ABOUT GOOD RETURN

Good Return’s mission is to enable those living in poverty to achieve economic empowerment. We do this by working in partnerships that innovate and strengthen financial services and provide economic opportunities for those living in poverty across the Asia Pacific Region.

Our work focuses on promoting responsible inclusive finance, building financial capability & consumer empowerment, and developing smallholder agribusiness solutions. We also deliver interest free loan capital raised from the Australian public. Together these powerful tools empower people to create lasting change for themselves. 

Good Return is an initiative of World Education Australia, an international development agency accredited by Australian Aid and a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID). Good Return has no religious affiliations. Visit www.goodreturn.org.au for more information.

ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

We have been working in partnership with various Financial Service Providers across the Asia Pacific Region since 2010. Our current partners are located in Cambodia, Nepal, Laos, Philippines, Solomon Islands,  Fiji, Tonga & Samoa.

Our partnerships are based on a shared mission to provide responsible microfinance services to people living in poverty as well as build the financial capability of their clients. Our partners are committed to improving their social performance management systems, which includes implementing the seven client protection principles. For more information Social Performance Management & Client Protection:

• http://www.microfinancegateway.org/p/site/m/template.rc/1.11.48260/1.26.9231/
• http://www.smartcampaign.org/about-the-campaign/smart-microfinance-and-the-client-protection-principles

Please visit our website (www.goodreturn.org.au) for further information on our partners.

FSO Program Objectives

The objectives of the Field Support Officer (FSO) Volunteer Program are for FSOs to:

• Gain valuable experience living and working in a developing country as part of a professional team
• Assist with the implementation of Good Return and partner objectives and specific programs
• Strengthen relationships with partners by enhancing communication and coordination
• Support Good Return’s communications and marketing

The FSO Program has enabled previous volunteers to build their careers in the international development sector, with a number now in paid roles both in Australia and overseas.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the design and development of learning interventions across Good Return with emphasis on training and curriculum design and development.

1. Design and development of Good Return's consumer awareness and financial empowerment  learning packages

• Support the review and refinement of financial capability development program aimed at improving household money management and financial well-being of low income households in the countries where Good Return works.
• Support the design and development of blended small business learning package (face to face + digital) for micro business owners.
• Support the design and delivery of ToT's, (Training of Trainers), ToC's (Training of Coaches) and other capacity development interventions using a blended approach - face to face, e-learning, other media.

2. Support the design and development of Good Return's e-learning courses to ensure design and approach is engaging, interactive and consistent with behaviour focus design principles and practices

• Review and provide input on existing e-learning courses design and content within the RIF Academy.
• Support learning and resources research to gain deeper insight and understanding of needs of the micro-finance and social development/financial inclusion sector to inform e-course refinement or new development.

3. Support learning design and development of other interventions in other Good Return projects where feasible (adhoc projects)

CITIZENSHIP

You must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency to apply for this position. Applicants not meeting this requirement will not be considered.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in design, development of learning interventions through any of the different channels: face to face, learning, multimedia (including social media)
• Experience in developing learning content, materials, and resources.
• Experience or familiarity in the application of adult learning principles and practices in the development or delivery of learning activities or interventions.
• Awareness and familiarity of learning needs and resources and assessment approaches and the use of behaviour change techniques in influencing learning.
• Able to listen and adapt to different cultural context
• Willing to travel to local communities where and when necessary
• Passion to help others learn and improve their lives.
• Independent living or travel experience, preferably in a developing country
• Self-motivation and desire to learn
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong writing skills and an ability to adapt content for various channels and audiences
• IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel
• Experience working in a cross-cultural context, especially within teams
• Teamwork skills

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience living and working in a developing country (preferably in the Asia Pacific region)
• Knowledge of/experience in monitoring and evaluation
• Foreign language skills (especially Asia Pacific languages)

ESSENTIAL PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Independence and resilience
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Patience, tolerance and open-mindedness
• Responsible (for own actions, upholding integrity)
• Initiative and ability to adapt to isolated settings with limited resources
• A sense of humour!

ALLOWANCES AND SUPPORT

Pre-departure:

• Induction training at Sydney office (4 days)
• Health check and vaccination expenses
• Visa expenses
• International airfares at the commencement and conclusion of the assignment

Settling in:

• Initial accommodation arranged; it is the responsibility of the FSO to secure long-term accommodation
• First 2 monthly allowance payments paid in advance to assist with set-up costs in-country
• Orientation support (negotiating lease agreements, shopping options, etc.)

During assignment:

• Support, monitoring and security guidance from Supervisor and Good Return regional & Sydney offices
• Monthly allowance (to cover living and accommodation expenses)
• Language allowance
• Travel insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Debrief following conclusion of placement

The placement will commence in-country in July 2019. Applicants must be available for a four day induction course (held in May 2019 at Good Return’s Sydney office), prior to the commencement of their placement. Later commencement dates and/or periods of less than 12 months will not be considered.

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

How to apply:

Applications can be submitted by selecting the 'I'm interested' link below.

Applicants should provide a CV and a cover letter that clearly states your Australian citizenship/permanent residency status, and addresses the selection criteria listed in the full position description, along with your phone and Skype contact details. Cover letters can be included in the messages section or uploaded together with a CV file.

Please indicate in your cover letter which role/s you wish to be considered for, but apply only for your preferred role (you do not need to submit multiple applications).

We would love to hear how you heard about the position.

Enquiries can be directed via the Good Return website https://www.goodreturn.org.au/contact

Applications close: COB Monday 11 February 2019

Note: Interviews are expected to start late February/early March. It is still possible to apply after that date.

Note: Good Return is a child safe organisation. The successful candidate will be required to comply with our child protection policy and will be subject to pre-hire checks.