OVERVIEW OF SAGO NETWORK

Sago Network is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation that has been working in Papua New Guinea (PNG) since 2008. Our aim is to strengthen lives in PNG by improving water, sanitation, health, and hygiene standards at a community level. Sago Network partners with local communities in PNG to address basic access to safe drinking water and safe sanitation.

Sago Network's programmes are focused on partnerships with rural and coastal communities who are committed to effecting positive change in their villages. Each project and programme undertaken by Sago Network aims to place local people at the centre of their own development process. Communities are empowered with the decision-making ability to shape the project or programme’s core objectives and are encouraged to make a meaningful contribution toward their achievement. The team values process and professionalism as highly as product, always seeking to undertake a process that is inclusive and capacity-building in nature.

Sago Network prides itself in being an efficient, nimble, and innovative organisation that delivers professional and impactful programmes to PNG rural communities in need. Our current programmes include:

• The WASH Strategy Programme
• The WASH Empowerment Programme
• The Sago Dry Toilet Programme
• Architecture for Communities Programme

ABOUT THE WASH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

Sago Network has developed a comprehensive WASH programme that integrates participatory education, awareness, practical workshops, material distribution and Community Action Participation (CAP) training. This multifaceted programme comprises core modules, each tailored to address specific WASH priorities and build upon existing structures and systems in communities. Our ultimate goal is to empower communities to take the lead in elevating their WASH and health standards while fostering a sense of local ownership. The programme is most successful when long-term trusting relationships are established with communities, enabling multiple visits by WASH staff over time to deliver new modules and build upon previous achievements. The core modules in the programme include:

Module 1: Community Engagement & Data Collection

Module 2: Hygiene

Module 3: WASH for Kids

Module 4: Community Action and Participation (CAP)

Module 5: Environmental Health and Hygiene

Module 6: Drinking Water

Module 7: WASH FIT (Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool)

Module 8: Gendered Hygiene (Menstrual Health Management)

Module 9: WASH for Youth

Module 10: Sanitation

Through the WASH Empowerment Programme Sago Network in 2024 will be partnering with up to 80 rural villages in various provinces across PNG. The programme is usually delivered in a patrol context alongside other allied health partners to maximise impact.

JOB SUMMARY

The Programme Officer at Sago Network will assist in leading the WASH Empowerment Programme, dedicated to enhancing the well-being, welfare, and livelihoods of partner villages. Reporting directly to the Sago Network Programme Coordinator, this role involves close collaboration with partners, WASH Managers, WASH Officers, clinical staff, and allied health professionals to strategise, strengthen, and evolve the programme over time.

Responsibilities encompass day-to-day programme operations, forward planning for ongoing development, and ensuring programme quality through training and staff development. Long-term vision is vital, with a focus on introducing and implementing new activities strategically. As a link between Sago Network partners and management, the Programme Officer will represent the organisation at partner meetings, interagency gatherings, cluster meetings, and relevant sector events.

While based in Sydney, Australia, this role requires travel between Australia and Papua New Guinea, involving up to 12 weeks of travel annually across multiple trips, including visits to remote and isolated locations. Travel methods may include small aircraft, dinghies, 4WD vehicles, and helicopters, with stays in rural communities characterised by basic living conditions and limited access to essential services.

OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational oversight of the WASH Empowerment Programme, coordinating its implementation, using an integrated approach that incorporates WASH, social support, health, welfare, and clinical services.
• Write and contribute to the development of new WASH Empowerment Programme modules and content.
• Monitor, assess, and evaluate the WASH Empowerment Programme over time.
• Bring innovation to the programme in a way that will strengthen WASH, health, and welfare in partnering communities.

• Oversee programme logistics, procurement, and transport of materials.
• Oversee and complete reporting, data collection, and testing as per programme requirements.
• Travel regularly to PNG, participate in remote patrols where the WASH Empowerment Programme is being implemented.
• Provide capacity building and training to WASH staff implementing the WASH Empowerment Programme.
• Observe strengths and areas of improvement of the WASH Empowerment Programme as it is implemented in the field, developing programme updates and training based on observations.
• Contribute to the development and facilitation of online and in person WASH training and education.
• Develop and nurture healthy working relationships with Sago Network partners and allied service providers.

• Foster positive stakeholder relationships, representing Sago Network in sector activities as required such as interagency gatherings, WASH Cluster meetings, partner meetings, sector, and aid forums to improve, liaise and coordinate work with other health, WASH, welfare, and development providers.
• Partner with government bodies, working within existing frameworks and systems, to improve health, WASH, and welfare services at a community level.

STAFF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the recruitment and onboarding of new WASH staff.
• Training, supervision, and staff development of WASH teams implementing the programme, building teams that are equipped, unified and passionate about the programme.
• Promote and ensure adherence to policies and procedures, making sure they are understood and practiced by all relevant parties. Contribute to writing and updating relevant policies, procedures, and processes.

• Monitor and manage allocation of activities, and resources to support delivery of the WASH Empowerment Programme.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled or mandatory meetings, training, and activities with partners and with the wider Sago Network team.
• Oversee staff’s use of IT equipment, providing appropriate training to new WASH Staff and ensuring equipment and materials are being used appropriately and are being taken care of.
• Promote safe work practices and lead by example.
• Complete incident and injury reporting within the appropriate timeframes in accordance with relevant regulatory reporting requirements. Effectively complete incident, injury, and illness management.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with programme budgets in both AUD and PGK.
• Work responsibly in relation to budgets and Sago Network resources and assist staff to do likewise.
• Uphold transparent and accountable financial management processes at all times.
• Follow procedures, processes, and guidelines for accounting all Sago Network monies spent.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute as a team player with a positive can-do attitude, taking initiative to complete group and individual tasks.
• Remain focused independently while communicating effectively with a wider team.
• Be an advocate of the Sago Network brand, ensuring brand compliance and use of correct templates.
• Contribute to the achievement of the broader plans and aspirations of Sago Network.
• Practice within the guidelines described in Sago Network’s code of conduct and other statutory requirements.
• Demonstrate responsible stewardship of all Sago Network resources.
• Ensure the reputation and integrity of Sago Network is always maintained.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Understand and accept Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations as an employee in the jurisdiction being worked in and empower the WASH staff to do likewise.
• As an employee, you are responsible for ensuring you do not work in a manner that exposes yourself or others to harm; whilst travelling for work, this duty also includes hours not actually working.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ATTRIBUTES

• University degree in in a related discipline (International Development, Teaching, Nursing, Public or Global Health).
• A minimum of 2 years’ work experience in:
  • Managing and leading teams in cross cultural contexts.
  • Managing aid and development projects and programme’s.
• Knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for the WASH, health, and aid/development sector.
• Ability to articulate both short and longer term/more complex responses to community WASH and health challenges.
• Ability to lead, manage and inspire a passionate team through clear decision making and the provision of a supportive and collaborative management style.
• Relates well to a range of people with sound listening and problem-solving skills with a focus on developing individual capacity of all team members without favor or preference.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to relate well to all communities and people that Sago Network interacts with.
• Demonstrated skills in conflict resolution, change management and financial management.
• Displays emotional maturity, and resilience, as well as patience and flexibility to work in differing environments with frequent workload changes and competing demands.
• Proven organisational skills, ability to multi-task, prioritise workloads and meet deadlines and budgets. Thorough attention to detail.
• Excellent written, oral, public speaking and presentation capabilities, including fluency in English.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to travel for up to 12 weeks (across multiple trips) a year in PNG.
• Fit to work and travel to remote villages in PNG with limited access to basic services.
• Legal rights to work in Australia and current passport.

DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ATTRIBUTES

• Prior work experience in Papua New Guinea.
• Ability to speak Tok Pisin.
• Time spent living in PNG or another country managing development projects.
• Experience using mWater.
• Experience developing content on Talent LMS.
• Experience using the JMP Service Ladder as a WASH assessment tool.

A position description is attached.