ASSISTANT COUNTRY MANAGER
BB3.1 (K31,347 - K45,279)
The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is seeking to recruit a suitable applicant with relevant experience for the position of Assistant Country Manager.
ACIAR's programs aim to achieve more productive and sustainable agriculture to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods through collaborative research.
The office is responsible for the effective delivery of the ACIAR program in PNG. They provide support to ACIAR-funded collaborative research and development partnerships and look after the in-country elements of the ACIAR project cycle.
The Assistant Country Manager position reports to the Country Manager and is responsible for a range of duties that support the Country Manager and ACIAR activities in-country.
Duties involve scientific, technical and policy support, in-country management of education and training activities, formal government contact, administrative and management support services, and public relations and communications.
The applicant must possess highly developed client service skills and strong organisational skills.
Selection Criteria
1. Sound communication, representational and interpersonal skills in both PNG and international contexts; ability to problem solve with sensitivity to cultural differences.
2. Demonstrated ability to undertake a range of administrative tasks, including logistical management of workshops and travel arrangements, and to use initiative, prioritise and work within tight deadlines.
3. Ability to work as a team in a small office, including working with limited supervision.
4. Evidence of familiarity with or the ability to quickly acquire working knowledge of, Government, university and agricultural research institutions and administrative processes in PNG.
5. Good keyboard and word processing skills and experience with computer-based management information systems.
6. Fluent in written and spoken English and Tok Pisin.
Further information on this position, including the duty statement, is available from Reception at the Australian High Commission, from the Australian High Commission website http://www.png.highcommission.gov.au/.
Submissions close COB Tuesday 27 April 2010. Applications addressing the Selection Criteria should be addressed to:
Manager Human Resources
Australian High Commission
Locked Bag 129
Waigani NCD
The Australian High Commission promotes a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and is a smoke and buai free environment. All recruitment is based solely on merit. Offers of employment are conditional on satisfactory medical and local police security checks.
POSITION PROFILE
Title: Assistant Country Manager, Papua New Guinea
Salary range: K31,347 to K45,279
Supervisor: Country Manager, Papua New Guinea
Profile
ACIAR's programs aim to achieve more productive and sustainable agriculture to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods through collaborative research. The country offices are responsible for the effective delivery of the ACIAR program in country. They provide support to ACIAR-funded collaborative research and development partnerships through liaison, coordination, representation, research and administrative activities. The country office team looks after the in-country elements of the ACIAR project cycle, contributing to country strategy, networking with stakeholders and communicating ACIAR results. The Assistant Country Manager will be responsible for a range of duties that support the Country Manager and ACIAR activities at post and in-country.
Duties
Scientific, technical and policy support
- Establish and continue links with personnel in key local research institutions and Government departments, to ensure further development and facilitation of ACIAR's projects
- Assist the ACIAR Country Manager in the briefing of project personnel, government officials and collaborating institutions on ACIAR policies and procedures
In-country management of education and training activities
- Promote ACIAR’s postgraduate (John Allwright) and research management (John Dillon) awards to PNG institutions and advise potential applicants on their eligibility
- Negotiate conditions and manage the placement of postgraduate scholars at pre-departure English training tailored to their individual needs and work situation
- Ensure that departing scholars are briefed on requirements and logistics
- Follow up career progress of returning scholars
- Take the lead role in logistic arrangements for in-country training courses and workshops, including negotiation of suitably-priced hotel venues
- Organise international travel and logistics for participants attending training outside PNG
Formal government contact
- Assist the Country Manager and senior ACIAR Canberra staff and partner country authorities by facilitating and supporting relevant intergovernmental meetings
- Liaise with government agencies so as to ensure effective program implementation
- Assist in arranging key government contacts for the signing of Memoranda of Subsidiary Arrangements (MSAs), project arrangements and other formal documentation
- Provide advice and assistance to ACIAR project personnel on matters of protocol, processes and local traditions/ culture
Administrative and management support services
- Assist the ACIAR Country Manager in the day to day running of the ACIAR Office
- Assist in making accommodation and in-country travel arrangements for ACIAR personnel visiting the country, including travel constraints, visa and passport requirements, airline ticketing
- Provide advice and guidance when projects are arranging and running workshops, conferences
- Work closely with the Country Manager to ensure office databases, files and reference materials are maintained
- Prepare and manage payments for goods and services of office expenditure.
Public relations and communications
- Assist the Country Manager in coordinating information exchanges between PNG and Australian research institutions, scientists and officials involved in ACIAR projects
- Obtain information as appropriate for ACIAR, Canberra and Australian collaborating institutions
- Provide assistance to the Country Manager in briefing the Head-of-Mission, AusAID and other agencies on ACIAR's programs and projects as required
- Assist with the preparation of the ACIAR Newsletter and other publicity materials
- Undertake interpreting and translation related duties as required
- Undertake representational duties as required.
During times when the Country Manager is absent from work, including leave periods or is unable to be contacted, the Assistant Manager will report to the delegate in Canberra, Australia.
Selection Criteria
1. Sound communication, representational and interpersonal skills in both PNG and international contexts; ability to problem solve with sensitivity to cultural differences.
2. Demonstrated ability to undertake a range of administrative tasks, including logistical management of workshops and travel arrangements, and to use initiative, prioritise and work within tight deadlines.
3. Ability to work as a team in a small office, including working with limited supervision.
4. Evidence of familiarity with or the ability to quickly acquire working knowledge of, Government, university and agricultural research institutions and administrative processes in PNG.
5. Good keyboard and word processing skills and experience with computer-based management information systems.
6. Fluent in written and spoken English and Tok Pisin.