Organizational Setting

This position with the Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme is located in the FTCI office in Georgetown, with support from the FAO Representation in Guyana.

The EU Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme (FGVimplemented by FAO’s Forestry Division (NFsupports the implementation of Forest Partnerships (Fbetween the European Union and Partner Countries. Forest Partnerships are a new and key instrument of the European Union’s Action to promote sustainable forest management and value chains. They are based on a holistic and integrated approach to forests, reflecting a highlevel commitment to enhancing the role of forests in sustainable and inclusive national development whilst improving sector law enforcement, governance and trade. Forest Partnerships promote innovative investment and finance models to create efficient, pragmatic and impactful links between government, industry and forest communities. EU and Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a Forest Partnership in November 2022 at UNFCCC21 (COP27).
A roadmap for implementation of the FP was endorsed by both parties in June

The EU Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme support to Forest Partnerships revolves around two pillars:

•    improving governance for sustainable forest management, forest protection and restoration, and plantation development; and
•    developing legal and sustainable forestbased value chains.

In Guyana, one of the key Forest Partnership milestones (3: Compliance of FSOs with international market requirementdetermined the priority to train Forest Sector Operators (FSOto enhance value adding and accounting, and business management capacities. In this context, the Technical Working Group endorsed a project to develop and implement a National Sawmilling Training Programme to be overseen by the Forest Training Center (FTC, under guidance from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GF. The training will be accredited by the National programme for Vocational Training, and once piloted, will become mandatory for the issuance of sawmilling licences. It will also require the creation of a model sawmill.

Based on a rapid assessment conducted by FTCI with FAO support in September 2024, the international sawmilling expert is expected assist in the creation of the model sawmill, design the training modules, and develop a Training of Trainers (Tocurriculum.

Reporting Lines

The Specialist reports to the FAO Representative in Guyana with supporting guidance provided by the Programme Manager of the Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme (FGVbased in Rome, and the Forest Partnership facilitator based in Georgetown and the management of the Forestry Training Centre Incorporated (FTC/Guyana Forestry Commission (GF.

Technical Focus 

Sawmill technical management and commercial process (from log to board: cutting, drying, storage, cost calculation etc.).
A National Sawmilling Training curriculum, piloted, and accredited by the National programme for Technical Vocational Education and Training.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Based on the analysis of training needs conducted by FTCI and FAO, support the procurement of suitable equipment (including, where applicable, the preparation of technical specification documents for bid.
•    Develop a training programme for vocational training in cooperation with relevant authorities responsible for the accreditation of technical vocational education and training programmes.
•    Develop and implement a Training of Trainers Curriculum and materials to ensure sustainability of the sawmill training.
•    Support the establishment of a model sawmill for best practices training
•    Organize and conduct at least 10 trainings for target groups as a first pilot programme (this first pilot of training programmes forms an integral part of the “train the trainers programme”
•    Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    First level degree or technical degree in engineering in the forestry or timber sector
•    At least 2 years for Category C, 5 years for Category B and 10 years for Category A of relevant experience in sawmill management
•    Working knowledge of English (level .

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Advanced experience with forest operations and timberbased value chains
•    Strong technical knowledge and practical experience in narrow band sawmills and tropical hardwoods
•    Experience in technical sawmill trainings would be a strong asset

Selection Criteria

•    Limited knowledge of an additional FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russiais an asset.