Sawmilling Training Expert

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 (FGVC) implemented by FAO’s Forestry Division (NFO) supports the implementation of Forest Partnerships (FP) between 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 high-level 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 2023.

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 forest-based value chains.

In Guyana, one of the key Forest Partnership milestones (2.3: Compliance of FSOs with international market requirements) determined the priority to train Forest Sector Operators (FSOs) to 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 (FTCI), under guidance from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). 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.

The international sawmilling expert is expected to conduct the necessary assessments to determine training needs and assist in the creation of the model sawmill, design the training modules, and develop a Training of Trainers (ToT) curriculum.

Reporting Lines

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

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

• In collaboration with FTCI, conduct a rapid assessment analyzing recurrent technical problems in the sawmilling sector in Guyana, such as in the sawmill set-up, workflow, sawblade alignment and sharpening practices, general maintenance, air-drying and storage of forests produce, etc.

• Prepare an analysis of training needs and support the procurement of suitable equipment (including, where applicable, the preparation of technical specification documents for bids).

• Based on the assessment findings, 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

• University degree or equivalent technical degree in industrial engineering in the timber sector or other relevant field

• Ten years of relevant experience in sawmill management

• Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Advanced experience with forest operations and timber-based 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