Provincial Project Officer (PPO)

Terms of Reference

Position Title: Provincial Project Officer (PPO)
Location: Son La, with frequent travel within provincial project areas. Some travel to Hanoi.
Period of Assignment: 1-year contract (plus possible extension)
Reporting To: Provincial Coordinator (PC)

Background:   

Founded in 1985, CowaterSogema International Inc. has built a global reputation for excellence in the world of management consulting in international development. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada and with experience in more than 65 countries, CowaterSogema has established itself as Canada's leading management consulting firm in international development. Our clients include the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Global Affairs Canada, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade   and many more.  Join our team and be part of a fast-paced and dynamic team who is passionate about development and achieving sustainable results.

Cowater is recruiting a Provincial Project Officer to support a socio-economic development initiative- Aus4Equality|Gender-Responsive Equitable Agriculture and Tourism (GREAT Program) in Vietnam.  The Program aims to increase women’s economic participation and decision-making through improved access to markets and more effective engagement in the agriculture and tourism value chains in ethnic minority regions of North-West Vietnam. 

Statement of Duty:   

• Reporting to the Provincial Coordinator (PC), the Provincial Project Officer (PPO) is responsible to providing high level administrative services to the Aus4Equality Project at the provincial level. This position will support the PC to establish close relationships with the Project Management Unit (PMU) and other partners of the Aus4Equality program in Son La.
• The PPO will support the project team and PMU members across an array of duties in accordance with the procedures and guidelines laid out in the Aus4Equality Program Administration Manual, and Program Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Providing technical support to the project’s local partners on Partnership and Market System Development and Women’s Economic Empowerment in request, cooperation and coordination with provincial coordinator and Great technical advisor;

Specific Duties:   

Reports and Communication

• Assist the PC to establish and monitor relationships with Provincial People’s Committee (PPC) and Project Management Unit (PMU).
• Assist in the coordination of regular meetings with PMU and partners for progress updates, information dissemination, briefings, reviews, and planning as required.
• Assist provincial coordinator, technical advisor and PMU to facilitate partners project activity management, finance management, annual planning, and monitoring progress and impact of the project following the standards and accountability issues.
• Assist provincial coordinator, technical advisor and PMU in the identification of business opportunities with local partners towards further strengthening and expansion of their business models in Son La province.
• Provide support to the monitoring, implementation, and progress of the:  Provincial Engagement Strategy (PES); annual work plans; and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Strategy (GESI).
• Support the PC to facilitate reports and proposals for project, and proofread documents prepared by project staff, PMU members, and partners for quality assurance.
• Regularly update the progress of implementation of project activities to GREAT and PMU manager and project partners.
• Assist the provincial team with correspondence, mail registration and filing.
• Facilitate the preparation of documents for printing and copying, upon final approval.
• Keep all reports filed systematically in both electronic and hardcopy formats within provincial office.
• Assist the provincial coordinator to prepare project activity report when required.
• Undertake any project related responsibilities requested by the provincial coordinator and Project Management Unit (PMU);

Coordination and Logistics

• Ensure provincial team and PMU administrative activities are coordinated effectively.
• Assist with the coordination and provision of logistical support for project and PMU activities, tasks, and meetings, including all relevant facility bookings, confirmations, travel arrangements, supplies, materials, and equipment hire, field visits, and DFAT/counterpart visits.
• Provide logistical support for media releases, briefings, communications activities and other project promotion events (for project teams and PMU members).

Required Qualifications:    

Required Qualifications:

• University degree
• Basic knowledge and experience in implementing approaches of Partnership and;
• Experience in working with stakeholders at all levels (provincial, district, commune), and with mass organizations
• Research, communication and training experience will be an asset
• Able to communicate fluently and effectively in Vietnamese and English (oral and written).
• Advanced Microsoft Word Skills (formatting – section breaks, table of contents, inserting PDF’s, etc.).
• Able to use other Microsoft Office applications.
• Advanced filing skills (both Electronic File Management and Hardcopy filing protocols).
• At least 5years experience in a similar role.

Skills/Abilities:

• Able to travel within provincial project areas and to Hanoi when required.
• Able to manage multiple demands and prioritise tasks, work easily and cooperatively with diverse stakeholders, and support other team members.
• Must be flexible, willing to perform other duties and work irregular hours when required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including patience, diplomacy, willingness to listen and show respect for colleagues.
• Able to create a supportive working relationship among all Aus4Equality partners.
• Able to work individually and as part of a team and show initiative when required.
• Commitment, demonstrated knowledge, and understanding of minority groups in Vietnam and gender-related issues.

Interested candidates are invited to send application to [email protected]. Please indicate the Job title in the subject line.

Application should include:

• A cover letter including a response to each of the selection criteria
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Contact details of 03 referees

Deadline of submission: 5pm, 8 March 2019

Women, and people of minority groups, are encouraged to apply.