Programme Management Mentor
Suva, Fiji
AVI has negotiated this assignment in good faith with the Host Organisation, and the information
contained was correct at the time of acceptance of the request.
However, while AVI takes responsibility for matters under our direct control, all assignments and
arrangements are subject to change due to the inherent low levels of predictability in developing
country environments. This assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect changes in
circumstances.
GENERAL DETAILS
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Assignment Title
Programme Management Mentor
Host Organisation
Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF)
Website of Host Organisation
www.ccf.org.fj/
Duration of Assignment
12months
Start Date
17 April 2017
AVI Assignment Code
10534646
HOST ORGANISATION OVERVIEW
Mission:
“To build a nation in which Fiji’s people live together in equality, justice and peace, respecting the rule
of law, under a constitution that guarantees democracy and human rights.
Purpose:
“To empower the people of Fiji to participate in and demand good governance, democracy, human
rights and multiculturalism”.
The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) is a non government organisation based in Suva with more
than 20 years experience in community education and advocacy on Fiji’s constitution, democracy,
human rights and multiculturalism. CCF was sown in the aftermath of Fiji’s first military coup d’état in
May 1987, which exposed deep division in Fiji’s society. A group of concerned citizens established the
“Back to Early Movement” and called for re-instatement of the pre-coup government. Several
members of the same group we instrumental in organising an informal forum for discussion of
constitutional issues. Participants in this forum were academia, the public service, faith based
organisations, trade unions and professional associations, as well as other civil society organisations.
Thus the name Citizens’ Constitutional Forum was adopted
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CCF’s main targets are varied in two categories:
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The communities that we conduct civic education
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The Fijian government and Civil Society Organisations
CCF's activities include:
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Delivering civic education to indigenous and non-indigenous communities in Fiji. The civic educations
are based on good governance, protection of human rights and citizenship.
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Media advocacy: CCF uses media advocacy as an effective advocacy tool for local and international
awareness and create discussions on critical issues surrounding human rights and good governance,
accountability and transparency.
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Legal, Research & publications: CCF conducts research on critical topics such minority rights groups,
credibility of elections and hate crime and sacrilege. These research papers are credible and have
evidence and recommendations that should discussed further. In addition, the recommendations are
put forward to government and CSO’s who specialise in these fields.
CCF also works with international non-government organisations such as International
Amnesty and Conciliation Resources to promote the organisations work on CERD and UPR.
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ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW
The organisation is one of the leading NGOs in Suva that has weathered a significant number of
political upheavals in Fiji. CCF has always prioritised to lead by example firstly within its own
organisation promoting accountability, transparency and good governance and at the same time
continuously strive to maintain a good reputation with its stakeholders and its donors through
adopting good and accountable practices.
The role of Programme Manager Advisor will be pivotal role in ensuring that CCF maintain its
reputation and continues to enhance and improve processes especially with the Management team.
Also with the increase in the number of NGOs and community-based organisations being established,
competition for existing funding is strong. This role will guide, train and support the Management team
to effectively manage and monitor the planning and implementation of CCF's programs. The position
will build the capacity of management on critical issues such as effective management and mentoring.
In addition, the advisor will provide sound advice on proposal writing and how to strategically
approach and work with donor partners and international organisations.
This assignment will also engage with another NGO, Pacific Dialogue that works in the same sector to
support Governance in the organisation. As a small organisation, this organisation does not require a
full time assignment.
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ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES
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To develop an effective framework that will assist the Management in overseeing
portfolios of projects and the programs implemented by CCF;
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Develop a Fundraising strategy based on organisation needs and plans and current
resources and capacity
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VOLUNTEER
In consultation with their line manager and relevant stakeholders, volunteers complete a work plan in
the first three months of their assignment. The duties below are an indication of the type of work that
may be involved in meeting the Assignment Objectives:
•
•
•
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Build capacity with management of proper management skills;
Build capacity on effective programme management;
Build capacity with programme planning, project proposal writing together with effective monitoring
and evaluation
ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION
Line Manager
Chief Executive Officer and Programme Manager
Staff Supervision
The role will require the volunteer to mentor the Management team.
Hours & Days of Employment
From 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday
The expectation is that the volunteer will work the equivalent of a 5-day week to a maximum of
40 hours per week.
Leave Entitlements
The volunteer is entitled to 20 annual leave days in a year.
Same conditions and terms as local colleagues apply, including national holidays. However, as a
minimum, Volunteers will accrue 1 weeks leave for each 3 months of work
Other Conditions
The volunteer will work and advise other teams should they seek advice from the volunteer.
Language Skills and Level Required
Low level of Fijian or Hindi required however a willingness to learn to the local language is expected
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Language Support
AVI provides language support during the in-country orientation period. Most often additional
resources for further development later in the assignment will be available if required.
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LIVING AS A VOLUNTEER
Independent since 1970, Fiji is an archipelago of 332 volcanic islands in the southwest Pacific
Ocean. About 110 of Fiji’s islands are inhabited, the largest being Viti Levu (10,642 km2) and Vanua
Levu (5,807 km2).
Fiji has one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies, although it remains a developing
country with a large subsistence agriculture sector. Fiji’s well developed, although fragile economy
relies upon tourism, remittances from overseas workers, and subsistence agriculture. Current socioeconomic challenges include governance, mitigation of racial tension, and on-going development.
In December 2006 Fiji's military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama deposed Prime Minister
Qarase. It was the country's fourth coup since 1987. In Sept 2014, Fiji held its elections with the
outcome reinstating Mr Bainimarama’s party into power and confirmation of Mr Bainimarama as the
democratically elected Prime Minister of Fiji. Suva is Fiji's political and administrative capital and home
to almost half of the country's population. It's also the largest city in the South Pacific and has become
an important regional centre; students from the Pacific region and a growing expat community make
up a significant chunk of the population. As with most cities, crime and poverty are factors to be aware
of and around half of Suva's inhabitants are crowded into settlements on land that has no title.
On a less serious but equally grey note, clouds tend to hover over Suva and frequently dump rain on
the city (around 300mm each year). There is no shortage of food and a variety of local fruits and
vegetable, fish and local delicacies in the local markets around the country.
The main public hospital is also located in Suva with a range of private doctors and dental facilities
available. As Suva is the main business centre for the country, Suva hosts a large expat community.
There are also a number of volunteers from different countries that work in Suva and around the
Western division as well. Social events including weekend getaways to islands and local villages and an
annual cross country hike are part of the activities organised throughout the year by many of these
groups while other volunteer have preferred solo trips as well. The friendliness of the locals also makes
it easier to be involved with the local communities.
The cyclone season for Fiji is from November to April. Flooding of low lying areas during periods of
heavy rain is common and the occasional Tsunami warning for Fiji has been more predominant for the
for the past 3 years. For this reason, volunteers are required to seek accommodation that is 10m or
higher during their assignment.
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Water on most of Fiji is relatively safe to drink. Electricity is generated through Hydro power and is
mostly constant on Viti Levu, however outer islands rely on diesel generators thus have intermittent
electricity supply throughout the day.
Health facilities are readily available and accessible in Fiji. Although the facilities may not be as modern
as facilities in Australia, the local health workers are able to treat and diagnose illnesses relatively well.
AVI has contact details for a local expat doctor that is on hand for a second opinion for volunteers or
to help arrange admittance to any of the local public or private hospitals.
Taxis and local buses form the main mode of transport and are relatively cheap for day to day travel.
Second hand cars are available and are more costly than in Australia.
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ALLOWANCES & SUPPORT
These allowance levels are based on the Cost of Living in country. They will be reviewed periodically
and may increase or decrease. Volunteers will be given notice of any change to the allowance level.
Living Allowance
AUD 850.00 per month
Accommodation Allowance
AUD 740.00 per month
Housing
AVI in country staff will assist the volunteer in locating reasonable housing in the different locations.
The accommodation allowance provide by AVI is sufficient for a 1 bedroom secure and comfortable
housing with basic furnishings with sharing as an option for bigger premises. Recently, accommodation
in Suva is becoming increasingly expensive therefore volunteers may need to move further out of the
city to find affordable housing.
Other Allowances & Support
All AVID Volunteers receive the following:
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Pre-departure Briefing in Melbourne
In-country Orientation on arrival
Pre-departure vaccination expenses
Visa expenses
Pastoral care, assignment monitoring and security guidance
Return airfare to country of assignment
Psychological and medical advice and support services
Re-entry support services
Settling in allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
Re-settlement allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
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PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION
Personal Circumstances Constraints
We are NOT able to accept applications from people with the following personal circumstances due to
security, cultural, legal or visa restrictions in this location:
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Same sex partners who wish to accompany applicants as part of the AVID program may face
issues in applying for and being issued with a visa
Applicants with criminal convictions
Selection Criteria
Please begin by writing your responses to the following three questions, in a document headed Response to Selection Criteria:
a. Why do I feel that volunteering overseas is the right thing for me to be doing at this time in my life?
(up to half a page)
b. What are the biggest personal adjustments I’m likely to have to make to be accepted as a useful
colleague and engaged community member in this assignment? (up to half a page)
c. How do I match the Essential Skills & Experience: Write a brief summary of your most relevant
experiences, results and achievements responding to each criteria in the Essential Skills & Experience
section of the Assignment Description.
To find out more details about preparing your application, please visit:
https://avid.avi.org.au/4-steps-to-volunteer/preparing-to-volunteer/
To find out more details about the personal competencies required to be a volunteer, please visit:
https://avid.avi.org.au/who-can-volunteer/personal-competencies/
Qualifications, Essential Skills & Experience
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A Bachelor’s degree in Management;
Professional or technical qualifications or certification in the area of Programme Management is
essential;
Professional experience in Management and facilitating Monitoring and Evaluation;
Demonstrated experience in project management and mentoring of management teams would be
an advantage;
Desirable Skills & Experience
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Ability to work with culturally diverse groups;
Ability and willingness to mentor and capacity build colleagues who may not have had any formal
training and qualifications the area of programme management;
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HOW TO APPLY
All applications must be submitted online. If you haven’t already done so, you will need to register on
our website prior to applying.
Once completed, please visit www.avi.org,au, log in, select the assignment you are interested in and
follow the prompts at the end of the page.
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