Role Overview

The role of Forest Protection Associates is to assist the Forest Protection Officer and Forest Protection Manager in the field execution of the Forest Protection and Biodiversity Conservation component (Pillar 1) under the Mindanao Forest for People and Sustainable Livelihoods (MinFor) in partnership with eleven (11) indigenous people’s organizations (IPOs)in Davao Oriental.

The Forest Protection Associate, under the supervision of the Forest Protection Officer and Manager will assist in designing effective forest protection and conservation plans in coordination with leaders of the indigenous people’s organizations and concerned national agencies and local government units. He or she will assist in conducting structured deployment, performance assessment of indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) and IP organizations in forest protection and conservation, for forest reserves, and forest regeneration projects.

Responsibilities:

• Develop a sound forest protection and management plan taking into consideration all existing forestry protection laws of the DENR and ordinances and orders of the local government

• Create a functional community-based forest guarding system with effective enforcement by the communities, DENR and the local government

• Coordinate with local government units and national agencies (DENR, DILG) to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines related to forest protection

• Set-up a forest monitoring system with the Remote Sensing team that would inform the project organization and partners of the progress of reduction in deforestation and identify in near-time, areas where threats to deforestation is happening and recourse/solutions/responses to the recorded incidents

• Supervise a team of forest protection officers and develop internal capacities for forest guarding systems including a quick-response system in coordination with the provincial government’s Environment office and peace-keeping forces of the government

• Assist in the development of a communications and information program with the Communications team to increase public awareness of forest protection issues

• Manage budgets and resources effectively to ensure that forest protection KPIs of the program are met.

• Maintain accurate records and prepares regular reports on forest protection activities and updates.

• Stay updated on latest technologies and practices related to forest protection particularly forest guarding.