Australia Awards Fiji Overview:
Australia Awards are prestigious scholarships offered by the Australian Government that aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of partner countries. Australia Awards are offered to Fiji citizens for study in Australia or Pacific-based institutions in the form of long-term scholarships, short courses or informal workshops. Through study and research, recipients develop the skills and knowledge to drive change and help build enduring people-to-people links with Australia.
Position Summary:
The Short Course Specialist is responsible for strategically leading and coordinating the short courses under Australia Awards Fiji.
FY25 will focus on:
- The last phase of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) short course designed and delivered by University of New England (UNE). This includes design and overseeing the implementation of Post-course workshop.
- Following DFATs confirmation of the next short course topic, the specialist will draft the course concept and oversight the procurement process and applicant assessment & selection process
Key Responsibilities:
- Reporting to: Program Manager, Australia Awards Fiji
- Work with University of New England (UNE) to finalise M&E post-course workshop program.
- Support in implementing post-course workshop in Fiji (in Suva).
- Review completion report and ensure invoice and acquittals are submitted on time.
- Support DFAT and the Awards Program Manager to scope training needs with key stakeholders for the next short course topic.
- Develop the Short Course Concept, outlining the short course objectives and all key requirements.
- Guide the Awards team in undertaking the procurement and contracting of an appropriate Australian Training Organisation.
- Oversight the application, assessment and selection process.
- Guide the Awards team in designing and delivering a Short-Course pre-departure briefing.
- Guide the Awards team in preparing the short course participants for mobilisation (including visa applications, etc.)
- Capacity build and mentor the Awards team in their understanding of the short course program, specifically the Alumni & Professional Development Coordinator.
- Ensure short course development, delivery and MEL align with international best practice on gender equality, disability and social inclusion and are tailored for women, people with disabilities, youth and disadvantaged groups such as those located in rural, maritime regions.
Key Outputs:
The expected outputs and outcomes of this placement are:
- Implementation of M&E post-course workshop and finalisation of completion report for this first short course by March 2025. The procurement and contracting of an appropriate Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to design and deliver the second Short Course under Australia Awards Fiji.
- Ensure the Awards team and program are confident and well prepared (systematically) to deliver next Australian qualified short course under Australia Awards Fiji in FY26.
Criteria:
Qualifications
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, education & training, international development and/or human resource development. Higher degree is desirable but not essential.
Experience
- Experience in the planning and coordinating projects or teams involving human resource development, education or training.
- Familiarity with Australia Awards is preferred specifically Australia Awards short courses
- Professional experience working in development related programs in Fiji or the Pacific.
- Understanding of the Australian Training, preferably higher education and/or adult learning.
- Experience in program management demonstrating sound analytical skills and experience engaging diverse stakeholders and audiences.
- Demonstrated experience in procurement, contracting, financial management, monitoring and reporting.
- Experience in the capacity building staff and working closely in a cross-cultural team environment to deliver against team objectives to tight deadlines.
- Strong analytical, research, writing and communication skills.
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to and work effectively with individuals and stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, at all levels.
About Abt
Abt Global is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3,700 staff in over 50 countries. For more information about us and what we do, visit our website at www.abtglobal.com.
Commitment to Equity
Abt Global values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply for this position.
Commitment to Safeguarding
We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.
