POSITION TITLE: PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
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.
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 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 eighteen Australian based and locally engaged staff, working in a close team environment. The AusAID office is located in the Australia Embassy.
POSITION PURPOSE:
The Program Development Consultant will be responsible for initiating, implementing and managing one or more project design processes to ensure compliance with all AusAID standards, policies and procedures. The Consultant will work closely with members of the Rural Development Team and will report to the First Secretary. S/he is expected to manage activities with a high level of autonomy.
The person will also be responsible for working with and informing other Australian government agencies and AusAID’s partner countries/organisations on rural development programs.
The Program Development Consultant will:
• Bring a strategic/whole-of-government perspective to the development and delivery of a rural development project, with timely reporting of critical issues.
• Engage in negotiations with the partner government regarding the development and implementation of the project/s.
• Provide advice on policy issues arising throughout the program design process and make recommendations to management on action to ensure AusAID meets its goals and objectives.
• Undertake financial management, procurement, and contract management related to program development.
• Build productive relationships with key stakeholders.
• Working as part of a team, identify and implement activities to strengthen linkages and collaboration between AusAID and other stakeholders.
• Function as the central coordinating point for the project development process, working with the AusAID Rural Development team and other stakeholders as appropriate to advance project design and ensure open lines of communication are upheld
• Take responsibility for progressing project development processes including review of draft design documents, implementation plans, monitoring and evaluation frameworks and project budgets.
• Provide input to quality monitoring of the project, including conducting peer reviews and participating in appraisal, monitoring and review missions.
• Carry out background research to inform policy making and support delivery of a high quality aid program in Laos.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Prepare a two page statement in English which describes your suitability and skills with reference to the following selection criteria:
1. Demonstrated prior experience in design of activities for multi-donor programs, preferably in rural development, infrastructure or poverty reduction
2. Effective management, planning and coordination skills
3. Excellent English proficiency with very good oral and written communications skills, including the ability to convey messages clearly and succinctly in complex environments
4. Ability to develop and maintain a range of effective working relationships with government agencies and other stakeholders in Laos
5. Understanding of the development context in Laos as well as a capacity to quickly develop a good understanding of AusAID’s goals, programs, and procedures.
A copy of your resume should accompany your statement in response to the selection criteria. Your resume should be no more than 4 pages and should include the contact details of two professional referees as well as expected monthly remuneration for the position.
Closing date for applications: 5pm on 8th February 2011.
Deliver your application to the AusAID Office in the Australian Embassy at Km 4 Thadeua Road, or email it to [email protected]
Only applicants short listed for the positions will be contacted