Thailand WISC Country Coordinator
Bangkok, Thailand April 1, 2024
Management and Engineering Technologies International Inc. (METI), in support of the US Forest Service Office of International Programs (USFS/IP), may require the services of a Country Coordinator to help administer its US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Global Programs and Policy (INL/GPP), funded program in collaboration with the Royal Thai Government (RTG), and partner organizations to establish a Wood Identification and Screening Center (WISC) and related donor-funded activities in Thailand.
Background:
The US Forest Service (USFS) is the principal domestic technical agency for forestry and natural resource management in the United States and the largest natural resource research institution in the world. Its 35,000-person workforce possesses a wide range of natural resource management skills, including expertise in forest and rangeland management, protected area management, wildlife management, research and practical applications related to ecological resilience, recreation and tourism development, ecosystem services valuation, and ecosystem restoration, among others. The agency's multiple use mandate requires that it balance conservation with social and economic interests, necessitating a pragmatic approach to natural resource management.
INL/GPP and USFS/IP have a longstanding collaboration to support global partner countries as they build, reform, and advance systems, capacities, and partnerships to prevent, detect, enforce and ultimately address environmental crime threats. INL/GPP and the USFS/IP initially became interested in collaborative partnership with the RTG to house a WISC after the successful implementation of a Vietnam-WISC. As a regional hub in Asia-Pacific, a Thailand-WISC would increase wood identification and screening capacities in the region in support of law enforcement and regulatory agencies' efforts to combat illegal trade of forest products.
Position Description:
Working closely with staff at USFS/IP based in Washington, DC, METI, and the RTG, the Thailand WISC Country Coordinator will serve as the primary liaison with the focal government agencies, and coordinate program activities with other relevant partners in Thailand, such as non-government organizations (NGOs). The Thailand WISC Country Coordinator will provide guidance on communication and coordination, as well as technical advice related to design, implementation, and monitoring as appropriate, to the USFS/IP Thailand team.
Specific Task and Duties include:
The WISC Country Coordinator would support the program in capacities such as, but not limited to, the following:
- Co-manage multi-stakeholder partnerships, engage in consultative work planning, program design, and coordinate activities and meetings both virtually and in-person as needed with a team of colleagues based in Thailand, the US, and other countries in the Asia Pacific region.
- Use interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills to develop relationships with colleagues, partners, and relevant stakeholders across cultures, languages, and varying capacity levels.
- Use Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet, and other online applications to plan and participate in virtual and in-person meetings, workshops, and other events, and communicate with partners and colleagues.
- Take initiative to complete tasks and develop action plans without day-to-day supervision while keeping colleagues up to date on your work progress and products.
- Collect necessary data and conduct relevant monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities throughout the period of performance to support regular reporting on Thailand WISC project progress, development, and outcomes.
- Travel to various locations in Thailand, the US, and potentially other countries in the Asia-Pacific region as needed to conduct program-related activities.
Position Requirements:
The Coordinator should have the following skills and experience:
- A minimum of five years of experience in project implementation and partnership development in Thailand, preferably in the environmental and natural resource sectors.
- Minimum of Bachelor's degree, preferably in the natural resources field;
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-stakeholder partnerships, engaging in consultative work planning, and coordinating activities and meetings;
- Ability to work effectively without day-to-day supervision;
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment with the RTG and US Government agencies, international donors, NGOs, community groups, and other stakeholders;
- Maintain flexibility and a positive attitude to perform work under often unpredictable and ambiguous circumstances.
- Excellent organizational skills;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Excellent interpersonal skills;
- Strong understanding of RTG functions, procedures, and structures, especially related to law enforcement and regulatory agencies working to combat the illegal trade of forest products.
- Experience working with the key government partner(s), CSO, academia, and/or community groups in Thailand;
- Experience implementing U.S. Government funded activities and maintaining compliance with US Government regulations strongly preferred;
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally for events, workshops, conferences, meetings, etc. as needed.
- Required computer proficiencies: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet;
- Language skills: Professional proficiency in spoken and written English and Thai language.
Location: This position will be ideally based in Thailand, though the precise location may be flexible for the right candidate. Work-related travel to the US, and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region will be required.
Period of Performance:
The tenure of a Thailand WISC Country Coordinator is estimated to be a continuous 2-year period, with the possibility of extension. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and abilities.
If the US Forest Service were to secure the services of an individual with these skills, the successful applicant would be hired through a contractor.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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