APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK

SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER AusAID, Manila, Philippines

Closing Date:

Midnight Monday 19 August 2013

Completed Applications should be sent to: AusAID HR Manager, Development Cooperation Section, Australian Embassy, 23/F Tower 2, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Philippines1200 or ManilaHRRecruitment@ausaid.gov.au Position Specific Enquiries to:

AusAID HR Manager at ManilaHRRecruitment@ausaid.gov.au

AusAID Manila

Job Description and Selection Documentation

Title Classification Division/Branch/Section Reports to Location Job Type Senior Program Officer O-Based work level 6 East Asia Division/ Manila Post Portfolio Manager Urban Resilience, DRM and CCA Manila, Philippines Overseas Based Employee - ongoing position

About AusAID
The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) is the Australian Government agency responsible for managing Australia's overseas aid program. AusAIDs objective is to help people overcome poverty. This serves Australias national interests by promoting stability and prosperity both in our region and beyond. Australia is committed to the Millennium Development Goals, the internationally agreed targets for poverty reduction. AusAIDs five strategic goals are: saving lives promoting opportunities for all sustainable economic development effective governance, and humanitarian and disaster response.

With a head office in Canberra, and country offices around the world, AusAID works in close partnership with Australian and foreign government officials, international and multilateral organisations (including the United Nations, World Bank and Asian Development Bank), the private sector, non-government and community organisations, and civil society. AusAID has working relationships with many private companies and non-government organisations who contribute to the design and delivery of programs of assistance.

About The Philippines Program

Australian aid is focused on supporting the Philippines Governments priorities of improving the prospects for economic growth, poverty reduction and national stability. AusAIDs portfolio in the Philippines includes Education, Mindanao, Climate Change/Disaster Risk Management and Sub-National Governance. Each portfolio is underpinned by a suite of cross-cutting programs focused on supporting more accountable, transparent and inclusive governance, and involves working with national and local government systems.

The Urban Resilience, Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Portfolio
The Australia Philippines Development Cooperation Program Statement of Commitment 2012-17 identified strengthening disaster risk management and climate change action as a major objective. Australias strategy and programs for supporting the Philippines reduce the vulnerabilities to recurring natural disaster and climate change risks are enshrined in the delivery strategy document titled, The Road to Urban Resilience: Australias Delivery Strategy for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) in the Philippines. The focus is operationalizing this delivery strategy into concrete programs and partnership agreements with key government agencies at the national and local levels, multilateral organizations such as United Nations and World Bank, non-government organizations including academic and research organizations, and local governments.

In pursuing the development agenda, Australia is committed to support capacity building of national government agencies on integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) in policies and methodologies, and local governments and communities with non-government entities to plan and implement together DRR and CCA measures. In particular, Australia will: a. b. c. d. e. Implement a package of resilience building measures targeting urban areas such as Metro Manila; Assist informal settler households living in hazard zones in Metro Manila to access safer and disaster-resilient housing; Strengthen policy and technical linkages between scientific agencies of Australia and the Philippines; Integrate disaster risk reduction, environment and climate change in its key development programs; and Continue to support the Philippines in times of disasters as part of international humanitarian response efforts.

Job Description
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) for Urban Resilience, DRM and CCA works under the limited direction of the Portfolio Manager for Urban Resilience, DRM and CCA, and with the rest of the team including the Emergency Response Team. The SPO for Urban Resilience, DRM and CCA is expected to bring strong technical and analytical skills, and provide strategic and high quality program development and management services. The SPO will provide advice to the Portfolio Manager on all issues related to the design and implementation of relevant programs and projects, policy issues, processes and procedures of the Government of the Philippines (GPH), aid coordination, and complementation of disaster risk management, climate change adaptation and resettlement program with other existing or planned activities and strategic directions. The SPO shall work with the rest of the team in the implementation of the Delivery Strategy. The key responsibilities of this position include: Policy engagement and program development Engage with GPH agencies (particularly the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Climate Change Commission (CCC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and attached agencies, National Economic and Development Authority, etc.), AusAID Canberra Policy and Sector Division (particularly the Sustainable Economic and Development Branch) and Humanitarian Preparedness and Response Branch; United Nations agencies; and participate in and contribute to the development, formulation and review of policies, programs and activities relating to AusAIDs disaster risk management, climate change and resettlement activities and programs by: Monitoring the development of AusAID, Donors, and GPH policies on Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change and Resettlement; Identifying and developing forward policy direction; Keeping abreast of the policies, programs and activities of the GPH and other donors and identifying, articulating and developing linkages with AusAID activities; Leading strategic planning for longer-term activities and undertaking work for short-term tasks; Gathering, analysing and reporting relevant information with focus on program policy issues; Contributing to the development and implementation of the Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Delivery Strategy; and Providing analysis, support and direction for the development of new initiatives, including developing concept documents and leading or contributing to design processes (e.g. development of terms of reference, request for tender, design documents, project appraisal among others).

Program management and delivery Work with key national government agencies (CCC, DILG, NDRRMC, etc), Taguig City Government and Metro Manila local government units, civil society and peoples organizations in the implementation of disaster risk management, climate change adaptation and resettlement programs; manage and be accountable for the implementation of specific programs and activities to ensure that service delivery objectives and aid budget are met, including: Procuring and selecting implementing partners according to guidelines; Managing contracts and agreements including contractor performance and expenditure monitoring; Conducting strategic monitoring and reporting of programs and activities; Ensuring accountability of programs and managing risk and fraud; Providing accurate and complete financial administration of programs and activities to achieve compliance with AusAID budgetary and system requirements; Working with appointed implementers (e.g. Managing Contractors, partner GPH agencies, and/or other partner organisations/ donors) to meet the objectives of programs and activities Providing analysis-based advice to AusAID senior officers (Portfolio Manager, First Secretary, Counsellor) on strategic and operational issues for assigned programs and activities Liaising with AusAID Canberra to seek prompt advice and analysis from and to key corporate and operational areas; Undertaking program management duties in accordance with AusAID and Government of Australia administrative, regulatory and legislative requirements; and Contributing in the risk assessment process, preparation and implementation of the risk management plans, and recommend measures to mitigate potential implementation challenges.

Performance and quality Plan and implement performance and quality processes needed for effective program development and management including ensuring that national and local government partners including civil society organizations implementing disaster risk management, climate change adaptation and resettlement programs are aware and complying with AusAID requirements: Ensuring a robust social and environmental safeguards responding to Australian and government partners requirements; Providing input to the development of quality assurance components of activity design; Planning and implementing performance and quality processes for the assigned programs and activities; Providing inputs for the conduct of reviews and evaluations (development of terms of reference, sectoral reviews and project evaluation among others); Providing quality and timely input to AusAID's quality reporting systems (QRS) and other performance and quality-related requirements; Identifying performance and quality processes needed for activity development and management and ensuring that these are reflected in the country program's program management plan; Leading or supporting initiative evaluation, including in a technical role; and Providing advice and input to the development of a high quality Annual Program Performance Report document and other regular or special reports as required.

Representation and Liaison Contribute to the establishment, maintenance and strengthening of effective relationships with CCC, DILG, NDRRMC and other national government agencies; Taguig City Government and Metro Manila local government units; civil society, non-government and peoples organizations; United Nations, World Bank and other multilateral and bilateral development organizations. Raise awareness of external stakeholders on the Australian Development Cooperation Program by: Representing AusAID and the Australian Government in meetings and raising the profile of Australian Aid program; Preparing and/or delivering briefings, presentations and speeches as directed; Establishing and developing constructive relationships within AusAID and with relevant partner governments, donors, other key agencies, civil society organisations, private organisations and major stakeholders; Keeping stakeholders informed and consulted on relevant matters; and Understanding, anticipating and responding to the information needs of the relevant stakeholders (e.g. partner organisations, program team, Canberra).

Team Work Contribute to fostering team work within the Philippines Program particularly the Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Portfolio, and take personal responsibility for achievement of outputs within defined resource allocation by: Participating in workplace planning and prioritizing activities including development and delivery of team work plans and individual work plan; Taking responsibility for setting and achieving team outcomes; Providing support, coaching and mentoring as well as timely and specific feedback to colleagues and supervisor; and Building own knowledge and that of colleagues by sharing relevant information and learning and development opportunities in timely manner.

Capabilities The SPO should adhere to the Overseas Based Employee values and code of conduct, and display the following core capabilities: 1. Supports and contributes to strategic direction participating in policy development through consultation, stakeholder engagement, scoping, development, implementation and review clearly communicating goals and objectives to others identifying broader influences and considering solutions applying critical thinking to understand patterns thinking laterally, using sound judgment identifying and implementing improved work practices. 2. Achieves results sharing information with others and encouraging cooperation in coping with change monitoring project progress and adjusting plans making effective use of individual and team capabilities managing resources including external partners, contractors and providers

3.

Values teamwork and builds partnerships collaborating with key stakeholders to formulate and implement new/revised initiatives building capability of others through guiding, monitoring performance, providing regular and constructive feedback recognising different working styles encouraging diverse views and harnessing the benefits of such views.

4.

Exemplifies personal drive and integrity persevering to achieve goals in the face of obstacles remaining calm and in control under pressure coping effectively with setbacks acknowledging mistakes and learning from them.

5.

Communicates and works with influence anticipating and identifying relevant expectations delivering influential advice, briefing and counter-arguments and using appropriate, unambiguous language.

6.

Aid Management, Development Policy and Country/Region specific knowledge operational level of knowledge level of aid management and development policy

Qualification requirements 1. A tertiary qualification in a related field particularly disaster risk management, urban and regional development, environmental science and management, and climate change. An advanced degree would be advantageous. At least 7 years professional work experience in development cooperation, at least 5 years of which in policy development and program design and management at supervisory capacity. Experience working on AusAID project is desirable.

2.

Selection Criteria
Important: The Selection Criteria are used to assess an applicants suitability for a position. Applicants must provide a statement of claims, not exceeding half a page per criteria, 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. 1. Demonstrated experience and strong track record in development issues and working with development partners, including experience and skills in program management and aid delivery in the Philippine context. 2. Demonstrated experience in and knowledge of development issues in disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, environment and urban development and resettlement issues in the Philippines. 3. Demonstrated good judgement, ability to think and operate at a strategic level to contribute to the success of the Philippines Program. 4. Demonstrated communication skills of a high order including clear, concise and formal oral and written communication, and the proven ability to represent the agency and engage with senior partners and stakeholders in complex environments and situations. 5. Proven ability to work effectively in teams and manage relations in complex and cross-cultural environments. 6. Awareness of the Australian Governments priorities for international development both globally and in the Philippines, and relevant knowledge or experience in development policy and practices.

Terms of Employment
This position is an overseas-based AusAID employee, not an Australian Public Service position. The position is full-time, with an ongoing employment contract. The successful candidate is expected to commence as soon as possible. The commencing salary is PhP105,776 per month, with entitlements to leave, comprehensive health insurance and other conditions.

Location
The Position will be located in the AusAID office in Manila but will be expected to spend some time, often at short notice, in provincial centres where Program support is to be provided. NB: Note that Overseas based employees must adhere to the O-Based Code of Conduct and demonstrate the AusAID Values, as well as to workplace diversity, work health and safety and employee participation principles, child protection, and have appropriate cross-cultural sensitivities.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should lodge the following: A cover sheet (provided below); A letter of application; A Curriculum Vitae or Resume (3 pages maximum) which outlines personal details, employment history, education qualifications/ relevant training, and achievements; and Statement of Claims against the Selection Criteria in support of their application, using the prescribed selection criteria as headings (3 pages maximum).

Lodgement of applications and all position specific enquiries should be sent to: AusAID Manila HR Manager at Development Cooperation Section, Australian Embassy, 23/F Tower 2, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City 1200, or via email at ManilaHRRecruitment@ausaid.gov.au, by Midnight Monday, 19 August 2013. Written referee reports are not required to be submitted at the time of application, although applicants should ensure that the names and contact details of two (2) work-related referees are supplied. Do not send copies of academic transcripts, awards, degrees, or published papers. Late or incomplete applications by facsimile, email, or hard copy will not be accepted. All application files submitted should be named in the following format: SPO DRR/CCA - Family name First name Date. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will have their applications acknowledged.

COVER SHEET
FULL NAME HOME ADDRESS CONTACT DETAILS QUALIFICATIONS CURRENT POSITION (From [date] to present IMMEDIATE PAST POSITON From [date to date] Referee1 Name: Position: Contact details: Relationship to applicant: (e.g. immediate supervisor, etc) Period of relationship: Referee 2

Please find attached my APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK as follows:

Cover sheet Letter of application Curriculum vitae or Resume of no more than 3 pages which outlines:

a) Personal details (do not include marital status, religion or date of birth) b) Employment history c) Education qualifications/ relevant training, and achievements
Statement of claims (no more than half a page per criterion) in support of your application, using the selection criteria as headings, to describe how you consider yourself suitable against each of the selection criteria by providing relevant examples from work, study or community roles. Applicants should ensure that they address all of the prescribed selection criteria (3 pages maximum)

Application pack sent as: Hardcopies (at least 3 copies)

Electronic copy through email

Statement of Claims against the Selection Criteria

APPLICATIONS MUST ADDRESS EACH OF THE FOLLOWING SELECTION CRITERIA. Please briefly outline what you have achieved, how you achieved, and what you learned under each criteria heading. (No more than half a page per criteria) 1. Demonstrated experience and strong track record in development issues and working with development partners, including experience and skills in program management and aid delivery in the Philippine context.

2. Demonstrated experience in and knowledge of development issues in disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, environment and urban development and resettlement issues in the Philippines.

3. Demonstrated good judgement, ability to think and operate at a strategic level to contribute to the success of the Philippines Program.

4. Demonstrated communication skills of a high order including clear, concise and formal oral and written communication, and the proven ability to represent the agency and engage with senior partners and stakeholders in complex environments and situations.

5. Proven ability to work effectively in teams and manage relations in complex and cross-cultural environments.

6. Awareness of the Australian Governments priorities for international development both globally and in the Philippines, and relevant knowledge or experience in development policy and practices.