Please find following Pacific Vacancies - Announcement No. 2001 / 132.

Wilco Liebregts

The Regional Community Forestry Training Center for Asia and the Pacific (RECOFTC) is an international organization which works in close collaboration with partner organizations in various countries to actively support community forestry development in the region. As a learning organization, RECOFTC designs and facilitates learning processes and systems that support the capacity development of community forestry institutions and organizations. RECOFTC seeks to promote dialogue between multi-stakeholders to ensure equitable management of forest resources.? Located on the campus of Kasetsart University (Bangkok, Thailand), RECOFTC was established in 1987 in response to the growing awareness that community participation in resource management could assist in protecting forests as well as in enhancing rural livelihoods. Current facilities include class and seminar rooms, offices, computer lab, internet connection, library, and accommodation for course participants.

RECOFTC is currently seeking a person to fill the position of Executive Director. This position will become vacant at the end of September 2002, following the retirement of the present Executive Director, Dr Somsak Sukwong. The successful applicant will chair the Executive Committee at RECOFTC, and will take a major role in guiding the future development of the Center. Key responsibilities include providing overall leadership to the Center and ensuring that the program is well focused and funded to address the emerging community forestry needs of the region. The appointment is made by the Board of Trustees of RECOFTC, and the position answers to the Board. An internationally competitive salary package will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Further information, including details of the Terms of Reference (Position Description and Selection Criteria) and information on RECOFTC can be obtained from Ms Pinya Loawhakaset Tel: (66-2) 940-5700; Fax: (66-2) 561-4880; E-mail: ftcsss@...

Applicants should address the Selection Criteria listed with the Position Description, and provide the names and contact details of three professional referees.

Applications, which close on 31 st December 2001, should be marked "Confidential" and sent to:

The Selection Committee

RECOFTC

Kasetsart University

P.O. Box 1111

Bangkok 10903

THAILAND

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The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the Center and its most senior person. The position reports to the Board of Trustees.

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of the Center and ensuring that it operates to the standards expected of an international organization. Specific responsibles include:

• in liaison with the Board of Trustees, ensuring that the vision, mission, goals and objectives of the Center are properly developed to address the evolving needs of community forestry in the region;
• ensuring that annual workplans, budgets and statements of expenditure are provided to the Board of Trustees for approval at appropriate Board meetings;
• ensuring that the program is delivered efficiently and effectively and that functional monitoring and evaluation systems are in place;

• providing overall leadership in managing the human, financial and material resources of the Center;

• fostering close linkages with funding partners and other institutions with similar interests for mutual programmatic and financial support.

The Executive Director is the Chairman of the Executive Committee. He/she is responsible for signing all deeds, contracts, arrangements and other legal documents which are necessary to ensure the normal operations of the Center. He/she is the RECOFTC’s legal representative as delegated by the Board of Trustees.

The Executive Director directly supervises the operations of the functional units within RECOFTC. Currently, these are the Regional Services Group, Country Support Services Group, and Corporate Services Group.

• An advanced academic degree, preferably at PhD level, in a field related to community forestry or participatory natural resource management.

• Demonstrated high level strategic managerial ability, including the supervision of program documents, workplans and budgets.

• Extensive working experience in community forestry or participatory natural resource management.

• Experience in education or training, particularly curriculum development and training methodology/adult learning.

• International reputation for contributions to the field of community forestry or participatory natural resource management, as evidenced by having been influential in policy debate, conceptual development or field practice.

• Experience in liaising with donors and other funding partners to raise funds for programmatic development and delivery.

• Fluent written and spoken English.

• Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and multi-cultural environments.

• Demonstrated leadership ability.

• Qualifications in education, adult education or training.

• Familiarity with one or more regional language.