Community Development Specialist (International) – Samoa

Job Description

• Based in Apia, Samoa
• Full-time to June 2023, with intention to extend
• Working with the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development in Samoa

About the Australia-Pacific Partnerships Platform
Australia-Pacific Partnerships Platform is an Australian Government initiative funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and managed by DT Global. It provides Pacific Island Countries with a suite of flexible, fit-for-purpose options that support broad governance and stability development outcomes.

About the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development
The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) is responsible for the achievement of community, social and development outcomes, as mapped out by the Government of Samoa’s national and sectoral strategic priorities.

The Role
With its vision and mission on inclusive development for the benefit of all, the MWCSD has been implementing community centred sustainable development and local governance projects and programs. The Ministry plans to implement community empowerment and development through District Development Councils (DDCs) by promoting coordinated District Development Plans. The Ministry has a draft concept note outlining the intent and scope of the project titled ‘Enhancing Development of Communities’ (EDC).

This role is expected to provide technical advice on the a) the project preparation, b) institutional, financing, and capacity building arrangements for its implementation, and c) accountable reporting to the Government, and relevant stakeholders.

Key outputs for this role include:

• A stakeholder consultation plan.
• ToRs for the key positions for project preparation.
• Production of policy and programming options for stakeholder consultation with assistance from the other technical consultants.
• Progress reporting against key milestones established for the project preparation.
• Integration of a program work plan and budget produced by various teams/specialists.

Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: https://bit.ly/3B7V2c7

About You
We are seeking community development experts with experience in technical and social issues involved in community and local development programs, including meaningful integration of cross-cutting issues.

To be successful in this role, you will have at least 15 years’ experience in Community Development or local infrastructure development projects in the region. You will have experience providing high level technical and strategic advice on DFAT or other donor-funded projects in similar programs and demonstrated interpersonal and cross-cultural consultation skills.

You will be required to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), child protection and the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harrassment (PSEAH), anti-corruption and other DFAT safeguarding policies.

Selection Criteria
Essential personal attributes

• An understanding and appreciation of the challenges of working in different cultural contexts
• An ability to work with limited resources and professional support in a remote location
• Patience, resilience, adaptability, creative problem-solving skills, and a commitment to teamwork and consultation
• Professionalism, neutrality and political awareness
• High degree of flexibility, resilience, with the ability to adapt quickly with proven ability to work remotely.
• Be open minded, keen to listen and learn and respectful.
• Commitment to meeting deadlines in accordance with set service level agreements.
• Commitment to building relationships in a team environment.
• Understanding of and commitment to Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Child Protection, PSEAH, prevention of human trafficking, environmental protection, anti-corruption and other DFAT safeguarding policies.

Essential qualifications and experience

• At least 15 years of working experience as an expert in Community Development (CD) or local infrastructure development projects with demonstrated experience in the region
• Demonstrated experience in technical and social issues involved in the CD and Local Development Programs, including meaningful integration of cross-cutting issues.
• Experience in small infrastructure and local development managed by village communities.
• Experience in DFAT or other donor-funded projects to provide high level technical and strategic advice for similar programs
• Demonstrated ability to deliver outputs in a timely manner as scheduled.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and cross-cultural consultation skills; and
• Knowledge of and understanding in engaging in public, private sector, civil society and faith-based organisations.

Desirable experience and knowledge

• Previous working experience in Pacific
• Knowledge and understanding of the faa-matai system (chiefly system)
• Strong coordination skills
• High level interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills, including report writing.

HOW TO APPLY
We welcome your interest in joining the Australia-Pacific Partnerships Platform as an Adviser. Please ensure you review the Candidate Information Pack before applying (copy and paste into your browser): https://bit.ly/3B7V2c7

Please click the ‘Apply Now’ button.

Please submit:

1. Your CV; and
2. A cover letter addressing the selection criteria (no more than 250 words per criterion).

Kindly note that applications that do not include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria will not be considered.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE Sunday, 25 September 2022 at 11:59 pm AEST

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities, LGBTQIA+, women, mature age workers and people with different abilities.

We are happy to make adjustments during the recruitment process for people with a disability. Please contact our recruitment team via email at recruitment@auspacpartnerships.com.au to discuss how we can support you.

Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

About the Organization

About DT Global
DT Global is driven by a fundamental commitment to one goal: to work in partnership with communities, governments, and the private sector to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that transform lives beyond expectations. DT Global—launched in 2019—is built on legacy companies AECOM International Development’s Services Sector, Development Transformations, IMC Worldwide, and Cardno International Development. To fulfill its profit-for-purpose mission, DT Global is a key donor to the DT Institute, an independent not-for-profit organization, in support of DTI’s efforts to test new ideas or expand on donor partner priorities with the aim to improve as many lives as possible.

Our global team of almost 2,500 staff and experts work in over 100 countries. We aim to maximize sustainable development impact across a wide range of practice areas, including Conflict Prevention, Stabilization & Transition; Economic Growth; Environment & Infrastructure; Governance; and Human Development. We meet communities where they are on the development spectrum and help them move to where they want to be. Together, we bring over 60 years of experience, relationships, and technical excellence to improve lives around the world on behalf of our partners, clients, and stakeholders.

DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.

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