Job : Country Manager, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
About the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby
The Australian High Commission (AHC) represents the Australian Government by advancing the interests of
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| Job : Country Manager, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) [Photo by Australian High Commission PNG/FB] |
Australia and Australians in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Our primary national interest is in a strong bilateral
relationship underpinned by a peaceful, secure and prosperous PNG and Pacific Region.
The AHC is also responsible for apprising Canberra about developments in areas such as domestic politics,
immigration, economics, trade and investment, culture, defence and development cooperation, with a view to
informing Australia’s foreign policy. We also promote a positive image of Australia, enhancing people-to-people
links, and delivering consular assistance to Australians in need.
About the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
ACIAR's office at the High Commission in Port Moresby is responsible for the effective delivery of the ACIAR
program in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The office provides support to ACIAR-managed collaborative research
and development partnerships through liaison, coordination, representation and administrative activities.
ACIAR has a small team of local personnel who manage ACIAR’s in-country program. The office manages
stakeholder relationships with key donors, and PNG government and research agencies. It also coordinates
with ACIAR research, capacity building and outreach managers and with commissioned and collaborating
research organisations.
ACIAR’s headquarters are located in Canberra, Australia with 12 regional/country offices located in the AsiaPacific and Africa. Further information on current projects, programs and priorities can be found at
http://aciar.gov.au.
About the position
Under broad direction from the General Manager Country Program in Canberra, and with support from the
Regional Manager - PNG & Pacific based in Suva, the Country Manager leads the office team. The position
facilitates the in-country elements of the ACIAR project cycle, contributes to country strategies, networks with
stakeholders, contributes to the Australian Government whole of government approach at post and
communicates ACIAR project and program results.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
• Lead the delivery of programs in PNG, and provide strategic and operational advice regarding the design,
implementation and risk management activities of ACIAR research, capacity building and outreach
programs.
• Develop, implement and maintain PNG country and operational strategies
Provide high-level advice and support to ACIAR staff in PNG to ensure the smooth continuation and
implementation of ACIAR’s PNG program.
• Monitor, analyse and report on emerging issues as they affect ACIAR’s program within PNG.
• Coordinate and undertake comprehensive research, analysis and problem-solving on relevant program
issues, considering both innovative and best practice approaches, and implement program improvement
strategies.
• Build, maintain and strengthen working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders in-country,
negotiate and collaborate with stakeholders, and regularly update key partners on developments in
ACIAR’s program.
• Contribute to the preparation of key corporate documents, including Commission papers and the Annual
Operational Plan, and prepare program documents.
• Represent and promote the interests of ACIAR at a range of meetings and functions, report on meeting
outcomes and facilitate strategic discussions with stakeholders.
• Manage in-country public affairs initiatives, draft media releases and cables, update website content and
liaise with the media.
• Oversee important office functions, organise visits, manage assets, prepare financial estimates, analyse
expenditure and prepare projections for high-level reporting and decision-making.
• Supervise and guide the ACIAR team through coaching, mentoring, performance management and
feedback, identify and encourage career development opportunities, and manage change in the
workplace.
Required skills and qualifications
• Tertiary and post-graduate qualifications (or equivalent experience), preferably in agriculture or a related
field.
• At least seven years’ relevant experience working in program/project management in a development
organisation is highly desirable.
• A sound understanding of agricultural development/natural resource issues and priorities in PNG.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the research institutional structures and networks in PNG (government,
university, private sector and NGOs).
• Demonstrated leadership and people management capabilities, including the ability to lead and manage a
small team.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with senior level researchers and
policy makers especially in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and natural resource sectors (government,
university, private sector and NGOs).
• High-level written and spoken English communication skills, including evidence of producing public affairs
materials, strategy formulations and policy work.
• Experience and skills in administrative work related to managing an outpost office including human
resource and financial management skills.
• Well-developed capacity to monitor and evaluate in-country projects and to prepare associated reports.
• Capacity to work independently, exercise good judgement and apply expertise.
• Strong computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Eligibility/Other Requirements
Offers of employment are conditional on the satisfactory completion of medical and local police security checks.
The Australian High Commission is a COVID-19 vaccinated workplace.
ONE-PAGE PITCH
The Australian High Commission (AHC), Port Moresby uses the one-page pitch (1,000 word limit)
approach to job applications. The one-page pitch streamlines the recruitment process for the AHC, the
Selection Advisory Committee (SAC) and applicants.
Your one-page pitch should address your work experience and capabilities against the position
description. It is a chance to tell the SAC why you are the right person for the job.
The SAC want to know why you are interested in the role, what you can offer the AHC, and how your
skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications are applicable to the role. In a nutshell – why we should
hire you?
Addressing the requirements of the position
The information in the position description (pages two to three), will help you understand the
responsibilities and tasks of the position. The position description describes the skills, knowledge,
experience and qualifications (if any) a person needs to perform the role effectively. The SAC will assess
how applicants address these requirements to create a shortlist of applicants suitable to move to the
next stage of the recruitment process.
It is essential to address any job-specific information or qualities that have been identified in the position
description.
The pitch gives you the opportunity to tell a story and use examples that may cover a range of skills and
experiences, such as organisational skills, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work
as part of a team.
You should provide relevant examples from your work, study or community roles. Be clear and to the
point.
Please make sure you adhere to the 1,000 word limit, and thoroughly review your response checking all
grammar, spelling and punctuation.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Section at pngahc.recruitment@dfat.gov.au
by midnight on Wednesday 8 May 2022.
Late applications will not be accepted.
1. For your application to be considered, you must complete the Job Application Form. The form
captures all the relevant details required at this stage of the recruitment process, including:
• Your personal details;
• Your employment history;
• Information regarding your education, qualifications and relevant training;
• The names and contact details of two professional referees;
• Information on any volunteer programs you have undertaken if they demonstrate personal
achievements or relate to the selection criteria; and
• Your one-page pitch.
2. Please do not include or attach any of the following documents:
• Curriculum vitae; or
• Certificates, awards etc.
These documents may be requested at interview.
Emailed applications must include your name and the job title in the subject line of your email for easy
reference.
For example: John Smith – Country Manager
Download Application Form or visit : Official Website
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