Information for Applicants – Long Term Adviser
Position Information
Position Title:
Policy and Corporate Services Adviser
ARF Professional
Discipline Category:
D
ARF Job Level:
3
ARF Monthly Rate Band:
AUD 12 620 to 15 774 per month
*tax free status may apply for Australian residents
Position Location/s:
Port Moresby PNG
Contract Duration:
Estimated Start Date:
Up to 12 months
May 2015
Application Closing Date:
5 pm, Friday 20 March 2015 AEST
Overview
Thank you for your interest in this position.
This document includes information on the following:
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Summary of the Health and HIV Implementation Services Provider (HHISP) Program;
Introduction to Abt JTA;
Application process;
Definition of a Long Term Adviser (LTA);
Overview of the compensation and benefits associated with LTA roles;
Terms of Reference; and
Key Selection Criteria.
Please read this document carefully as applications that vary from the specified requirements may not
be accepted.
Please be advised that the mobilisation of this position is subject to Australian Aid approval.
Health and HIV Implementation Services Program (HHISP)
Background
In 2011 Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) agreed to a new strategic direction for the aid
program that targets four key sectors: education, health including HIV, law and justice, and transport;
with a focus on delivering better health (including HIV) and education outcomes at sub-national level.
These key sectors are reflected in Australia’s Partnership for Development with PNG which commits
both countries to work together to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Under this
partnership, a Schedule for each of the key sectors outlines the shared objectives, funding
commitments and implementation arrangements.
The Health and HIV Partnership Schedule under the Papua New Guinea – Australia Partnership for
Development is aligned with the National Health Plan (NHP) 2011-2020, the National HIV Strategy
Information for Applicants – Long Term Adviser
(NHS) 2011-2015, and to the Government of PNG’s Medium Term Development Plan 2011-2015.
The aim of the partnership is to support the Government of Papua New Guinea in achieving an
efficient health system which can deliver an internationally acceptable standard of health service; and,
a healthy population free of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. Specific targets under this
Schedule are as follows:
Health
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Increase the percentage of 1 year old children nationally vaccinated with 3 doses of
pentavalent vaccine from 51 (in 2010) to 80 per cent and measles vaccinations from 50 (in
2010) to 80 per cent by 2015;
Increase the percentage of deliveries supervised by a trained nurse, midwife or doctor from
40 (in 2010) to 44 per cent by 2015; and
Increase the availability of essential medical supplies, including drugs and testing equipment
for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, through reducing stock outs from 53 per cent (in 2010) to
15 per cent by 2015.
HIV
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Increase the percentage of men and women aged 15-59 who had more than one sexual
partner in the past 12 months who report the use of a condom during last intercourse from
38.9 per cent to 80 per cent by 2015;
Increase the percentage of pregnant women on antiretroviral treatment (for prevention of
mother to child transmission) from 23 per cent in 2010 to 80 per cent in 2015; and
Increase the percentage of the population (both men and women) in need of antiretroviral
drugs who receive those drugs from 59 per cent (2010) to 80 per cent by 2015.
In order to achieve the targets under this schedule, the delivery strategies for Australian Aid’s Health
and HIV Programs are being brought closer together. While the two programs will continue to operate
separately, they will be co-located and a number of areas will require closer collaboration and
coordination. These areas are strengthening human resource capacity, medical supplies, financing,
research, working with civil society partners. At the sub-national level, the two programs will work
together initially in three priority provinces – Eastern and Western Highlands and the Autonomous
Region of Bougainville.
PNG Health and HIV Implementation Services Provider (HHISP)
The PNG Health and HIV Implementation Services Provider (HHISP) will encompass implementation
support for two programs, Health and HIV, on behalf of Australian Aid and Government of Papua New
Guinea (GoPNG). The overarching objectives for HHISP are to improve maternal and child health
outcomes and deliver increased health and HIV services to the rural majority and high risk
populations in support of the Health and HIV Partnership Schedule under the Papua New Guinea –
Australia Partnership for Development outcomes.
The HHISP formally commenced on 1 April 2012.
Abt JTA – Who We Are
Abt JTA is a global development consulting firm with over 10 years’ experience operating within the
health and social sectors in the Australian and Asia-Pacific region. We are a company that has a
Information for Applicants – Long Term Adviser
personal commitment to its staff and as such we value the long-term relationships that we build with
the people who work with us.
For more information about our company and what we do visit our website at www.abtjta.com.au.
Our Values
Mission-Driven.
We are united by our mission to improve the lives of people worldwide.
Global.
We are a global community, bringing diverse knowledge, expertise, and perspectives to the many
challenges faced by today's world.
Committed to Excellence.
We strive to meet and exceed the highest professional standards.
Collaborative.
We know that working collaboratively produces excellence.
Accountable.
We take responsibility for what we do and how we do it.
Balanced.
We sustain the energy and commitment we bring to our roles by promoting a healthy balance
between our personal and professional lives.
Preparing Your Application
Please read the following information carefully as incomplete applications may not be accepted.
To submit an application:
1.
2.
3.
Visit the Abt JTA website (www.abtjta.com.au) and navigate to the ‘Careers’ section.
Locate the position you are applying for and select ‘Job Details’.
Click on the ‘Apply Online’ button and follow the prompts.
It should take between 30-40 minutes for you to complete the online application. Before submitting
your application it is recommended that you have the following documentation prepared so that these
can be readily uploaded during the application process:
1.
2.
3.
An electronic version of your CV (less than 3MB);
A statement addressing the key selection criteria (maximum three (3) pages). This document
should clearly describe how your skills, experience and qualifications will enable you to meet
the requirements of the position; and
Details of at least three (3) professional referees (preferably your current supervisor and two
(2) previous supervisors).
Other Points to Consider:
1.
2.
If you are successful in being short-listed or are selected for this position you may be required
to undertake a police check, psychometric test and/or a medical examination.
A performance assessment will be undertaken for all advisers at least annually and upon
completion of their appointment. By submitting your application for this role you are
consenting to Abt JTA undertaking this assessment and to providing a record of this
assessment to Australian Aid for inclusion in their adviser database.
Further information on the performance assessment requirements and process can be accessed from
the Australian Aid website at Australian Aid Adviser Remuneration Framework.
Information for Applicants – Long Term Adviser
Australian Aid Remuneration Framework
On the 15th of February 2011 Australian Aid released the Adviser Remuneration Framework (ARF).
The ARF is a set of market-based, long and short term remuneration rates and entitlements which
apply to Australian Aid-funded positions that are commercially contracted by Australian Aid directly, or
through a managing contractor such as Abt JTA.
Further information on this framework can be accessed from the Australian Aid website at Australian
Aid Adviser Remuneration Framework.
What is a Long Term Adviser?
A Long Term Adviser (LTA) role is considered any appointment that is six (6) consecutive months or
longer in duration.
Compensation & Benefits – Long Term Adviser
In accordance with the ARF, the compensation and benefits associated with this Long Term Adviser
position are outlined below.
The successful adviser will receive:
1. A monthly Professional Fee paid in arrears at the end of each calendar month. This fee is
inclusive of a 9% superannuation contribution to your nominated superannuation fund (for
Australian residents).
The rate band for this position is: AUD
12 620 to 15 774 per month.
N.B. For taxation purposes this position is likely to be tax free for Australian residents.
Professional advice should be obtained from your accountant to confirm this entitlement.
2. A project vehicle.
N.B. A contributory amount of AUD 250 per month will be deducted from your Professional
Fee.
3. An Annual Leave Allowance of 20 days per year (pro rata).
4. Comprehensive pre-departure and in-country briefings (security and role specific).
5. Reimbursement for expenses associated with visas, police checks, medical clearances and
vaccinations.
If an adviser is required to move away from their home base to undertake this role (either domestically
or internationally) they will also be entitled to:
1. Return economy flights for mobilisation and demobilisation for the adviser and any mobilising
dependants.
N.B. Dependants are defined as a spouse or child under the age of 18 who will not be earning
a separate income.
2. Reimbursement of rental accommodation costs up to the value of PKG 25,000 per month
(inclusive of VAT/GST).
Information for Applicants – Long Term Adviser
N.B. This is an Australian Aid discretionary allowance and is only applicable for those
advisers whose partner and/or accompanying dependants are not currently in receipt of such
an allowance from Australian Aid or any other employer.
3. A monthly Mobility Allowance ranging from $1 766.96/month to $2 017.92 /month (AUD) for a
single LTA and up to $2 650.44 /month to $3 026.88/month (AUD) for a LTA mobilising with
dependants.
N.B. This is an Australian Aid discretionary allowance and is only applicable for advisers who
have moved internationally for this role and whose partner and/or accompanying dependants
are not currently in receipt of such an allowance from Australian Aid or any other employer.
4. A Mobilisation/Demobilisation Allowance to provide reimbursement
mobilisation and demobilisation expenses. This can include:
for
appropriate
a. Excess baggage (up to 25kg total); and/or
b. Sea/air freight for personal belongings.
N.B. This allowance, as it applies to sea/air freight, is based on cubic meterage and is
determined upon the number of mobilised dependants. Reimbursement is made to the
adviser by JTA upon the presentation of a valid receipt.
5. Travel and medical insurance for the adviser and their nominated accompanying dependants
(where applicable).
Lodging Your Application:
All applications should be submitted online through our website at: www.abtjta.com.au.
Should you experience any difficulties with the submission process, or have any questions about this
role then please contact:
Contact name:
Stephen Kennedy
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+617 3114 4631
Closing Date:
5.00 pm, Friday 20 March 2015 (AEST)
Terms of Reference
The Services that the Policy and Corporate Services Adviser is to provide include, but are not limited
to, fulfilling the following Terms of Reference.
Title:
Policy and Corporate
Services Adviser
Occupant:
To be determined
Reports to:
Deputy Secretary, NHP and
CS
Project:
HHISP
Status:
ILTA
Location:
Port Moresby, PNG
Dates:
To be determined
Authorised by:
DFAT
Information for Applicants – Long Term Adviser
Length of service:
Up to 12 months
ARF Classification:
D3
Background
The National Department of Health (NDoH) has a challenging routine workload and further is required
to lead an extended reform agenda in accordance with its Corporate Plan and other priorities set by
the Government of PNG. Senior staff in the Department are busy and oftentimes not able to allocate
enough time to strategic thinking and action as a result of having to be involved in operational
matters.
The Department is led by a Secretary for Health who reports to the Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS.
Within NDoH, there are two major divisions headed by the Deputy Secretaries for ‘National Health
Planning and Corporate Services’ (NHP&CS) and ‘National Health Service Standards’ (NHSS).
For this role, an Adviser is required to support the Deputy Secretary, NHP&CS, to operate more
strategically by preparing briefings, organising meetings and sourcing and providing information in a
way that senior staff in more advanced bureaucracies would have at their disposal. Similar positions
are being recruited for the Secretary for Health and Deputy Secretary, NHSS, and it is expected all
three advisory positions will work closely together to support the Senior Executive Management
(SEM) team to realise their vision for the Department.
The NHP&CS portfolio covers:
1. Strategic policy
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Governance and partnerships (legal services, PHA reforms); and
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Policy and planning (economics, monitoring, evaluation and research, information
management).
2. Corporate services
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Financial management (accounts, budgeting, including the Health Sector
Improvement Program);
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Human resources (policy and planning, staff development, schools of nursing);
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Office service;
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Medical supplies procurement and distribution; and
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Commercial support.
The role will include a strong focus supporting the Health Sector Improvement Program (HSIP) and
Provincial Health Authorities. HSIP is the Government of PNG’s form of a health Sector Wide
Approach. The HSIP Trust Account is the vehicle through which donor funding for the health sector is
channeled.
Objectives
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Assist the Deputy Secretary, NHP&CS, through the provision of executive support including
briefings, attending to correspondence, provision of advice or following up priority matters,
and other tasks as directed.
Provide technical support to advance the coordination and implementation of the HSIP Trust
Account and roll out of Provincial Health Authorities.
Timing of work inputs
Information for Applicants – Long Term Adviser
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Up to 12 months with possibility of extension. Dates to be determined.
Accountability and working relationships
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The Policy and Corporate Services Adviser will be responsible to and report to the Deputy
Secretary, NHP&CS.
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The Adviser will be based in the NHP&CS Division of NDoH in Port Moresby.
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The Adviser will also report to the HHISP Director through the Health Coordinator and to the
Counsellor (Development Cooperation) Health & HIV on progress against expected outcomes.
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The Adviser will work closely with the Executive Adviser (Secretary for Health), Public Health and
Health Services Adviser (Deputy Secretary, NHSS), Finance and Audit Specialist (NDoH) and
other key counterparts and stakeholders and will coordinate activities closely with other HHISP
staff working within the sector as required.
Job specifications
The responsibilities of the Policy and Corporate Services Adviser include:
Management and Advice
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Support the planning and management of the Deputy Secretary’s activities in collaboration with
the division’s administrative and personal staff and the Senior Executive Management (SEM)
team.
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Act as a point of contact between the Office of the Deputy Secretary, NHP&CS, and SEM to a
range of internal and external stakeholders, including donor partners.
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Provide oversight and guidance on high priority matters and take carriage of certain matters as
directed by the Deputy Secretary, NHP&CS.
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Provide strategic and risk management advice to the Deputy Secretary, NHP&CS, in the routine
management of the Office of Deputy Secretary, NHP&CS, and the activities of medical standards,
health services, and public health.
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Support the improvement of business processes within NDoH in accordance with the Corporate
Plan and HSIP Trust Account design.
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Support the Deputy Secretary to oversee compliance of NDoH with the PNG Public Finance
Management Act.
Executive Assistance
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Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, briefing papers and presentations for the Office of the
Deputy Secretary, NHP&CS, and for the Secretary and Minister as directed.
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Assist in organising and maintaining files and records to ensure important information readily
accessible for the Deputy Secretary, NHP&CS.
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Provide secretariat support to key meetings identified by the Deputy Secretary, NHP&CS, and
assist with planning and scheduling meetings as requested.
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Review incoming correspondence to the Office of the Deputy Secretary, NHP&CS, prioritise and
delegate as appropriate, and advise the Deputy Secretary on sensitive or high priority matters.
Policy Support
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Work with SEM to identify and develop key policy areas, support the preparation of policy
documents, and participate in policy assessment and review processes as requested.
Information for Applicants – Long Term Adviser
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Brief health sector partners and other organisations on policy initiatives and support all
consultation processes.
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Provide written updates to key stakeholders on policy initiatives, including the Offices of the
Minister and Prime Minister, Chief Secretary and development partners.
Coordination, information management and sharing
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Support relevant governance committees and technical working groups (such as the Health
Sector Financing Committee and Health Sector Partnership Committee) to ensure that meetings
are well planned, executed and documented, and resultant actions and decisions are
communicated and implemented.
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Support NDoH in the preparation and coordination of regional consultations on the Medium Term
Expenditure Framework and for the annual National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC)
health session.
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Identify areas to strengthen information management and sharing internally and externally. In
particular, to inform and follow up on progress of Provincial Health Authorities and Offices and
training institutions to plan and integrate new and existing policies and corporate services
systems.
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Act as a focal point for DFAT requests on issues that relate to the Office of Deputy Secretary,
NHP&CS.
Financial oversight and guidance
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Serve as Financial Controller for Australian Government financial contributions in coordination
with the Finance and Audit Specialist (NDoH).
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Support the HSIP team to effectively distribute, monitor and report on the activities of the HSIP
Trust Account to Provincial Health Authorities and training institutions.
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Support the arrangement of workshops, trainings, and other activities as needed.
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Support Provincial Health Authorities and Offices and training institutions to adhere to national
standards on financial management, procurement, human resources, infrastructure, and office
services.
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Strengthen linkages between HSIP expenditure and reporting through the National Health
Information System and improve monitoring of progress (including through site visits and
reporting to NDoH and development partners).
Key Result Areas
The expected outcomes are:
1. Provided effective management support, advice and risk management to the Deputy
Secretary, NHP&CS, as demonstrated by feedback on performance by the Deputy Secretary.
2. Provided effective secretariat support in managing correspondence, information, and
meetings for the Deputy Secretary, as demonstrated by the effective functioning and
responsiveness of the Office of Deputy Secretary, NHP&CS.
3. Supported policy development, analysis and communication, as demonstrated by policies or
policy papers drafted or commented on and activities to facilitate coordination and information
sharing.
4. Improved coordination, information management and sharing within NDoH and with
external stakeholders, as demonstrated by activities to improve coordination and the
Information for Applicants – Long Term Adviser
accessibility, reliability and timeliness of communications to stakeholders.
5. Provided financial oversight and guidance to financial management of NDoH, particularly
through the HSIP Program, and served as Financial Controller for Australian Government
financial contributions.
6. Maintained strong and productive relationships with key staff and counterparts and received
satisfactory feedback on performance.
7. Submitted reports on time and to a professional standard.
Reporting requirements
All reports and plans developed using HHISP templates are to be signed by the Adviser’s
counterpart.
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Submit workplan within two weeks of beginning assignment using the HHISP
template.
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Submit timesheets monthly.
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Submit Monthly Progress Reports using HHISP template.
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Submit Exit Report using HHISP template on completion of assignment.
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Submit key documents developed as part of KRAs as evidence of achievements.
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Submit other documentation as required by HHISP or DFAT.
Each report that is provided by the Adviser should be:
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Of the highest standard of quality, including report content, format, spelling and
grammar;
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Prepared in accordance with HHISP reporting guidelines;
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Provided in electronic format in Microsoft Word;
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Include scanned signed ‘Sign Off’ page; and
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Delivered by the required date.
Key Selection Criteria
Required Experience
KSC 1. At least 10 years’ experience and/or education in health policy,
planning, financing, strategy development and management.
Experience and understanding of the PNG health sector an advantage.
KSC 2: Demonstrated experience producing accurate, timely and
concise written products for senior government and non-government
customers.
Required Skills and Qualifications
KSC 3. Tertiary qualifications in health management, business or
public administration, or similar field (post-graduate qualifications
preferred).
KSC 4. Excellent English writing and presentation skills for strategic
customers.
Cultural/Language Requirements
KSC 5. Experience living and working in cross-cultural environments,
Information for Applicants – Long Term Adviser
especially in Melanesian and/or Pacific environments.
Personal Attributes
KSC 6. Exceptional communication skills in building relationships with
partners and clients and a proven ability to work independently and as
part of a team.
KSC 7: Strong leadership, management and administrative skills.
If no response to the above Key Selection Criteria is made, applications will
not be considered further.