South Asia Field Officer

Posted by Ian Cunningham to South Asia, 8th August 2010, 9:27am
Location: , India
Applications close 6th September 2010

Description

The South Asia Program Field Officer (SA FO) assists the South Asia Programs Officer in developing and managing EWB’s partnerships and projects across the region. The field officer explores, establishes and assists new project opportunities for the EWB South Asia program. The Field Officer also works closely with EWB as a whole to provide in country orientation and support to EWB volunteers working in South Asia.

On a day-to-day basis the successful candidate will be the key EWB in-country point of contact, acting as a conduit of information between EWB staff, volunteers, partner organisations and networks. The candidate will also act as a vital link between EWB’s in country programs and a range of Australian-based initiatives, enabling the integration of EWB’s South Asia Program activities into the university curriculum and member education activities. The new SA FO will be based in India or Nepal and will be required to travel between the south of India, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

This role provides the opportunity to work in a broad, interesting and challenging position, with a fun, dynamic and emerging organisation which has an incredibly positive social outcome. The scope and importance of this role is immense and the relationships developed key to the success of the position. To account for this we are looking for someone who is flexible in timing and will consider committing for 18-24 months. Be prepared to shape the direction of the South Asia Program and EWB in general! It’s an opportunity that cannot be missed.

Key Activities

As part of the EWB Working With Communities Team you will:

Develop and manage relationships with EWB program partners, plus other local, regional and international NGOs and government departments.
Scope and assist in the management of existing initiatives (projects) across the South Asia program.
Assist in knowledge sharing between volunteers and community partners.
Assist in reporting and other monitoring and evaluation activities to ensure EWB is always improving.
Develop resource opportunities in-country including funding sources and networks for assistance
In conjunction with the Australian-based South Asia Program coordinator, manage in-country volunteers, responding to day-to-day needs.
Develop and manage communication between the EWB Australian team and overseas volunteers.
Explore opportunities for new EWB programs and research opportunities, while assisting in the development of EWB’s overarching, regional and country strategies.
Link partner organisations in-country to advance locally-driven innovations

Working with the EWB Education and Leadership Team and Knowledge Centre Manager to:

Provide in-country support to organise and deliver the Development Education Leadership Experience (DELE) in India.
Explore and realise opportunities to connect in-country volunteers, Knowledge Hub members, Australian-based project teams, EWB members and university partners.
Identify and develop relevant publications on regional matters of interest with a particular focus on the activities of the partner organisations for marketing and educational purposes.
Liaise with Australian-based EWB teams to develop research and collaborative project opportunities between EWB, EWB partner organisations (university and corporate) and other in-country and Australian based organisations.
Discuss the EWB Challenge with program partners to canvas interest and assist the EWB Challenge Coordinator to manage this process.

Some comments from the existing SA FO Jai Allison:

“As the existing Field Officer, it’s hard for me to explain the pivotal nature of this role. After six months I have started to find my feet, that’s six months from Chennai to Pune to Sri Lanka across Nepal and now I am sitting at a window watching the Kathmandu valley pass by. This role has changed my life, it has exposed me to the realities of development work, challenged me and rewarded me in ways I could not imagine, especially enabling me to start constructive friendships that will last a lifetime. “

Jai with some new friends

Timing

The role consists of three important phases beginning December 2010, including a 12 to 24 month (negotiatble) field secondment commencing in May 2011. The dates below assume an 18 month placement but will obviously vary depending on the length of placement.
Phase 1: Pre-departure – May 2011

Pre-departure preparation (medical, training, administrative)
Linking with EWB project team (Australia-based) if required for the project
Linking with a local EWB chapter (enhancing your resources and sharing experience with members)
Develop working relationship with South Asia programs team; understanding of the program and role within it.

Phase 2: Field operations – May 2011 – November 2012 (negotiable)

Departure to host countries
Hand over with existing EWB Field Officers and introductions to current EWB Partner Organisations and Field Volunteers
Under-take regular travel to visit new and existing Partner Organisations and complete regular reporting requirements for Australian based staff

Phase 3: Post field alumni – November 2012

Return to Australia to collaborate with South Asia management team and EWB chapter for a minimum period of 12 months
Participate in various EWB events including the National Conference
Participate in the development and dissemination of ‘Learning & Change’ materials within the EWB community
Mentor future field volunteers preparing to work with South Asian partner organisations
Share the experience and inspire others to action

Please note, post field alumni tasks are part-time/voluntary.

Criteria

Essential

A strong understanding of the range of initiatives EWB works on and the underlying vision, objectives and rational of EWB’s work
Demonstrated adaptability, flexibility and patience as required to work in a developing country.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with ability to synthesis information, see connections and opportunities and network.
Qualifications or experience in the development or community sector
An understanding of international development, the major players, debates, themes and challenges
Self motivated and well organized, able to work independently with limited remote supervision
Self sufficient and tenacious. Passionate about development and EWB’s role, but understanding of the realities that are faced day to day.

Desirable

Good knowledge of issues relating to local culture and customs, community diversities, languages and communication styles, etc.
Relevant experience working or travelling in a developing country
experience working remotely, with travel.
Capability in Information Technology (IT), from web content creation, to utilising IT systems (in a developing country).

Personal Attributes

Excellent interpersonal, negotiating, networking and communication skills
Commitment to teamwork, people and capacity building techniques
Ability to cope with cultural and professional isolation and basic living conditions
Patience, tolerance, flexibility and a want to work with people.
Excellent health; physically and mentally capable of working in a new cultural setting in a potentially stressful environment

Allowances

Volunteers will receive an allowance for living and basic accommodation.
Volunteers will be provided with airfares at the commencement and completion of the placement, plus basic travel insurance and emergency evacuation insurance.

Applications

Please complete the volunteer application form and attach a statement addressing how you meet the selection criteria. We cannot assess applications that do not address the selection criteria. Applications close on 6th September 2010.

Please complete and return applications to Ian Cunningham by email to:

i.cunningham ‘at’ ewb.org.au

Or to the National Office, PO Box 388, South Melbourne, VICTORIA 3205

Please DO NOT attach CVs, references or any other documentation.

For more information contact Ian Cunningham at the National Office; at the email address above or on:

Ph:+61 3 9696 9040, Fax:+61 3 9696 9034

Confirmation of secondment is subject to:

Formal approval from EWB and the partner organisation.
Procurement of visa and work permits.
Satisfactory completion of a first aid certificate.
Satisfactory participation in a pre-departure briefing run by EWB (in November 2010)
A satisfactory medical examination for the applicant.
A satisfactory criminal record check by the Australian Police for the applicant and all accompanying adults.

EWB adheres to statutory laws in Australia and foreign countries regarding child exploitation, child pornography and the abuse of children. We are committed to the protection of all children from all forms of harm.

South Asia Volunteer Opportunities