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Reporting to the Sport for Development & Partnerships Manager this newly created position is responsible for delivering a suite of projects funded by the Australian Government and associated partnerships and activities.

Oceania Rugby is one of six regional associations of World Rugby, responsible for representing the interests of its 17 Members. Oceania Rugby works closely with Member Unions on the development and reach of Rugby in the region to promote the growth of Rugby throughout Oceania. Central to this is a series of tournaments, education, capacity building and development programs run and coordinated by Oceania Rugby. Oceania Rugby’s programs contribute to rugby development, organisational capacity and social development outcomes including gender equality and ending violence against women and children, and promoting rugby values: respect, integrity, solidarity, discipline and passion.

Oceania Rugby strongly believes that everyone has the right to participate in rugby in a physically and emotionally safe environment because this is the foundation of a positive, high-quality and life-long experience in our sport.

The Women’s Rugby Project Officer is responsible for managing and overseeing the delivery of projects under Oceania Rugby’s Rise Rugby program, a newly created program (funded under the Australian Government’s Sport Diplomacy Strategy), driving key initiatives in Oceania Rugby’s Women in Rugby strategic pillar, and supporting the associated partnerships between Oceania Rugby, the Australian Government, and relevant Pacific Island Rugby Unions. The Rise Rugby activities complement other initiatives and focuses on establishing women’s rugby pathways and strengthening women in sport administration roles.

Oceania Rugby has partnered with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to support a range of Sport Diplomacy and Sport for Development initiatives in the Pacific Islands. Oceania Rugby works closely our member to deliver these initiatives.

Working closely with the Sport for Development & Partnerships Manager and other Oceania Rugby staff the Women’s Rugby Project Officer will be responsible for:

1. Project management of Rise Rugby Program
   • Oversee the delivery, monitoring, reporting and financial management of the over-arching Rise Rugby Agreement ensuring all contractual obligations are met and funds are acquitted.
   • Monitor and support the implementation and evaluation of Rise Rugby projects in four Pacific Island countries. Work with unions to establish project agreements, sustainability plans, monitor progress against plans, and meet reporting and acquittal expectations.
   • Provide strategic guidance, mentoring and facilitate networks to support Member Union’s core activities under the funding, and in strengthening women in rugby (on and off the field)
2. Coordinate centralised services that support women’s development across Oceania’s 17 Member Unions including:
   • Regional governance training for women on boards
   • Oceania Regional Women in Rugby Network
   • Oceania Women in Rugby Month
3. Relationship Management - Establish and maintain strong relationships and close collaboration with Pacific Island Rugby Unions; Rugby stakeholders including the Oceania Rugby team, World Rugby staff; Service providers and DFAT, Canberra and representatives at the Australian High Commissions in the target countries.
4. Identify and deliver creative international diplomacy, media and engagement opportunities
5. Provide input into Oceania Rugby and Member Unions’ strategy and implementation with an emphasis on progressing the development of Women in Rugby.
6. Support other donor-funded programming, monitoring and evaluation, relationships, reporting and diplomacy activities as required.

This role will have internal and external relationships and will be responsible for external communications. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field: Sport Management, International Development, Human Resources, Education, and training, or similar; and/or relevant experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ in the workforce.
• Significant experience coordinating and managing projects autonomously including experience with funding agreements, planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation, finances, and reporting.
• A deep understanding and significant experience in women’s sport development, including addressing barriers, catalysts, and drivers of change to enhance inclusion on and off the field.
• Strong cross-cultural competency
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to develop positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Results driven with a strong drive to work independently, manage priorities, adapt to change and continue learning.

• Experience engaging with organisations in the Pacific Islands and/or Pasifika communities.
• Knowledge of sport in Oceania region and / or Rugby Union.
• Knowledge of DFAT public diplomacy and international development and funding practices.
• Experience supporting and mentoring others and influencing change

• The position is full time with flexible working hours and location arrangements.
• The position is tied to external funding and is currently secured until 31 December 2024.
• The successful candidate must already have the right to live and work in Australia, Fiji, Tonga or Samoa. No relocation or visa sponsorship will be provided through this position.
• The successful candidate will require a Working with Children Check (or National Police check).
• Occasional domestic and international (Oceania region) travel may be required.

To apply, please send your CV, a cover letter, and a further document (max 2 pages) addressing the key attributes, qualifications and experience to support your application, to info@oceaniarugby.com with the subject line ‘Women’s Rugby Project Officer – Your Name’.

For more information regarding the position please contact Erin Hatton, Sport for Development & Partnerships Manager, on erin.hatton@oceaniarugby.com.

Applications close 5pm AEST Sunday 8 May 2022.