AusAID Vientiane Post
SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER – EDUCATION
(OB Level 5)
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 Australian Government on international development policy and manages Australia’s overseas aid program. Our primary outcome is to assist developing countries reduce poverty and achieve sustainability, in line with Australia’s national interest.
Australia’s development assistance focus on poverty is guided by the Millennium Development Goals, the internationally agreed targets for poverty reduction.
• We work in partnership with governments and civil society in developing countries to assist their development efforts
• We support countries in our region to respond to emergencies such as cyclones, floods, tsunamis and earthquakes
• We work with regional and multilateral organizations to address regional and global development challenges
• We work with Australian Government departments and agencies to ensure a whole-of-government approach is taken to implementing Australia’s overseas aid program
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 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 Counsellor and comprises a mix of twenty Australian based and locally engaged staff, working in a close team environment. The AusAID office is located at the Australia Embassy.
Job Description
The Senior Program Officer Education assists the Second Secretary to manage the education sector program in Laos. The role includes liaising with implementing partners and partner government, donor coordination, input into program design, monitoring implementation progress, drafting and management of agreements and contracts, review of project reports, facilitation of payments, facilitation of program coordination meetings and workshops, and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders in the education sector.
This work will focus on the following elements of the education program:
i. Australia’s contribution to the Education For All Fast Track Initiative (EFA/FTI) Program.
ii. School Meals, Community-Based School Construction, Quality Basic Education Inputs and Non Formal Education Initiatives.
iii. Public Financial Management in the Education sector.
iv. Education Sector Working Group (ESWG) and the Education Sector Development Plan (ESDP).
v. Act as the focal point for education sector team’s input into the Program Management Plan (PMP) and Performance Assessment Framework (PAF).
vi. Coordinate public diplomacy activities for education sector initiatives
In managing these responsibilities the Senior Program Officer may carry out the following tasks:
1. Manage a project(s) providing advice and expertise to deliver key developmental outcomes. Monitor the performance of project(s) and participate in monitoring and review activities.
2. Assist in negotiations and liaison with stakeholders.
3. Manage less complex contracts and monitor contractor performance. Undertake contract administration, the resolution of problems, the management of contract variations and amendments, the maintenance of contract-related records and ensure that AusAID meets its contractual obligations.
4. Under general direction manage finances of activities. Under general direction prepare financial estimates, coordinate budgets, maintain financial records and analyse / monitor expenditure.
5. Maintain accurate and up-to-date activity data on AusAID systems including AidWorks.
6. Report on activity progress and program outcomes. Under general direction assist in the drafting of country and/or regional papers, policy papers, less complex correspondence, briefs and submissions on a wide range of matters relevant to program management.
7. Assist in the preparation of briefings for the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, AusAID Executive and Australian delegations and Senior AusAID officers. Prepare background information, talking points for speeches and other briefing documents for relevant activities.
8. Assist in the preparation of technical reviews of projects (project design, frameworks and formulation) for peer and quality assessments for new and ongoing projects.
9. Assist in the development of education policy, review and interpretation of policy.
Capabilities
Supports shared purpose and direction
• Communicates with others regarding the purpose of their work; identifies the relationship between organisational goals and operational tasks.
• Understands and supports the organisation’s vision, mission and business objectives.
• Understands and communicates the reasons for decisions and recommendations to others.
Shows judgement, intelligence and commonsense
• Researches and analyses information and draws accurate conclusions based on evidence; analyses and interprets information to inform decision makers.
• Identifies issues and problems and works to resolve them; identifies risks and uncertainties and takes account of these in planning and priority setting.
• Actively participates in decision making and incorporates outcomes of decision-making into work plans.
• Thinks laterally; is innovative; identifies and implements improved work practices.
• Selects the best option from a range of potential solutions for key problems.
Applies and builds professional expertise
• Consults internal experts; taps into their technical and professional knowledge and experience to improve work outcomes for the business unit.
• Applies and develops capabilities to meet performance expectations; contributes own expertise for the benefit of the business unit.
Nurtures internal and external relationships
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with team members.
• Builds and sustains relationships; liaises with a range of stakeholders including team members, other teams, colleagues and clients.
• Is responsive to changes in client and stakeholder needs; provides courteous, prompt and professional service to clients.
Demonstrates self awareness and a commitment to personal development
• Reflects on own behaviours and work style and understands how they impact on others and on job performance.
• Demonstrates commitment to self development and seeks opportunities to extend skills and knowledge, including management, leadership and supervisory skills.
• Communicates areas of strength, and acknowledges development needs.
• Agrees own performance standards with supervisor; seeks feedback on behaviour and work performance from supervisor, peers and subordinates, and is responsive to guidance.
• Reviews performance and identifies strengths as well as development needs.
Communicates clearly
• Focuses on clear communication of key points.
• Limits the use of jargon and abbreviations; explains complex information using language appropriate for the audience.
• Presents messages confidently and selects the appropriate medium for conveying information.
• Structures messages clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing.
Negotiates confidently
• Listens to differing ideas and views to develop a clear understanding of the issues.
• Discusses issues credibly and thoughtfully without getting personal or aggressive.
• Encourages relevant stakeholders in supporting the position.
• Identifies other people’s expectations and concerns.
• Commences negotiations with a clear understanding of the desired outcomes.
Reporting
The position reports to the Second Secretary Education.
Eligibility/Other Requirements
The position is required to obtain a satisfactory police check and medical check.
It is essential that the occupant of this role has advanced English and Lao language skills, as well as computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. The occupant must also be willing to work non-routine hours when required, and travel regularly.
Selection Criteria
¬Important: The Selection Criteria are used to assess an applicant’s suitability for a position. Applicants must provide a statement of claims, not exceeding two pages, addressing the selection criteria below.
Statements should detail suitability to perform the duties of the position including personal qualities, experience, skills and knowledge relative to the selection criteria.
Essential
1. Demonstrated expertise and achievement in management and review of aid programs/activities, preferably in the education sector.
2. Program management skills with supporting skills in finance management, contract management, communication, negotiation and representation.
3. Research and analytical skills with a practical focus.
4. Knowledge of AusAID and Lao government policy with understanding of related economic, political, social and cultural issues in development.
5. Sound judgment, problem solving skills, initiative and a results orientation.
6. Ability to work effectively in teams with adaptability and responsiveness.
Desirable
Tertiary qualifications and/or demonstrated expertise in education and/or development fields.