Senior Program Manager - Overseas-Based Staff
AusAID Nepal
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Senior Program Manager will work as a member of a small team for the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), based at the Australian Embassy Kathmandu. AusAID is the implementing agency for the Australian Government’s development cooperation program (further details at www.ausaid.gov.au).
This is a new position which will report to the AusAID Country Manager and will be responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of a number of AusAID programs in Nepal. In the absence of AusAID Country Manager, the position will also be responsible to undertake day-to-day management of AusAID program in Nepal.
The position will build relationships and engage at a strategic level with a range of key partners and will work closely with AusAID staff in Nepal, the region and Canberra, provide high level advice, and prepare key submissions and briefings. You will be expected to attend and report on key sector donor meetings; the sectors will be determined based on the experience and sectoral expertise of the successful candidate.
KEY TASKS/DUTIES:
Working closely with AusAID Country Manager:
• Ensure effective planning and delivery of assigned AusAID programs in Nepal. This includes the preparation and monitoring of budgets at the program and initiative level, pipeline development, agreement/contract development/mobilization/management, risk management, monitoring (including the development and management of reviews) and reporting on program performance in line with AusAID policy guidelines and objectives.
• In line with the objectives of the Australian aid program in Nepal, strategically engage with key sector partners in Nepal, including Government agencies, development partners, I/NGOs, civil society members and local communities. At times this will include contributing to joint Government/donor consultations and developing and coordinating AusAID’s comments on Government of Nepal policies in the relevant sector.
• Monitor the performance of AusAID supported programs, attend key meetings and maintain regular contact with key staff in partner organisations.
• Represent the Agency and its policy and programming approach to other donors, multilateral agencies, the NGO sector and local communities on relevant sector.
• Prepare briefing, submissions, minutes, talking points and press releases in a timely manner and provide Nepal-related input to various reports. The information needs of both Australian- and Nepal-based stakeholders will need to be addressed.
• As necessary, contribute to other planning, monitoring and reporting requirements of the Agency. At times this will include contributing development expertise/knowledge to wider Agency policy processes.
• Assist the Country Manager in strategically managing AusAID’s portfolio of activities in Nepal and in the absence of AusAID Country Manager, undertake the day-to-day management of AusAID program in Nepal
• Undertake other portfolio responsibilities which may arise in response to changing priorities.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
1. Relevant tertiary qualification and at least 6 years relevant work experience at a senior level in international development developing and managing development programs, preferably including experience of managing SWAp programs and/or managing donor and I/NGO programs.
2. Demonstrated capacity in the effective development, delivery and evaluation of development assistance. A strong understanding of the aid effectiveness agenda is desirable.
3. Demonstrated skill and understanding of developing and managing agreements, contracts, reviews and program finance.
4. A thorough understanding and knowledge of Nepal’s peace and development issues and good understanding of the government systems and development sector in Nepal
5. Highly developed analytical and research skills and effective communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to engage effectively on high level discussions with key stakeholders, including Government counterparts, development partners and local community.
6. Well developed writing and presentation skills and an ability to express ideas clearly and concisely (including within tight timeframes) in English. The ability to anticipate, and communicate in a manner that meets, the information needs of different stakeholders
7. Demonstrated computer literacy (word processing and spreadsheet), with an aptitude to learn other activity management softwares.
8. Able to handle multiple tasks and to work flexibly and under pressure.
9. Should be able to work diligently, efficiently and effectively in a small team, capable of building trust and confidence, and willing to take responsibilities to deliver high quality results;
SALARY AND TENURE:
Salary is negotiable, depending on qualification, experience and skills, and as per the rules of the Agency.
APPLICATION:
Applicants must include a written paragraph for each of the nine selection criteria explaining how their skills and experience match the criteria for the position. Applicants who do not address the selection criteria and only include their CV will not be considered.
Applications should be no more than 3 pages addressing the above selection criteria, and include a CV with names and contact details of two referees, and a recent passport sized photograph. The employment history in the CV should also include the annual gross salary drawn by the applicant for their last or the current position.
All applications marked “Vacancy: Senior Program Manager” and addressed to “Country Manager, AusAID” should be submitted OR emailed to the following address no later than April 25, 2010, 17:00 hrs.
Organisation Development Centre (ODC)
GPO 8975 EPC 443, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: (977-1) 5551979, 5554063
E-mail: [email protected]
Only short listed candidates will be contacted for the selection process.