About the BPaC Program
The Building Pacific Capacity Program (BPaC) is an Australian Government initiative funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and managed by Cardno Emerging Markets. It provides Pacific Island Countries with a suite of flexible, fit-for-purpose options that support broad governance and stability development outcomes.
About the Partner Organisation
The National Economic Planning Office (NEPO) is a division of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (http://www.mfed.gov.ki).
NEPO plays a significant role in the Government of Kiribati (GOK) operations in the area of planning, budgeting, aid coordination, management of government funds, monitoring and evaluation.
Development Planning Unit:
- Responsible for coordinating strategic plans and annual recurrent/development budgets and for monitoring and evaluating ministry performance against the budget criteria. These teams also administer and manage aid funds appraisals, evaluate development proposals and provide support to the Development Coordination Committee.
The Investment Unit:
- This includes the SOE Monitoring and Advisory Unit and is responsible for oversight of the management of the Revenue Equalization Reserve Funds, SOE monitoring and provision of advice on major foreign investments and joint venture proposals. It is also responsible for the management of public debt.
NEPO is also responsible for preparing, reviewing, monitoring and evaluating macroeconomic policies. NEPO is required to oversee the ongoing economic reform program and to undertake reviews. Since 2013 the division has been restructured to improve integration and linkages between units but high staff turnover and the identified need to up-skill staff to fully implement their roles means that there is considerable scope to improve performance, particularly in the areas of institutional reform initiatives.
The Government of Australia committed to strengthen the institutional and organisational function of NEPO through continued support. Since 2013 the Australian Government has provided official support with an Adviser in the role of Director, NEPO.
About the Role
The Director will be responsible for managing the National Economic Planning Office (NEPO) and will be a member of the Senior Management Team of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED).
This position is based at the offices of NEPO in Tarawa, Kiribati.
The Director shall not enter into any contract or agreement for NEPO, MFED or the Government without having sought and secured approval from the Minister of Finance.
Role responsibilities and deliverables
Placement Objectives:
- Enhance the oversight and management of economic reform program and public funds including Government’s Revenue Equalisation Reserve Fund (RERF)
- Strengthen NEPO’s ability to provide strategic advice on the impacts of new and on-going policies/economic reforms including the macroeconomic outlooks
- Improve the role of NEPO in linking planning/budgeting, aid coordination, and evaluation/monitoring of plans and strategies
- Build the capacity of NEPO staff to deliver the range of NEPO functions (planning, budgeting, investment and aid harmonization) effectively
- Provide advice and guidance on GEDSI principles and incorporate these principles into NEPO operations and service provision
Relationship management, capacity development, performance management and reporting
The Director, NEPO will be accountable to and managed by the Secretary for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and work with the Minister of Finance for specified responsibilities.
Performance management will be undertaken jointly by the Secretary for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, the Australian High Commission, and the BPaC Deputy Team Leader.
The Director will be required to work closely with NEPO staff and members of the Senior Management Team, learning from them and seeking to impart knowledge which builds the capacity of staff to take on higher level roles, including the Director role.
The Director will be expected to provide a detailed work plan on expected milestones to be achieved in line with the above objectives and activities. Monthly situational reports and 6 monthly written reports against the approved workplan will be required.
A completion report is to be submitted to BPaC using the required template, at least 2 weeks prior to the end of the advisers assignment.
At the end of the assignment the adviser will ensure the handover of all computer files created during the assignment, as well as all documentation and assets to NEPO, DFAT or Cardno as directed by the BPaC Team Leader or their delegate.
Selection Criteria
Essential personal attributes:
- An understanding and appreciation of the challenges of working in culturally diverse teams
- Patience, resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness
- An ability to work with limited resources and professional support in a remote location
- Professionalism, neutrality and a commitment to teamwork and consultation
- Collaborative leadership qualities
Essential qualifications and experience:
- Degree in Economics, Finance, Commerce or related discipline
- Demonstrated experience in a senior technical position preparing strategic policy-focused financial planning, budgeting and investment advice to support fiscally achievable economic and social development outcomes
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership position responsible for managing human resources and building organisational capability
- High level analytical skills with the ability to apply sound judgement and negotiate to achieve outcomes
- Demonstrated commitment to improving systems and processes and building the capacity of co-workers through mentoring and the transfer of skills
- A commitment to the integration of cross cutting issues such as GEDSI, climate change, child protection, anti-corruption, and disability, into everyday responsibilities
Desirable qualifications and experience:
- Post Graduate qualifications in Economics, Finance, Commerce or related discipline
- Previous experience living and working in a developing country (particularly in the Pacific or small island states)
How to Apply?
We welcome your interest in joining the BPaC Program as an adviser.
- Your CV, including the names and contact details of 2 professional referees
- A cover letter, describing how your skills and experience are applicable to the selection criteria (no more than 250 words per criterion).
Applications must be submitted by Monday 6 June 2022 (11:59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time).
Kindly note that applications that do not address the key selection criteria will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities, LGBTQ+, women, mature age workers and people with different abilities.
Questions can be directed to recruitment@bpacprogram.org.au
Other information
Please note that due to COVID-19 travel restrictions this position is classified as unaccompanied. Applicants will need to undergo psychometric and medical screening prior to deployment. Housing, mobilisation, and demobilisation airfares will be provided as part of the overall remuneration package.
Amendments to the position’s Terms of Reference may be made during the period of the engagement as required.
Cardno is committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), Child Protection and bribery prevention. We want to engage with the right people to deliver our client programs. As part of our approach you will be subjected to formal background screening, criminal record checks, employment verification, and periodic compliance checks.
All Cardno staff receive safety, compliance and safeguards training and are responsible for contributing to a safer working culture.
Cardno is equal opportunity employer
Cardno encourages women to apply. Cardno recognises the moral and legal responsibility to provide an equal opportunity workplace by ensuring that all recruitment and selection decisions are based on the best qualified and experienced candidate who can perform the genuine inherent requirements of the position.
