Open Call: Commissioners of Carbon and Sustainability Sub-Commission 2023/2024
(See below this for podcast commission open call)

Dear all,

We are excited to announce that three commissioner positions are now open within the Carbon & Sustainability Sub-Commission. These positions represent a significant opportunity for enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals to contribute to IFSA’s mission during the 2023/24 term.

Introduction

IFSA Commissioners play a pivotal role in advancing the objectives of the Carbon & Sustainability Sub-Commission. They engage in diverse activities, including managing the IFSA Sustainability Strategy, conducting carbon assessments for delegations’ trips, and contributing to various other projects. 

Responsibilities for each position may vary, but you can expect to dedicate 3-4 hours per week to your specific role. Participation in online meetings is common, focusing on tasks related to your sub-commission responsibilities.

List and Description of Positions

The available positions in the Carbon & Sustainability Sub-Commission are as follows:

IFSA Sustainability Strategy Commissioner

The IFSA Sustainability Strategy Commissioner plays a crucial role in shaping and advancing IFSA’s sustainability strategy, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and objectives. This role involves active participation in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives related to the sustainability of the association.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with the head of the Sub-Commission to write and develop the IFSA Sustainability Strategy, incorporating ideas and information from meetings and provided resources.
  • Contribute to the formulation of clear and actionable sustainability goals and objectives.
  • Assist in tracking progress and assessing the effectiveness of the strategy.
  • Participate in strategy-related discussions and provide insights to improve sustainability efforts.

Skills and knowledge:

  • Proficiency in English for effective communication.
  • Background or knowledge in sustainability and related subjects.
  • Document creation and drafting skills, with an emphasis on clarity and coherence.
  • Strong writing and comprehension abilities.

Estimated workload:

3 to 4 hours per week.

Delegation’s Trip Carbon Assessment Commissioner

The Delegation’s Trip Carbon Assessment Commissioner plays a vital role in assessing the carbon footprint of IFSA delegations’ trips. This position contributes to the organization’s commitment to environmental sustainability by collecting, analyzing, and reporting on carbon data.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist in data collection for carbon assessments after IFSA delegations’ trips.
  • Analyze collected data and generate reports.
  • Interpret data to present findings graphically.
  • Contribute to the development of recommendations to reduce the carbon footprint of IFSA delegations.

Skills and knowledge:

  • Proficiency in English for effective communication.
  • Proficiency in basic Excel for data management.
  • Strong mathematical and statistical analysis skills.

Estimated workload:

2 to 3 hours per week.

Projects Commissioner

The Other Projects Commissioner is responsible for assisting with various projects within the Carbon & Sustainability Sub-Commission, including but not limited to the online library and workshops. This position involves document preparation, information collection, and project support.


Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Generate requested documents, such as meeting minutes and reports.
  • Utilize forms for data collection.
  • Search for and classify relevant research papers and resources.

Skills and knowledge:

  • Proficiency in English for effective communication.
  • Proficiency in organising and classifying information.
  • Effective use of forms and data collection.

Estimated workload:

2.5 to 3.5 hours per week.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for one of these positions, you first need to ensure that you comply with the requirements. The application consists of an LC verification letter and a motivation letter (max. 600 words).

Requirements

In order to apply for a commissioner position you MUST comply with these 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.
  • Good Internet connection, given the fact that all the work as a commissioner is done remotely.
  • Access to a Computer or tablet.

Motivation letter

The motivation letter should cover all the following points and be no longer than 600 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 regional and local level?
  • Why are you interested in applying for this position?
  • What is your understanding of the position you are running for?

Application procedure

 

Send the following items to the sub-commission official email fernanda.gonzalez@ifsa.net with CC to capacity.development@ifsa.net 

  • Motivation letter is in PDF format (max 600 words).
  • IFSA membership verification (LC verification letter).

Deadline 

The deadline of application will be November 15th, 2023 (23:59 UTC+0).

Both successful and unsuccessful applications will receive an answer within 10 days after the application has been made.

Thank you for your interest in joining. We look forward to receiving your applications and witnessing your contributions to our shared mission.

Forest hugs,

Fernanda Gonzalez
Head of Carbon & Sustainability Sub-Commission | 2023 – 2024
fernanda.gonzalez@ifsa.net

 

Open call for Podcast Commissioner 2023/24

Podcast Background

The Canopy Conversations podcast is a long-term project initially launched as a form of online engagement for IFSA members during COVID-19. The podcast is targeted at all IFSA members and alumni, but all episodes are available on the IFSA website and multiple free platforms (e.g., Google podcast, Spotify) so that anyone interested can listen. The podcast brings a new medium to IFSA that shares stories of different experiences, special events, and backgrounds of both professionals and students in forestry and related sectors.

This Podcast is in need of Commissioners to form the role of co-hosts  

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Aiding in the editing and publishing of episodes 
  • Creating concept notes with the coordination of the Head of the Podcast Sub-Commission
  • Hosting and Co-Hosting episodes 
  • Working with the podcast Head of the Podcast Sub-Commission to find themes and guests
  • Creating podcast episodes for special events (e.g., International Day of Forests)

Skills and Knowledge

  • Knowledge of one of the most common digital audio workstations (DAWs), i.e. Adobe Audition or Audacity
  • Willingness to develop skills on how to use the mentioned DAWs, if not yet familiar with these programs
  • Good understanding of the most common audio file formats (e.g., WAV, MP3)
  • Understanding of audio recording and post-production (experience is an asset)
  • Willingness to work with different podcast recording and production platforms (e.g., ZenCastr)
  • Good organizational skills to set up an agenda for scheduling calls with guests, conducting interviews, and finishing editing the episode
  • Willingness to work with other officials on planning the podcast (e.g., writing the concept note, etc.)
  • Excellent English proficiency

Additional Requirements for Podcast Hosts

  • Excellent speaking skills
  • Good and stable internet connection
  • Good quality microphone and closed-back headphones (optional but helpful)

Estimated Workload

  • 3-5 hours per week

Interested?

Contact – Head of Communication Commission (communication@ifsa.net) and cc internal Councilor <internal.councilor@ifsa.net>

Kind Regards

Alexander Watson