Solomon Islands: Expression of Interest - Team Leader

The Skills for Economic Growth (S4EG) Program (the Program) is the Australian Government's major skills development Program in the Solomon Islands. Palladium is the managing contractor under a Head Contract with the Department with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The Program has strategic links to other DFAT funded skills Programs across the Pacific, including in Fiji, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Samoa, Tonga and the Australia Pacific Technical College (APTC). The Program is structured around three key outcome areas:

• Supporting Solomon Islands National University's (SINU) School of Technology and Maritime Studies (STMS) to make quality improvements in trades and technology skills training and other priority skill demand areas.
• Enhancing skills training in provinces (Malaita and Western) in high priority course areas aligned to provincial economic development priorities.
• Guiding the development of the national skills training system, including supporting the implementation of the newly established Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority.

The Program seeks to deliver the following outcomes to the Government, to industry and to the people of the Solomon Islands.

• Graduates with more relevant and higher quality skills and qualifications that will contribute to national and provincial economic development.
• Improved relevant Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) courses and qualifications.
• Quality of TVET course delivery improved to meet industry needs.
• Equitable access to quality assured skills development for women and young people and people with a disability.
• National and internationally recognized qualifications delivered

Building on the successful first phase of the Skills for Economic Growth Program in the Solomon Islands, Palladium is actively seeking expressions of interest from experienced TVET professionals for a long-term Team Leader position, based in the Solomon Islands commencing January 2018.

This challenging leadership position requires an experienced program management professional to guide and support the implementation of a business sustainability continuity plan. Many intermediate Program outcomes have been achieved to date and the directions and foundations for business sustainability are already well established.

The Team Leader will work closely with DFAT representatives in Honiara and will have implementation responsibility for the strategic direction, planning, financial and human resource management of the Program.

A primary focus of the role is to provide technical and professional leadership, management, and guidance to all Program personnel in order to achieve Program outcomes.

Effective relationship management is an essential role requirement and the Team Leader will have demonstrated ability to develop sustainable partnerships and collaborative teamwork across a wide range of stakeholder networks comprising partner government agencies, the private sector and civil society.

Selection interviews of short-listed candidates, and appointment to the role, are subject to the extension of the contract between DFAT and Palladium and client approval. Mandatory Requirements:

• Relevant academic qualifications in skills education and program management;
• significant experience in the development of national TVET frameworks, quality-assured accreditation systems and demand driven delivery;
• demonstrated experience in building sustainable partnerships across a wide range of stakeholder interests;
• demonstrated professional commitment and experience in delivering gender sensitive and inclusive programs;
• experience in preparing high quality strategic planning documentation and program reporting;
• excellent writing, speaking, and oral English communication skills;
• good understanding of the Pacific Vocational Education and Training context and regional issues;
• ability to provide program leadership and professional direction within a challenging operating environment;
• ability to operate in contexts of cultural diversity and deal with politically and culturally sensitive issues; and

• Financial acumen and the ability to interpret and analyse financial reports, together with sound problem solving and decision making skills. Preferred Requirements:

• minimum 10 years' experience in donor funded program management and implementation;

• previous leadership experience on a DFAT or other donor-funded program, preferably in the Pacific; and

• Solomon Islands experience desirable but not essential. Additional Comments: An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate under DFAT's ARF, categorized under the Long Term Advisor B4 level. Please review DFAT ARF for further remuneration information: http://dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/Pages/adviser-remuneration-framework.aspx

  International and domestic flight, in-country travel, and accommodation costs will be met by the program where required.

  Expressions of interest should include a CV and cover letter (of not more than two (2) pages) stating interest in the position and outline relevant experience based upon the role and its requirements.

Please follow this link to apply: http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=YW1hbmRhLmRpYi4wMDM1Ny4zODMwQHBhbGxhZGl1bS5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20