Prosthetics Officer
Honiara, Solomon Islands
AVI has negotiated this assignment in good faith with the Host Organisation, and the information
contained was correct at the time of acceptance of the request. However, while AVI takes
responsibility for matters under our direct control, all assignments and arrangements are subject to
change due to the inherent low levels of predictability in developing country environments. This
assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect changes in circumstances.
General Details
Assignment Title
Prosthetics Officer
Host Organisation
National Referral Hospital,
Ministry of Health and Medical Services
Website of Host Organisation
N/A
Duration of Assignment
12 months
Start Date
26th January 2016
Pre-departure Briefing Date
23rd - 25th September 2015
AVI Assignment Code
10533245
Host Organisation Overview
The Rehabilitation Division within the National Referral Hospital (NRH) consists of 5 departments Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Speech Therapy/Pathology, Prosthetics/Orthotics workshops and
Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR).
The aim of the Division is:
 to deliver sound and holistic physical rehabilitation services at NRH
 to assist individuals to achieve, regain and maintain an active life
 to facilitate an environment conducive to working and learning for the staff and patients.
There are 7 staff currently in the Rehabilitation Division including 2 in the workshop, where the
volunteer will be based.
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Assignment Overview
The volunteer will work alongside the Principal Prosthetics Officer (PPO) and trainee to develop the
workshop capacity. Capacity building mechanisms include on-the-job mentoring to develop technical
skills in addition to mentoring in methods of improved systems to respond to patients requiring
prosthetics.
Common cases are lower limb amputees, lower limb fractures, foot deformities including talipes
equinovarus (TEV) and leg length discrepancies.
The NRH workshop is very basic and does not have the same capability as workshops in Australia and
elsewhere.
Assignment Objectives
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Work with the Principal Prosthetic Officer (PPO) to build knowledge and experience of local
staff in current orthotic practices and new techniques.
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Work with local staff and hospital management to identify areas for further operational
improvement in the workshop allowing for a more efficient response to patient needs.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Volunteer
In consultation with their line manager and relevant stakeholders, volunteers complete a work plan in
the first three months of their assignment. The duties below are an indication of the type of work that
may be involved in meeting the Assignment Objectives:
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Training counterparts in new or alternative orthotic practices
Work with counterparts to manufacture lower limb orthotics
Focus on increasing workshop capacity to respond to needs for orthotics pertaining to TEV
Liaise with orthopaedic department for TEV
Collaborate with PPO to formulate relevant guidelines for orthotics services
Work with PPO to enhance purchasing and material resource management
Communicate with head of departments within the division regarding over-arching issues for
the workshop and orthotic production
Assignment Information
Line Manager
Director of Rehabilitation, National Referral Hospital
Staff supervision
A trainee workshop technician.
Hours & Days of employment
From 8.00am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday.
The expectation is that the volunteer will work the equivalent of a 5 day week to a maximum of 40
hours per week.
Leave entitlements
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Same conditions and terms as local colleagues apply, including national holidays. However, as a
minimum, volunteers will accrue 1 week of leave for each 3 months of work.
Other Conditions
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There is internet access at the main office but it is limited due to network problems.
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There is public transport to and from workplace.
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There may be limited to resources at the hospital.
Language skill and level required
Ability to converse about non-technical matters
Language support
Volunteers receive Solomon Island Pijin training as part of their In Country Orientation on arrival in the
Solomon Islands.
Living as a Volunteer
In recent years the Solomon Islands has been divided by ethnic tension and violence. In 2003 the
Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) was deployed to help the Solomon
Islands Government restore law and order. The mission, called ‘Helpem Fren’ was successful in
restoring security across the country enabling people to go about their lives free from the fear of
violence and intimidation.
Despite recent conflicts, the people of the Solomon Islands are warm and friendly, many living a
lifestyle almost unchanged for hundreds of years. It is a fascinating country with more than 80 different
languages and incredible marine and terrestrial biodiversity. The third largest archipelago in South
Pacific, the Solomon’s comprises 992 islands.
The influence of Christianity has had a greater impact on society and people than other institutions.
Missionaries managed to curb ancestor worship to some extent but non-Christian beliefs still persist
and coexist with Christian concepts. The churches play a very strong role in communal life, especially
in rural areas. Virtually every village has a church building or leader and prayer or church services are
held once or twice a day, and 95% of the population are professed Christians.
The volunteer will be living in Honiara, which is the urban centre of the country. There are various
shopping facilities available in Honiara, such as the local market selling fresh fruits and vegetables.
Supermarkets in Honiara also stock other limited goods; canned, frozen, etc. In regard to social and
recreational activities, Honiara offers a wide range, including:
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Multi-purpose gym (Honiara); Circuit classes, Yoga classes
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Pacific Casino Gym (Honiara)
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Heritage Park Hotel gym (Honiara)
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Swimming at various Hotel pools and beaches, pay for access to them all
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Tri Club meet at Kakabona 6am on Tuesdays and Thursdays
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Diving and snorkelling (lots of places)http://mundadive.com/home.htm
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Hiking and bush walking (lots of places)
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HHH (Hash House Harriers) meet Monday nights between 5-6pm at various locations in Honiara
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Join a sports club – soccer, basketball, AFL, netball
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Preparing your Application
Selection Criteria
Please begin by writing your responses to the following three questions, in a document headed Response to Selection Criteria:
a. Why do I feel that volunteering overseas is the right thing for me to be doing at this time in my life?
(up to half a page)
b. What are the biggest personal adjustments I’m likely to have to make to be accepted as a useful
colleague and engaged community member in this assignment? (up to half a page)
c. How do I match the Essential Skills & Experience: Write a brief summary of your most relevant
experiences, results and achievements responding to each criteria in the Essential Skills & Experience
section of the Assignment Description.
To find out more details about preparing your application, please visit:
http://www.australianvolunteers.com/volunteer/application-process/
To find out more details about the personal competencies required to be a volunteer, please visit:
http://australianvolunteers.com/volunteer/have-you-got-what-it-takes/
Personal Circumstances Constraints
Applications from people with the following personal circumstances due to security, cultural, legal or
visa restrictions in this location may not be successful in their applications.
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Same sex partners who wish to accompany applicants as part of the AVID program may face
issues in applying for and being issued with a visa
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Applicants with partners to whom they are not legally married and who wish to accompany
applicants as part of the AVID program may face issues in applying for and being issued with a
visa
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Applicants with criminal offences including recent DUI
Qualifications
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Relevant Applied/Health Science degree plus post-grad qualification in Clinical Prosthetics and
Orthotics.
Essential Skills & Experience
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Clinical experience in orthotics and/or prosthetics
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Relevant experience in talipes equinovarus TEV and other lower limbs orthotics
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Experience writing operational procedures and guidelines in the area of orthotics and/or
prosthetics
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Demonstrated experience working with children and disabled persons
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Effective communication and interpersonal skills
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Previous experience in working alongside and building the skills of others through formal
and/or informal training and coaching
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Previous experience in consulting with stakeholders and facilitating the work of others to
achieve an agreed outcome
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Desirable Skills & Experience
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A preparedness to work with limited resources within a challenging environment
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Purchasing and inventory management experience
Allowances & Support
These allowance levels are based on the Cost of Living in country. They will be reviewed periodically
and may increase or decrease. Volunteers will be given notice of any change to the allowance level.
Living Allowance
Accommodation Allowance
1100 AUD per month
900AUD per month
Housing
Housing will not be provided by the employer. Housing in Honiara is expensive, many volunteers share.
AVI will assist the volunteer to find suitable accommodation during the in country orientation program.
Most houses are semi furnished, screened and have access to electricity and water.
Other Allowances & Support
All AVID Volunteers receive the following:
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Pre-departure Briefing in Melbourne
In-country Orientation on arrival
Pre-departure vaccination expenses
Visa expenses
Pastoral care, assignment monitoring and security guidance
Return airfare to country of assignment
Psychological and medical advice and support services
Re-entry Support services
Settling in allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
Re-settlement allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
How to Apply
Should you wish to apply for this position please visit www.australianvolunteers.com.
Select the assignment you are interested in and follow the prompts at the end of the page.
This assignment is part of the Australian Volunteers for International
Development program, an Australian Government initiative.
www.australianaidvolunteers.gov.au/
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