Performance Management Specialist / Team Leader

Position Type: Full Time to June 2020
Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR
ARF Level: C4
Commencement: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Adam Smith International (ASI) manages the Laos-Australia Development Learning Facility (LADLF) for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Established in January 2014 the LADLF supports more effective and efficient implementation of Australia’s Aid Investment Plan (AIP) for Lao PDR which focuses on results in primary education, human resource development and trade development. The Facility works at the leading edge of performance management and is representative of DFAT’s emerging approach to ensuring high-quality oversight of aid programming in key recipient countries.

Services provided by LADLF include:

• quality assurance and capacity building for performance assessment products and tasks across the AIP;
• providing contextual analysis and facilitating cross-program linkages to advise DFAT on whole-of-program issues and to inform dialogue about adequacy of progress with partners implementing the AIP; and
• providing support, analysis and evidence to inform programming, policy dialogue and economic diplomacy.  

Consisting of a small and dynamic team, the Facility works closely and collaboratively with the Australian Embassy in Vientiane and other implementing partners toward the shared strategic goal and objectives set out in the AIP.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Performance Management Specialist/ Team Leader (PMS/ TL) will lead the Facility and support DFAT with portfolio-wide performance assessment and evaluative studies to inform management of the primary education, human resource development, aid-for-trade programs.  The PMS/ TL will also support DFAT as it engages in evidence-based policy dialogue and economic diplomacy with the Lao PDR Government. They will be responsible for providing high quality analysis and advice to DFAT on performance assessment, program theory and contextual risks and opportunities across the AIP, while overseeing the delivery of LADLF outputs. The PMS/ TL will be required to communicate effectively to disseminate LADLF results, and foster a positive culture towards and understanding of the necessity for high quality, integrated performance assessment across the portfolio. The PMS/ TL will ensure the Facility delivers results in line with DFAT objectives, lead annual planning and reporting procedures, and coordinate with the ASI Project Manager (based in Sydney, Australia) to ensure local financial and administration duties are well managed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Understand & interpret Laos context – With the LADLF team, monitor and analyse the political, developmental and fiscal context in Laos and relate this to risks and opportunities to the progress of investments under the AIP.  Using rapid appraisal techniques, synthesis of meta-data, and targeted evaluative studies to develop an understanding of changes in the Laos context and relate that understanding to the portfolio of aid programs implemented under the AIP.  Support DFAT with ongoing portfolio-wide performance assessment of the AIP investments, particularly the flagship Primary Education program.

Strategic advice to DFAT – Act as a trusted advisor to staff in DFAT Vientiane on matters of AIP performance and program theory. Provide strong leadership for performance assessment and contextual analysis across the portfolio of AIP programs

Support policy dialogue - Build and maintain collaborative relationships with DFAT and other stakeholders, including Government of Laos agencies, development partners, NGOs, and the private sector.  Support the presentation of information and evidence for bilateral dialogue and advocacy, as well as oversee LADLF contributions to the development of a national monitoring system for ODA and other public investment.

Evaluative study design & delivery - Oversee the delivery of analytical and evaluative studies by the Facility.

QA for LAI/HRD and trade development outputs – Provide quality assurance and strategic review of key outputs, progress reports and annual work plans from DFAT investments in Laos including BEQUAL, Laos Australia Institute and trade development activities.

Lead effective communications - Lead effective communication of information using data visualisation and quality publications to ensure that the work of the Facility and other DFAT implementing partners is widely disseminated and used in local and international development forums; Represent the Facility at meetings, conferences and other forums when requested to do so.

Team management - Provide overall management and direction of the Facility, ensure that it achieves its annual objectives and outcomes and meets DFAT reporting requirements. Build a good understanding of all the sectoral areas that are the responsibility of the Facility team. Work with ASI to provide planning, reporting, procurement, financial management, contracting and administration oversight, ensuring such processes are that carried out effectively.

Team mentoring & coaching - Maintain a strong and motivated team within the Facility, ensuring effective capacity building, mentoring and performance assessment; apply a zero-tolerance attitude to corruption, discrimination and bullying; ensure LADLF staff consistently deliver planned outputs of the highest quality.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Post graduate university degree in performance management, public program evaluation, education, statistics, or economics. An advanced degree with a research-based component is desirable but is not essential.
• Strong experience leading development projects or conducting analytical work in Lao PDR and/or with projects funded by major donors in the Greater Mekong Region.
• A minimum of 15 years of working experience, including at least 5-10 years of experience managing advisory facility services for donor clients.
• Experience with engaging with  DFAT and using its performance management systems and related reporting requirements.
• Advanced experience in program theory and causal mechanisms for development in LDC contexts.
• Experience developing and using high-level performance results frameworks and monitoring systems.
• Experience with organising and delivering workshops and learning events such as show cases.
• Communications skills suited for donor and government clients (including data visualisation, report writing and presentations).
• Excellent computer skills including ability to prepare tables, charts, graphs, maps, photos etc. Experience with the development and use of database software and applications for analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Excellent conceptual and analytical skills.
• Ability to provide related mentoring and coaching for Facility staff and DFAT counterparts.
• Fluency in English is mandatory.  Ability to communicate in pasa Lao an added advantage.
• Excellent time management skills, with an ability to deliver high-quality outputs on time and with short notice.

Applications are due by Tuesday, 22nd November 2016. Applications should inlcude a CV and covering letter, and be submitted at [email protected].