PROGRAM ASSISTANT – BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS AND INDIGENOUS ECONOMIES: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ALLIANCE FOR RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT (IPARD) – Panama

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROGRAM ASSISTANT – BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS AND INDIGENOUS ECONOMIES: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ALLIANCE FOR RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT (IPARD)

Organization: FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF)

Location: Global

Report to: IPARD Programme Managers, Business Partnerships and Indigenous Economies

Work share: 100%

Expected start date: September 16, 2024

DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGANISATION

In 2019, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) established the FSC Indigenous Foundation (FSC-IF) as the operational office of the Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee (PIPC). The FSC-IF is a private interest foundation under Law No. 25 of June 12, 1995 of the Republic of Panama. The mission of the FSC-IF is to create a supportive environment to ensure the rights of indigenous peoples and promote sustainable forest-based solutions in 300 million hectares of indigenous forests on Earth. The vision is that the global values, rights, livelihoods, ecosystem services, natural capital and communities of indigenous peoples are included in forest governance, climate change management and market systems.

Alliance of Indigenous Peoples for Rights and Development

FSC-IF is the implementing partner of the five-year Global Development Alliance (GDA) program funded by USAID and FSC: Indigenous Peoples Alliance for Rights and Development (IPARD). The IPARD program is guided by three development goals:

● Objective 1: Organize and convene a capacity building program for indigenous peoples’ organizations and stakeholders;

● Objective 2: Create an environment that enables the recognition, effective participation and shared decision-making of indigenous peoples in matters affecting them; and;

● Goal 3: Promote the sustainable development of indigenous peoples based on sustainable economic models.

IPARD uses three interconnected approaches to support indigenous peoples in addressing their development challenges:

A. Multisectoral Approach (MSA): Under the strategic guidance of the IPARD Steering Committee (SC), the Programme brings together and leverages the expertise of multisectoral partners to ensure that the needs of indigenous communities are addressed across a variety of sectors.

B. Country-Focused Approach (CFA): IPARD’s programming strategy is guided by a country-focused approach, determined by specific national contexts relating to indigenous peoples. IPARD implements a structured process to identify, assess and select countries for its programs. FSC-IF works in conjunction with the IPARD Steering Committee and in accordance with the guidelines of the multi-sectoral approach to select countries and identify key priorities and strategies.

C. Indigenous Project Management Approach (IPMA): IPARD leverages FSC-IF’s networks and relationships with indigenous leaders and organizations around the world and seeks ongoing dialogue, consultation and feedback with indigenous peoples to inform the program. IPARD supports a forum through which the FSC-IF Indigenous Foundation acts as a bridge between indigenous peoples, technical partners, national governments and the private sector. IPARD invests in best practice conservation measures and effective approaches and methodologies to ensure strategic cohesion of partnerships at different levels.

Through these three approaches, IPARD aims to strengthen indigenous peoples’ organizations and create an enabling environment in which indigenous peoples can advance their development.

OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

The IPARD Programme Assistant for Corporate Partnerships and Indigenous Economies supports the Programme Manager for Corporate Partnerships and Indigenous Economies to ensure smooth and efficient implementation of Objective 3 of the IPARD Programme.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Collecting and processing data and (background) information on IPARD IF’s areas of activity at country, regional and global levels.

Keep logs, files and update records in the prescribed format for future use as specified.

Prepare background materials, working papers and tables for briefings, review sessions and meetings.

Organize meetings and prepare information before meetings.

Supports the procurement process, creates purchase requisitions, creates templates for evaluation committees and documents the procurement process.

Prepare reports on various topics related to IPARD Objective 3.

Support and communicate with consultants to monitor project results.

Organize and facilitate technical and other meetings with partners, including government, donors, the private sector, NGOs and other stakeholders, and take minutes of meetings upon request.

Support the preparation of global, regional and other webinars, prepare invitations and contact lists and take care of the follow-up of preparation tasks.

Support the delivery of training to IPOs, governments, the private sector and other stakeholders.

Foster strategic partnerships with private sector companies and other key stakeholders.

Prepare databases of enterprises exporting forest products (import and export) and others relevant to the domestic economy. They may include domestic enterprises and funds available to domestic enterprises from various sources.

Conduct desk and online research to prepare lists of universities, academic centers and experts studying Indigenous economics, as well as webinars on Indigenous economics.

Read news, articles and reports and compile the successful experiences of local companies highlighted in the media, by the government, multilateral organizations, NGOs or in academic research.

Perform other related tasks as required.

KEY REQUIREMENT AREAS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, industrial engineering, business administration, forestry or a field related to the study objective.

Practical experience working or living with indigenous communities is desirable.

Good interpersonal communication and coordination as well as organizational and planning skills.

Experience working with international NGOs desirable.

Experience in using MS Office, communication platforms (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet and others) and other software.

Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity to the diversity of values, views and approaches to issues relevant to the FSC-IF.

Ability to respond appropriately and efficiently to pressure to meet deadlines.

Preference will be given to candidates who are very familiar with the culture and communities of indigenous peoples or who are a native member of an indigenous people.

Strong oral and written communication in English and Spanish, presentation and negotiation skills.