AusAID Vientiane Post
PROGRAM OFFICER – WATER RESOURCES
(OB Level 4)
Job Description and Selection Documentation
We are looking for people to join our Agency. We aim to get the right person into the right role. For more information, please visit our website www.ausaid.gov.au
About AusAID
AusAID (Australian Agency for International Development) advises the Government on international development policy and manages Australia’s overseas aid program.
The core principles of Australia's aid program are:
• accelerating progress towards the Millennium Development Goals;
• a recognition that while economic growth is the most powerful long term solution to poverty, economic growth will not, by itself, deliver fair and stable societies;
• a strong emphasis on the Asia-Pacific, while also increasing our efforts in Africa and South Asia;
• an emphasis on the power of education to promote development; and
• a commitment to continue to improve effectiveness.
These principles will guide the aid program in delivering sustainable development gains.
AusAID’s People
People who work in AusAID implement government policy and formulate strategies aimed at assisting countries achieve their Millennium Development Goals. By working in partnership with Australian and foreign government officials, international bodies, the private sector, community organisations and civil society, people in AusAID may help to improve the quality of people’s lives in developing countries now and for generations to come.
About Vientiane Post
AusAID Vientiane is responsible for the delivery of the Australian aid program to Laos. The aid program aims to assist the Government of Laos to reduce poverty and achieve its sustainable development goals, with a focus on education, trade and rural development. The Post has a particular responsibility to ensure that knowledge and understanding of Lao government policies and directions, local circumstances, and local stakeholders underpin aid program strategies and delivery. Vientiane staff program, manage, and monitor Australia funded activities that contribute to the achievement of high quality development outcomes in Laos. AusAID Vientiane also houses the Mekong Water Resources Unit which has responsibility for implementing the Australian Government’s development cooperation program on water resource management in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region.
AusAID Vientiane is headed by a First Secretary and comprises a mix of nineteen Australian based and locally engaged staff, working in a close team environment. The AusAID office is located at the Australia Embassy.
About the Australian Mekong Water Resources Program
Water resources lie at the heart of development in the Mekong Region. Quality of life in the region will be further improved with wise choices about sharing, developing and managing water – to produce food and energy and to maintain vital ecosystems. The Australian Mekong Water Resources Program seeks to assist the countries of the Mekong Region to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development through the equitable and efficient use and management of water resources.
The Australian Mekong Water Resources Program has three strategic objectives:
• Strengthening institutions to improve integrated water resources management in the region.
• Improving the availability or reliable knowledge about water resources.
• Making more informed decisions and policies through consultations with public sector, private sector and civil society actors.
For more information on the Australian Mekong Water Resources Program, please visit www.ausaid.gov.au/country/mekong-water-resources.cfm
Job Description
The Program Officer will work under the direction of the Second Secretary (Water and Infrastructure) and the Senior Water Resources Adviser, and will assist with the day to day management of activities under the Mekong water resources portfolio with the Australian development cooperation program. In undertaking their responsibilities the Program Officer may carry out the following tasks:
1. Under general direction provide support to AusAID program delivery. This may involve engagement and liaison with program partners (governments, international organisations, research institutions and civil society actors), assisting with preparation of material for briefs and/or submissions, assisting with contract negotiations, and assisting with the provision of financial management reports.
2. Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of existing contracts and projects including the preparation and dispatch of tender documents, negotiation and preparation of contract documents and responding to enquiries in program areas.
3. Arrange for the payment of accounts and the preparation of financial estimates, maintaining financial records and monitoring expenditure.
4. When instructed, represent AusAID at relevant meetings and forums with host government, implementing partners and other stakeholders.
Essential Qualifications
• A university degree in an appropriate discipline, such as development studies or natural resource management.
• A minimum of two years relevant work experience
Selection Criteria
Prepare a one page statement in English that describes your suitability, skills and experience with reference to the five selection criteria listed below. Use practical examples, referring to your professional or academic experience, to describe how you satisfy each of the selection criteria. Please use the five selection criteria as sub-headings.
1. Experience in a development or aid program environment;
2. Demonstrated planning, organising and team skills;
3. Research, investigative and analytical skills;
4. Demonstrated communication skills, both written and verbal;
5. Understanding of the development context in Laos, as well as a capacity to develop a strong understanding of AusAID’s goals, programs and procedures
A copy of your resume should accompany this statement. Your resume should be no more than 3 pages. It should include the contact details of two professional referees.
Do not include copies of certificates, academic records or referee reports with your application.
Closing Date for applications: Friday 6 January 2012