Assistant Manager ACIAR

USD29,028 per annum

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research is seeking a highly motivated and experienced person to fill an ongoing position of Assistant Manager (Locally engaged staff, level 6) at the Australian Embassy.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate achievement against the following selection criteria:

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with senior level researchers and policy makers in Timor-Leste (Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Natural Resources sectors).
• Experience in administrative work related to managing an outpost office (ability to prepare reports and correspondence, & financial management skills).
• Demonstrated understanding of agricultural development/rural development/natural resource issues and priorities in Timor-Leste.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the research institutional structures and networks in Timor Leste (government, university, private sector, and NGOs).
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a small team; demonstrated ability for exercising initiative, sound judgment, problem solving skills, and a results orientation.  
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to support and coach others within the country network, within a diverse and inclusive work culture.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills in English and Tetum.
• Strong computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Applicants should also have the following qualifications and/or experience.

• A qualification in a relevant field such as agriculture, rural development or international development is desirable but not mandatory.
• Previous experience in a relevant field is desirable but not mandatory.
• Experience in program/project management, financial management, contracting, negotiation and representation would be an advantage.
• An understanding of Australian legislative, financial and administrative frameworks and related guidelines and regulations would be an advantage.

The salary for this position starts from USD29,028 per annum for 37.50 working hours per week. This figure excludes 13-month salary.

About the position:

Under the limited direction of the Country Manager, the Assistant Manager (AM) works with reasonable autonomy and accountability on a range of complex initiatives to ensure that ACIAR supported projects and programs are appropriately targeted, promoted, and managed.  The position is responsible for providing policy advice, reporting and supporting management of research and capacity development partnerships in Timor Leste. The Assistant Manager supports, monitors, analyses and provides strategic and tactical advice relevant to program effectiveness, policy dialogue, strategic partnerships and support broader ACIAR interests.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Provide accurate and specialised advice on and contribute to innovations that will enable further development and/or deepening of research and capacity building partnerships in the country. 
• Contribute to the development of strategic and operational plans, and identification of country priorities in consultation with in-country partners and ACIAR.
• Collaborate with the Country Manager to facilitate the in-country elements of the ACIAR project cycle, including identification of country-centric research priorities, project development, appraisal, implementation, monitoring, review and impact assessments. To achieve this, the AM supports the development and management of key internal and external stakeholder relationships, including ACIAR colleagues, Commissioned Organisations, in-country partners and whole of government partners within the Post. 
• Coordinating in-country risk assessment and risk management activities for projects being developed, and monitoring opportunities and risks and providing accurate and specialised problem-solving advice to the Country Manager and ACIAR Colleagues.
• Managing the in-country capacity development and alumni engagement processes and activities (including the John Allwright and John Dillon Fellowships) and engaging with the Capacity Development team in ACIAR headquarters to identify opportunities to develop stakeholder engagement plans and continuously improve the program.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to support visits through providing logistical support and advice to Timor Leste and visits by delegations from Timor Leste, supported by ACIAR to Australia and to other countries.
• Supporting the Country Manager with day-to-day management of office operations, through the provision of administrative support to the ACIAR Timor Leste program, including drafting of complex correspondence and program reporting.
• Ensuring compliance to Australian legislative, financial and administrative frameworks, ACIAR Headquarters and Post guidelines and regulations, manage financial reporting and analysis activities. This includes drafting the office budget, monitoring expenditure, preparing appropriate and timely administrative and financial reporting.
• Representing the ACIAR Country Office in external and internal meetings and events by promoting its priorities and interests, as may be deemed appropriate by Country Manager.
• Support outreach and public communications on the ACIAR Dili research and capacity building partnerships including through contribution to the Stakeholder Engagement Plan, drafting of briefing materials and reports that meet ACIAR and Post standards and reviewing communications materials

Applications – Please respond to each of the selection criteria separately by providing examples of your achievements. The total response to selection criteria must be in English and not exceed two (2) pages.  Please also include a Curriculum Vitae in English, not exceeding two (2) pages. 

The closing date is on Friday, 21st June 2024 at 4.30pm (Dili time).

Referees – Please provide the name, position, phone number and email address for two recent professional referees in your written application.  Referees will be contacted for short listed applicants only. You will be notified if your referees are to be contacted.

How to apply

Please send applications via email to [email protected]. Full Position descriptions are available on the Australian Embassy website www.timorleste.embassy.gov.au and also available from the Australian Embassy’s Guard Post. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.

Other requirements

Successful applicants are required to obtain a satisfactory police clearance and medical check. The position will involve travel in Timor-Leste and may also involve limited international travel.

The Australian Embassy is committed to providing equal employment opportunities, access, equity and social inclusion for all employees, and in particular for women and people with disability. We welcome all applicants and encourage women and people with disability to apply.