World Education Australia (www.worlded.org.au) is an international development agency accredited by Australian Aid and a member of ACFID. We work in our Asia Pacific neighbouring countries, where two-thirds of the world’s poor live.

Our programs provide 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 performance and extend responsible microfinance to all their clients and communities. Our financial and livelihood training helps them manage money and grow their assets. Together these powerful tools empower people to create lasting change for themselves.

World Education Australia has no religious affiliations. Visit www.goodreturn.org or www.worlded.org.au for more information. In Laos we work in close partnership with World Education Inc. (www.worlded.org)

Scope of position: The Program Manager’s role is to ensure strong project implementation of the Resilient Livelihoods for the Poor (RLP) project in Lao Ngam District, Saravane Province, Lao PDR. The program objective is increased access to enhanced livelihood opportunities for the most vulnerable families within selected communities, through access to productive assets, a monthly cash stipend, access to markets, and regular mentoring and coaching through bi-weekly household visits. The productive assets selected by households include goats, pigs, mushroom cultivation, home gardening, and poultry.   

The project has been underway since June 2014 and will complete on 31 December 2016.

Duration: The Program Manager position will be a full-time contract role from October 2015 to December 2016. An attractive salary and benefits package is provided. 

Location: This role will be split between time spent in Lao Ngam and Vientiane and the base will be negotiated with the successful applicant. 

Responsibilities: Oversee project implementation:

• Oversee implementation teams, supporting the Deputy Program Manager, Operations Manager, Administration Manager and field staff
• Manage relationships with multiple partners and stakeholders, including government counterparts
• Manage the project budget
• Oversee technical aspects of the program and ensure effective implementation 
• Complete all written deliverables for the project including detailed monthly, quarterly, six monthly and annual reports.
• Identify resources and technical assistance required to strengthen implementation of the program, and work with project stakeholders to ensure access to these
• Monitor and act on results and recommendations from Managing Contractor to improve the program
• Participate in regular management and coordination meetings for the program
• Seek ongoing financial support for the program to enable continuity and sustainability
• Lead recruitment of other relevant positions to the program as needed

Selection Criteria:

• Significant experience in a senior project management role in the field of rural economic and livelihood development
• Significant experience in managing livelihood activities and programs.
• Previous experience managing livestock initiatives is highly desirable. 
• Experienced team manager with a good track record of performance management
• Excellent communication, negotiation and facilitation skills, and ability to produce high quality reports  
• Strong financial management skills
• Proven capacity to manage multiple stakeholders Strong understanding of rural poverty in Laos
• Understanding of and experience in inclusive development, particularly related to women, people with disabilities and people from ethnic minorities
• Experience working at the district and village levels
• Lao language an advantage

How to apply: Please submit a cover letter addressing the above selection criteria, and your current CV through the 'I'm interested' link below.

Application questions can be directed via the World Education Australia website http://www.worlded.org.au/contact/

Applications close: Wednesday 9 September, 2015