Australian Volunteers International
Role Profile
POSITION TITLE: CLASSIFICATION: SECTION & UNIT: DATE:
Country Manager – AVI Band 4 Overseas Operations - Sept 2011
Middle East Adjusted Total Remuneration International Services
Package AUD$53-60K
*tax free salary may apply
LOCATION: REPORTS TO: Manager ROLES ACCOUNTABLE TO THIS
Amman, Jordan Regional Operations ONE
in-country contractors
KEY OBJECTIVE:
Manage AVI’s Volunteer Program and deliver program services to other programs/projects
in Jordan, Lebanon & Syria
DECISION MAKING:
Substantial decision-making regarding the operationalisation of AVI Volunteer Program
strategy and day-to-day management and administration of the program within the Middle
East (subject to approvals/oversight by Melbourne-based management)
Lead design of country strategies and plans in coordination with the Manager Regional
Operations
Influence and negotiate the terms and conditions of volunteer assignments in consultation
with partners in-country
Initiate and implement monitoring and evaluation requirements in line with organisational
requirements and processes
Determine how and when to source advice to address volunteer issues and problems,
escalating as appropriate
Monitor and analyse issues /trends impacting or affecting the program and recommend
action as appropriate
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Knowledge & Experience
Relevant tertiary qualification and/or equivalent experience
Demonstrated program management experience, including security, risk and critical incident
management, program/project development, implementation and monitoring
Previous staff management and coaching experience – especially experience dealing with
wellbeing support, conflict and sensitive issues
A high level of cross-cultural awareness – preferably gained by working / living
internationally
Strong general knowledge of international development issues and challenges, combined
with an in-depth understanding of the history and current state of affairs in the region
Understanding of, and commitment to, AVI’s mission, values and corporate objectives*
Understanding of, and commitment to, EEO, Child Wise and Privacy requirements in the
workplace
Skills & Attributes
Capacity for strategic and operational planning and decision-making
Strong interpersonal skills, including the capacity to maintain open and constructive
communications with a wide range of stakeholders in an international context
Well developed administrative, financial (including budget management) and organisational
skills and computer literacy- including proficiency with database, spreadsheet and word-
processing software packages
Excellent written and oral communication skills (fluency in a relevant language/s in addition
to English, highly desirable)
Proven maturity of judgement and problem solving capability
Ability to take initiative, be flexible & self motivated in work practices, set priorities for self
and meet required deadlines
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Australian Volunteers International
Role Profile
KEY RELATIONSHIPS/ INTERACTIONS: KEY CHALLENGES:
Internal Ensuring a high level of coordination
International Services management and staff: and responsiveness to specific
re development and implementation of program requirements across a broad
country strategies and plans range of stakeholders
re business extension and growth Management of complex personnel
opportunities issues, in a context of varying levels of
security & risk management responsibilities, administrative
volunteer management requirements and expectations of
monitoring & evaluation employers and volunteers
Program services Management and staff: Determining the appropriate mix of
re assignment descriptions, organisational local contractors and hands-on
assessments involvement in order to ensure
re volunteer training and mobilisation consistent and high quality program
Business Services management and staff: delivery
re budget management, volunteer Developing and maintaining strong
payments, staff management and asset working relationships with key AVI
maintenance staff, remotely
Drawing adequate information from a
External broad range of sources to meet
reporting requirements
AusAID / Australian diplomatic mission re
Ensuring attention to detail on high
contractual requirements and scope of
volume administrative tasks while
programs and volunteer safety
maintaining the broader picture of the
Overseas employers/ partners/ associates re
program
relationship development and management
Relationship management with a broad
AVI Volunteers re monitoring and support
range of local and expatriate
Local contractors
stakeholders
In-country authorities re management of
volunteer issues/ requirements
Emergency service providers re critical
incident management
Other external service organisations
Current and potential partners and/or donors
in Australia and overseas
Other Australian and international
organisations engaged in volunteer program
management
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
KEY RESULT MAJOR ACTIVITIES
AREA
Planning and Develop and maintain a comprehensive and up to date knowledge and
Reporting awareness of issues and trends relating to the Middle East region
Review and revise country strategy and planning
Prepare regular reports for management identifying achievements,
opportunities, trends and issues that may impact on AVI activities in the
Middle East providing appropriate recommendations
Review the operational plan and budget for Amman Office and manage
and monitor its implementation
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Australian Volunteers International
Role Profile
Program Engage with potential partners and determine appropriate host/employer
Development organisations that best support AVI’s sectoral contributions in-country
Work closely with host organisations to develop a programmatic
approach to supporting the organisation’s initiatives and plans
Liaise with employers to identify and document volunteer assignments
that comply with the Volunteer Assignment guidelines and country
strategy
Develop and manage agreements with partner organisations as required
Represent the needs of volunteer employers in discussions with
Recruitment Services staff
Provide up-to-date information to Recruitment Services to support the
recruitment and selection of volunteers for assignments
Nominate successful volunteers for placement to employers
Liaise with central authorities and agencies to ensure permits and
accreditation are acquired and arranged as required
Ensure all field trip reports, position requests and recording requirements
are accurately updated and maintained in PIMS
Develop and monitor service standards and processes and initiate
improvement and change where appropriate
Provide country/sectoral expertise to AVI programs/projects
Volunteer Develop and oversee a consistent approach to the management and
Management & support of volunteers.
Support Monitor volunteer compliance to code of conduct while on assignment
Liaise with Business Services re allowance payment schedules
Prepare and update the Middle East notes and related information as
support material for departing volunteers
Liaise with Learning & Development Services team/make
recommendations regarding pre-departure briefings and professional
development support to volunteers in-country
Coordinate in-country orientation including health and security issues for
volunteers on arrival in the Middle East
Coordinate in-country language training as required
Coordinate in-country meetings as required
Ensure/coordinate an appropriate response to all inquiries and requests
for support from volunteers on placement
Coordinate early returns or placement extensions for volunteers as
required and according to guidelines and procedures in consultation with
management
Coordinate/Conduct in-country exit interviews with each volunteer
Coordinate and ensure volunteer repatriation as appropriate
Complete and record all the required administrative procedures in a
timely manner, including PIMS updates and records of discussions
Risk Ensure a comprehensive and high level field risk assessment and
Management security advice for the Middle East
Develop a security plan for the Middle East in collaboration the Security
& Risk Adviser and ensure volunteers are aware of, and understand it’s
provisions
Engage with potential partners and determine appropriate
host/employers, analysing risk at all levels (for volunteers, AVI,
programs)
Initiate and maintain an active support relationship with volunteers on
placement and provide mentoring and support as required
Monitor volunteer well-being on placement, identify signs of potential
difficulties, take steps to alleviate where possible, and alert management
as appropriate
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Australian Volunteers International
Role Profile
Coordinate and facilitate psycho-social support and intervention for
volunteers on placement as required
Manage critical incidents and other sensitive or challenging volunteer
management issues, escalating to management if appropriate
Liaise with the emergency medical service provider regarding the
effective management of critical incidents involving volunteers
Ensure provision of 24-hour emergency contact(s) 365 days per year
Assignment Work closely with host organisations in-country to facilitate, coordinate
monitoring and and implement scheduled monitoring and evaluation requirements for
evaluation employers and volunteers on placement
Prepare required correspondence and reports to meet scheduled
monitoring and evaluation requirements
Provide input to the redesign and improvement of monitoring and
evaluation tools and requirements and implement approved changes
Representation / Represent AVI in the Middle East, promoting the organisation’s profile
Relationship and actively building and managing strong professional relationships with
management/ a wide range of national and international organisations to:
Business Identify, investigate and document new program/project opportunities
development consistent with AVI’s purpose, objectives and country strategy
Seek and identify opportunities to market AVI competencies
Participate in the design and presentation of proposals and bids as
appropriate
Facilitate and enhance the delivery of AVI activities in the Middle
East
Facilitate ongoing sustainable linkages and partnerships between
organisations and communities in Australia and partner countries
Oversight the provision of services to AVI activities in the Middle East
that may be managed from Australia. These services may include:
Representation, liaison, negotiation, logistics, security and risk
management, in-country orientation, monitoring & evaluation
Office Make recommendations regarding the appropriate mix and the
Management / recruitment and selection of, in-country support contractors/staff, to
Administration Manager Regional Operations/Executive Manager for final approval
Work with Manager Regional Operations, Business Services staff, and
local contractors/staff to ensure the successful establishment and
operation of the Amman Office:
Oversee budget and expenditures, and maintain the financial
management of the Amman office
Recruit, induct, supervise and monitor the performance of any
contractors/staff or service providers
Ensure adequate accommodation, infrastructure and facilities (eg.
permits, equipment, security and maintenance).
Oversee/coordinate day-to-day office processes
Negotiate and monitor service agreements
Oversee/coordinate information/ database management as per AVI’s
procedures
Any other information relevant to this particular position
Extensive and frequent travel (approx. 14 weeks per annum) within the Middle East is
required.
International travel to Melbourne, Australia for training purposes will also be required.
This position will carry an operational load, and maintain responsibility for any tasks/activities
delegated to contractors as approved and overseen by the Manager Regional Operations.
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Australian Volunteers International
Role Profile
*Understanding of and commitment to AVI’s mission, values and corporate objectives to
be demonstrated in part though the following cultural attributes and associated
behaviours:
Teamwork : attendance and active participation in team/organisational meetings and rostered
activities; demonstrating flexibility in response to changing organisational requirements and
providing reasonable ad hoc support to colleagues as requested - including occasional
reception relief
Performance & Achievement : alignment to corporate objectives; results orientation
Continuous Improvement & Innovation: demonstrating personal initiative; sharing
information/learnings; participation on various ongoing or short-term cross-organisational
working groups eg. OH&S, Information Management, Business Excellence / Quality
Challenge & Development: participation in organisationally-required learning and
development activities/programs
Leadership: participation in leadership development activities and taking opportunities to
model leadership behaviours (across all levels of the organisation)
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