Professional Development and Training

Overview

Professional development in AusAID is both a corporate and individual responsibility. AusAID provides the framework and resources to encourage and facilitate employees' participation in learning and development opportunities which best meet the Agency's and their own needs.

Learning and professional development opportunities are closely aligned with AusAID's core capability requirements such as leadership and management, program and contract management, strategic and analytical thinking, and knowledge of development issues.

The range of training opportunities includes off-the-job learning such as tertiary study, courses and conferences, and on-the-job learning such as coaching, and mentoring, as well as opportunities for rotations, transfers, and secondments.

AusAID's Personnel Development Unit organises a range of courses that address the priority skills and knowledge required to deliver a high quality aid program. These courses include contract management, project management, financial management, analytic writing - particularly for policy, ministerial submissions, Possible Parliamentary Questions and briefings, and management development, along with a range of IT and communication skills.

Study Support Scheme

AusAID encourages life-long learning, in particular the continuation of tertiary studies through the Study Support Scheme. The scheme is an integral part of AusAID's strategy to assist staff upgrade their skills and knowledge and to deliver a better aid program.

The scheme is available to permanent employees with a proven performance record. Staff can undertake tertiary studies, ordinarily at postgraduate level, in a range of AusAID-related fields. Employees who successfully complete units can receive financial assistance and/or study leave.

Study Awards

AusAID provides an annual full-time study award to complement the Study Support Scheme.

Outstanding long-term employees are eligible to apply for the award, which aims to increase the Agency's expertise by enhancing employee qualifications and increasing AusAID's in-house skills in agreed priority fields of study.

Language Training

AusAID supports the acquisition of languages relevant to the administration of the aid program, with priority given to employees preparing for overseas postings. Employees who attain the required standard in AusAID's priority languages may be eligible to receive a Language Proficiency Allowance.