Reporting to the CEO of Equatoria Forestry Company, and senior management of Form International, the forest operations manager will oversee all forestry operations in relation to the development of the commercial teak planation and natural forest regeneration. The role will require regular presence in the project area, which can be discussed depending on your current location.
Key responsibilities include
• Supervising a (currently) small team of forestry staff
• Lead and coordinate all operational activities for the plantation, including, but not limited to: land preparation, establishment, planting, silviculture, roading
• Be the point of contact for Uganda based service providers, partners and stakeholders
• Leading and supporting health and safety within the organisation
• Focusing on sustainability and looking after the land
• Coordinate work with other national experts and the Form International team in The Netherlands
• Coordinate with regional and national governmental forest authorities on procedures and legal requirements for plantation planning
• Coordinate with key stakeholders on regional and national level that are relevant in the development of the plantation (Government, NGOs, Civil society organizations, etc.).
• Represent Form International and Equatoria Forestry Company in Uganda and at regional and national meetings and events relevant for the assignment and when establishing partnerships. It shall be noted that Form International has hired a separate Environment & Social manager, responsible for the environmental and social matters.

Profile
• Preferably Uganda national, in case of other nationality prove presence and long-term experience in Uganda
• Forestry expert with at least 5 years’ experience relevant to the project, of which at least 3 years in management positions
• Proven knowledge of the Uganda forestry and environmental legislation and its application and interpretation both at national and regional level
• Excellent understanding of forest plantation organisation and management
• Up-to-date knowledge of regulation concerning environmental and social matters
• Capacity to work independently and to lead teams
• Motivated, energetic and pro-active attitude towards project vision and goals
• Skills to promote, influence and pitch the project at strategic and high-level meetings
• Committed to professional core values (responsibility, accountability and integrity)
• Ability to travel to and regularly stay at the project location
• Excellent team worker
• Good command of English language (spoken and written)
• Strong communication skills
The following skills are considered a plus
• Originating from West Nile region of Uganda
• Speaking local languages, such as Lugbra, Kakwa and Kuku
• Ability to quickly investigate and acquire, process and share up-to-date relevant information
• Well-connected to key stakeholders in project region, including NGOs, private sector, farmer associations, community organisations

Contract period
For this assignment we foresee a contract period of 9 months (April 2024 – December 2024), with good opportunities for extension and/or future involvement depending on satisfactory completion of the assignment and project results.