years of international experience and a dynamic approach to capacity development—involving research, analysis and synthesis; strategic communication; training and learning networks; and piloting and demonstrating - The Center delivers innovative solutions for people and forests.

To address the needs and challenges of the Asia‐Pacific region, the Center for People and Forests (RECOFTC) has developed an innovative new strategy (2018-2023) to help local people find solutions together with government, the private sector, development partners, local institutes, academia, media and others. Building on its previous strategic phases, the 2018–2023 Strategic Plan puts people at the center of change, by empowering communities, governments and the private sector with rights, opportunities for dialogue, networking, technical expertise, tools and knowledge. The Center’s results will help nearly 5 million people in and near forest landscapes live more equitably, with dignity and greater empowerment to protect themselves from the injustices of poverty and environmental degradation.

With the support from the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), RECOFTC is part of implementing partner of ASEAN-Swiss Partnership on Social Forestry and Climate Change (ASFCC) in support of the ASEAN Working Group on Social Forestry (AWG-SF). The AWG-SF supports the overall goal of the ASEAN Multi-sectoral Framework on Climate Change and Food Security (AFCC) through ASEAN platform to contribute to food security through sustainable, efficient and effective use of land, forest, water and aquatic resources by minimizing the risks and impacts of, and the contributions to climate change.

ASFCC has completed its first and second phase (2011-2013; 2014-2016) and now moving to the 3^rd phase (2017-2020). RECOFTC, along with other partner organizations, plays a key role in supporting the AWG-SF programs.  RECOFTC’s roles are as follows:

1. Conduct capacity building for AWG-SF (ASEAN member states and relevant civil society organizations& NGOs) in developing social forestry and its links to climate change mitigation and adaptation in the ASEAN region.
2. Support the AWG-SF Secretariat to ensure effective knowledge sharing and dissemination.
3. Assist countries in piloting social forestry approaches for climate change mitigation and adaptation, particularly in ASEAN countries where linkages can be made to existing RECOFTC projects and SDC’s regional programme.
4. Strengthen and enhance National Social/ Community Forestry Working Groups and in ASEAN member states and their links to the respective national climate change bureaus.

The Center is currently seeking a qualified candidate to work as Project Assistant for its ASEAN-Swiss

Partnership on Social Forestry and Climate Change (ASFCC) under Programme Coordination and Technical Services (PCTS) Unit. The successful applicant will be based at the Center for People and Forests’ Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand. The contract duration is for 2 years with a possibility of extension depending on performance and availability of funding.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Assistant reports to the Project Coordinator and assists him/her in implementing ASFCC project in administration, finance, monitoring & evaluation and program activity support.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

The main tasks of the Project Assistant will include but not limited to the following:

• Maintain and Review financial records of the project on a regular basis and update Project Coordinator and PCTS Director on the status;
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Project Coordinator in implementing the project activities, including information gathering and dissemination;
• Assist in the planning and implementing workshops, meetings, and training activities, including travel arrangements, and related administrative matters;
• Assist in following-up with the Center’s Country Directors, consultants, and ASFCC supporting partners on a regular basis for collecting activity progress reports, and timely submission of technical and financial reports as per the agreed action plans and time lines;
• Respond to all administrative and financial concerns related to the project at Regional Office, e.g. payment requests, invoicing, updating project factsheets, support in coordinating translations of project material, drafting service agreements;
• Respond to all administrative concerns from AWG-SF Secretariat, SDC, Center’s Country Program, AWG-SF Focal Points, e.g. project budget allocation, invoicing and payment, etc;
• Provide administrative support to the partners and country offices to draft and manage consultancy contracts based on the agreed ToRs and proposals with partner organizations, consultants and project staff;
• Maintain contact lists of the project partners for a smooth communication and coordination;
• Maintain electronic and paper filing systems of the project activities and fully responsible for archiving all important documents of ASFCC;
•  Maintain monitoring and evaluation record and update RECOFTC alumni database system from each ASFCC activity, e.g. trainings, learning groups, workshop, etc;
• Perform any other tasks that may be assigned by the Project Coordinator as and when required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES:

The Project Assistant will have the following essential qualifications and experience:

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in administration and finance management or development related fields
• 5 years’ experience in financial management and monitoring, and administration with international organization
• Experience in handling events such as training, seminar, or workshops
• Knowledge of relevant computer software (MSWord, Excel, Power Point)
• Excellent Thai language skills and fluency in spoken and written English
• Detail-oriented and good time management skills
• Talented organizer and ability to keep the overview when things get hectic
• Ability to work in and adjust to multi-disciplinary teams and cross-cultural environments
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work as a proactive team member
• Thai nationality only

Desirable

• Experience in contracting and administering consultants’ needs (such as obtaining visas, making travel arrangements, processing invoices)
• Experience in project and/or program administration and financial tracking
• Familiar with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), preferable Systems, Applications and Products (SAP).
• Experience in working with international organizations

• Understanding and willingness to promote social inclusion and gender equity (SIGE)

General

In addition to job specific skills and experience, the applicant should possess the following characteristics (including attitudes and skills):

• Interpersonal communication skills, individually and in-groups, with an ability to work as an active member of teams. This implies flexibility and open-mindedness
• Hands-on experience and able to work independently with minimum supervision
• Initiative and ability to make informed independent judgments which is consistent with an overall team approach
• Ability to work in a variety of cultural and institutional contexts.

Interested candidates are requested to submit CV and a cover letter indicating why they are suitable for this position along with salary requirements and current contact details of three referees, including recent supervisors to HR@recoftc.org. Please quote the position title in the subject line of the email. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The Center has a competitive compensation package. However, offers shall be based on salary history, relevant experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

To learn more about RECOFTC, please visit our website www.recoftc.org

Applicants shall not be discriminated due to ethnicity, religion, age, nationality, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, medical condition, or any other classification protected by RECOFTC’s values and code of conduct. Reasonable accommodation may be made so that qualified disabled applicants can partake in the application process. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Please inform the Center’s Human Resources Office in writing of any special needs at the time of application.

The Center for People and Forests (RECOFTC) is an equal opportunity employer and the successful candidate will be selected based on merit.

The Center retains the right to offer this position at a job grade relevant to the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.