FIELD SUPPORT OFFICER VOLUNTEER (Asia Pacific Region)

  • Full-time

Company Description


Good Return provides people living in poverty with access to responsible microfinance and skills development opportunities. This enables them  to develop the confidence, knowledge, and capability to break the cycle of poverty for good.

We support microfinance institutions to improve their social responsibility and extend financial inclusion to all their clients and communities. Our financial and livelihood training help them manage money and grow their assets. Together these powerful tools empower people to create lasting change for themselves.

Good Return is an initiative of World Education Australia, an Australian Aid accredited agency and member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID). We currently have programs in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, Tonga, and Fiji. Visit www.goodreturn.org and www.worlded.org.au for more information. The main office is in Crows Nest, NSW and staff are also located in a number of Asia Pacific countries.

Job Description

Good Return is offering 8 individual volunteer opportunities (ideally suited to ages 24-35) who are seeking to establish or build a career in the international development sector.

  • Live and work for 12 months in a developing country
  • Work with a leading microfinance institution in the Philippines, Cambodia, Tonga, Fiji or Indonesia
  • Help empower women & men from low-income backgrounds to invest in their own lives

The Good Return Field Support Officer (FSO) volunteer program provides opportunities for skilled volunteers to work with Good Return’s partner microfinance institutions (MFIs) through 12-month placements.

FSOs will monitor Good Return’s microloan borrowers and collect case studies, videos and blogs. Additionally, there is an opportunity for FSOs to share their own specific skills and expertise based on the needs of the partner MFI, for example, skills in business management, android app development or data analysis.

FSOs will also support the implementation of Good Return’s Financial Education training and Social Performance Management activities with partner MFIs.

There are positions currently available in the Philippines, Cambodia, Tonga, Fiji and Indonesia, in addition to 2 roaming positions.  More information can be found for each individual position below. 

Qualifications

Selection Criteria:

Qualifications: A degree in Economics, Finance/Business, Statistics, IT/Software Engineering, International Development, Education or similar is required. A master’s degree in one of these fields is preferred.

Essential skills and experience:

  • At least 1 year of work experience (paid or unpaid) relevant to Good Return’s programmatic areas, such as international development, adult education, finance, business or relevant sectors
  • Independent living or travel experience
  • Self-motivation and a desire to learn
  • Strong communication skills
  • Strong writing skills, particularly report writing, interviews and blogs
  • IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, as well as social media platforms
  • Experience living and/or working in a cross-cultural context
  • Team work skills

Desirable skills and experience:

  • Experience living and working in a developing country (Asia Pacific region)
  • Applied knowledge of online communications (including social media)
  • Experience in coaching, training or mentoring
  • Knowledge of/experience in monitoring and evaluation
  • Foreign language skills (Asia Pacific languages)

Essential personal qualities:

  • Proactive nature and detail-orientation
  • Independence and resilience
  • Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Patience, tolerance and open-mindedness
  • Responsible (for own actions and for upholding the integrity of Good Return and MFI partners)
  • Initiative and adaptability (to isolated settings with limited resources)

Additional Information


More information on Philippines based position: http://bit.ly/YTQJxs  

More information on Cambodia based position: http://bit.ly/1r0bkL5  

More information on Fiji based position: http://bit.ly/1s7ruVa  

More information on Tonga based position: http://bit.ly/1s7rq7Y  

More information on Indonesian based positions: http://bit.ly/1uawSTX  

More information on roaming Monitoring and Evaluation position: http://bit.ly/ZqGrVz  

More information on roaming Android app developer position: http://bit.ly/1rrg9gS  

Successful applicants must be available for a one week induction course in mid-late January 2015 (at Good Return’s Sydney office), and will commence their placement in the field immediately thereafter. Later commencement dates and/or periods of less than 12 months will not be considered.

Good Return will provide international airfares from Sydney, certain pre-departure medical costs, visa expenses, insurance and a monthly living allowance (including accommodation costs).

Eligibility: You must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency to apply for these positions.

How to apply: Please address the selection criteria in your application and include a cover letter and CV. Applications can be submitted via the ‘I’m interested’ link below.

Only one application for all FSO positions is required. We ask that you indicate your country or position preference (if any) in your cover letter.

Applications close: Sunday 2nd November 2014

Note: Recruitment will be undertaken on a rolling basis. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of success. 

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