Open call – HoSC European Forest Institute(Closed)

Dear IFSA World,

Would you like to become involved with what happens in IFSA? A new opportunity is here. The official position for the Head of the European Forest Institute (EFI) Sub-Commission is open for the term 2022/2023! 

We are in search of an enthusiastic and self-motivated Head of Sub-Commission who will serve IFSA in the Partners Commission. Applicants should be a member of an IFSA Local Committee. 

Background

The purpose of the European Forest Institute is to undertake research on the pan-European level on forest policy, including its environmental aspects, the ecology, multiple-use, resources, and health of European forests, and the supply of and demand for timber and other forest products and services in order to promote the conservation and sustainable management of forests in Europe. 

IFSA first signed an MoU with EFI in 2009. Since then, the partnership has been strengthened further, leading to many IFSA delegations at EFI events and manifesting with the creation of the EFI-IUFRO-IFSA Joint Position. EFI can now be considered one of IFSAs most important partnerships.

The Head of the EFI Sub-Commission functions as the communicational link between IFSA and the EFI headquarters in Bonn, Germany, to explore ways to involve IFSA members in EFI activities and maximize the mutual benefit for both organizations. This position is best suited for someone studying in Europe with an interest in European forest research cooperation.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Act as IFSA’s focal point regarding all EFI-related matters
  • Work closely with the Partners Commission of IFSA and participate in monthly meetings, encourage teamwork, and leverage synergies within IFSA and between IFSA and EFI
  • Keep and improve contact with the main focal points at EFI
    • Stay in contact with the Headquarters, the Director, or the Director’s Assistant, including facilitating 1-2 direct meetings per term
    • Coordinate with the EFI-IUFRO-IFSA Joint Position hosted at the EFI HQ in Bonn
  • Mainstream key topics of EFI in IFSA
  • Organize and facilitate possible delegations to EFI events
    • Most importantly coordinate IFSA’s contribution and participation at EFI’s annual conference
  • Seek for EFI opportunities and campaigns to involve youth (e.g., research projects, internships, work opportunities for alumni, other EFI-related conferences, summer school, workshops, webinars, etc.) 

During the past few years, we have managed to give a short keynote speech at EFI’s annual conference about the latest developments in IFSA activities. A presentation (10-15 minutes) and overview of IFSA, including some questions, is ideal. The content can be designed with the president. IFSA also has the chance to contribute to the conference as volunteers to help with different tasks needed during the event. EFI has shown great interest in increasing youth involvement in its processes.

Skills and knowledge

The following skills and knowledge are required for this role:

  • Knowledge of EFI and their activities
  • Initiative and innovative thinking;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills (including excellent English language skills);
  • Leadership and collaboration skills
  • Understanding of the European forest research landscape
  • Proactivity

Workload

  • 2-5 hours per week, leading up to the EFI annual conference it can be 2-3 hours per day

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for an IFSA Official position, you first need to ensure that you comply with the requirements.

There is no deadline for the application, as this is a rolling open call. This means that applications will be considered as they are received, and if we receive an application that we consider to be the best fit for the position, we will appoint that applicant. It is in your interest to apply as soon as possible.

Requirements

In order to apply for an official position, you MUST comply with the requirements:

  • You need to be a member of an IFSA Local Committee and either be an active student or have graduated no longer than one year ago.
  • Proficiency in English, as it is the official language of IFSA and, therefore, the only means of communication between Officials.
  • Good internet connection: given the fact that all the work as an Official is done remotely (especially because of the travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19), a good internet connection is crucial to effectively accomplish your tasks.
  • Access to a Computer or tablet.

Motivation letter

The motivation letter should cover all the following points and be no longer than 800 words. Note that these points correspond to the criteria that are used to evaluate the motivation letter.

  • What is your background?
    • Introduction: name, age, country, university, current studies
    • LC of membership
  • What is your previous experience in IFSA at the international level (participation and/or organization of IFSA international meetings, IFSA partner events, commissioner of official position)?
  • What is your previous experience in IFSA at the regional and local level (participation and/or organization of regional events, activity in your own LC, position held in your own LC)? [Only relevant for Regional Representatives or applicants without international experience]
  • Why are you interested in applying for this position?
  • What is your understanding of the position you are running for?
    • Role of the position
    • Tasks of the position
    • Functioning of the position within the Department/Commission
  • What are your overall plans for the IFSA term?
  • Consideration of required skills
  • Optional Work plan for the term

Video

Record a video (max. 2 minutes) where you introduce yourself and present the main points from the motivation letter.

Some tips for the video:

  • If the video is longer than 2 minutes, just shorten it by talking about the key points from your letter; the other points are covered by the letter;
  • Ensure good lighting
  • Make sure the sound is clear and has good volume, so the video is easy to understand (no background noise/music)

IFSA Membership verification

The IFSA membership needs to be verified in order to apply for an official position.

You should use one of the following systems:

  • Member verification on the website (Suggested). This is the suggested method of verification. In order to be verified on the website, you need to have an account on the IFSA website and be verified by your LC for the current IFSA term. For all information, check https://ifsa.net/how-to-register. You don’t have to take other steps if you are verified on the website.
  • LC Verification letter. A verification letter from your Local Committee (LC) signed by the President of your LC, verifying that you are a member of the LC in PDF format. If you are the President of your LC, ask the Vice President to sign it. The headed letter of your LC must be used for the letter. Here you can find a template for the verification letter.

Application procedure

In order to apply, you need to fill out this form: https://forms.gle/ZsAxwyhX7QRYbrjq7

The application form includes:

  • Personal information
  • The motivation letter in PDF format (max 800 words).
  • A video (max 2 minutes)
  • IFSA membership verification

There is no deadline for the application as this is a rolling open call.

Applications that do not follow this procedure (e.g., late, incomplete, or not sent through the form) will not be considered.

In case of technical issues with application submission, please send an email to opencall@ifsa.net specifying the problem that you are encountering.

Both successful and unsuccessful applications will receive an answer within ten days after the deadline. In this timeframe, candidates may be contacted for an online interview.

Good luck with your application,

The IFSA Board