Fundraising Officer
Rabaul, PNG
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 This assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect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
Fundraising Officer
Host Organisation
Rabaul Historical Society
Website of Host Organisation
http://www.historical-rabaul.blogspot.com.au/
Duration of Assignment
6 months
Start Date
13 June 2016
Pre-departure Briefing Date
4-6 May 2016
AVI Assignment Code
10533963
Australian Partner Organisation
N/A
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Host Organisation Overview
Rabaul is bursting with history from WW1, WW2 and the more recent volcanic activity that extensively
damaged the town in 1994. Still in a process of rebuilding, the Rabaul Historical Society is pivotal at
preserving this history and displaying it for local and international visitors.
The aim of the Rabaul Historical Society is to preserve, safeguard, and exhibit the history and relics of
East New Britain’s past through its various phases of settlement, governance and occupation.
With the cooperation and assistance of The New Guinea Club, the objective of the Rabaul Historical
Society is to create an Historic Memorial Learning Centre (HMLC). The HMLC will entail an extension
to the existing museum, and the creation of a public library, a research library and a community centre.
Prior to the volcanic eruption of 1994 that destroyed Rabaul township with dust, the Rabaul Public
Library was considered to be the best in Papua New Guinea, greatly utilised by school students. The
Public Library that was destroyed by the volcano was never rebuilt and today East New Britain no
longer has a Public Library.
The Museum attracts much attention from overseas visitors as it exhibits relics from PNG’s indigenous
past, German colonisation, Australian administration and WW2 occupation by Japan.
It is the intention to extend the museum and create a research library with the assistance of former
colonial powers. This will help to preserve East New Britain’s history and will particularly advantage
the local population as well as academic research.
The community centre will incorporate a serviced campground that will cater to overseas visitors who
may wish to extend their time to explore the historical significance of Rabaul.
Assignment Overview
The role’s main focus will be to assist in seeking financing to expand and develop the museum to a
state of the art tourist attraction in the area. In addition to this, the volunteer will work with the local
community to help develop the libraries and community centre. The volunteer will also assist with some
of the day to day activities of the museum.
The job will involve liaising with government officials, universities and other agencies of overseas
governments (particularly those of Australia, Japan, Germany and the United States) to assist the
facilities in becoming internationally recognised.
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Assignment Objectives
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To assist in fundraising for the Rabaul Historical Society and Museum to ensure financial
sustainability for this local icon.
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. AVI acknowledges that this is a new partnership that we
hope to develop over the coming years, and the role is to develop the ground work for future
assignments and activities with the Rabaul Historical Society. The duties below are an indication of the
type of work that may be involved in meeting the Assignment Objectives:
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Work with local beneficiaries to source funding for the Historic Memorial Learning Centre
Assist the historical society with archiving and preserving existing artefacts
Liaise with local and international authorities to gain support for the Historic Memorial Learning
Centre
Help develop the museum as a major tourist attraction in Rabaul
Assignment Information
The volunteer for the Historic Memorial Learning Centre will report to
the Executive Committee of the Rabaul Historical Society
Line Manager
Staff Supervision
Day to day management of the volunteer will be the Executive Officer of
the Rabaul Historical Society
Nil although the volunteer will be liaising and working with local
volunteers.
Hours & Days of Employment
From 9am to 5pm, 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.
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Leave Entitlements
Annual leave is 4 weeks per annum accrued – 1 week for every 3 months on assignment.
Same conditions and terms as local colleagues apply, including national holidays.
Sick leave: Up to 7 days uncertified sick leave and up to 30 certified.
Other Conditions
The Volunteer will be provided with an office to work from and a computer. The conditions are basic,
but the historic society is willing to invest in equipment when they understand what is needed to
develop their site.
Language Skills and Level Required
Willingness to learn local language – this will be very helpful and break down barriers quickly.
Language Support
AVI provides language support during the in-country orientation period. Most often additional resources
for further development later in the assignment will be available if required.
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Living as a Volunteer
Rabaul is a township in East New Britain province, on the island of New Britain, and is located 40 kms
away from the provincial capital Kokopo. Rabaul was the provincial capital and most important
settlement in the province until it was destroyed in 1994 by falling ash of a volcanic eruption. The
regional capital was moved to Kokopo– and since then Kokopo has been growing rapidly. With a
population of 26,000 people, Kokopo is safe to walk about during the day and an easy place to live.
Rabaul is a friendly and safe place to live – and plays an important role in the preservation of history in
Papua New Guinea – from WW1, WW2 and the most recent volcanic activity.
Public Motor Vehicles operate throughout the day to move the population around, many expats have a
car and often meet up for social functions in the evenings and on weekends.
Digicel is the main phone network provider, and network coverage is good for the most part (mobile
coverage throughout PNG can be patchy).
Rabaul does experience occasional earth tremors, and is home to an active volcano that puffs dust on
average once a year. While crops can be affected from the volcanic activity, it is important to note that
more serious consequences are not felt and the volcano is observed closely by a monitoring centre
based in Rabaul.
Occasional power outages and water shortages can be experienced.
The market is good for fresh produce and is a central hub of activity. It is safe and you will find all
manner of tropical fruits, vegetables and salads. Fresh fish, handicrafts and of course, the famous PNG
billums (knitted bags).
The traditions and local ethnic groups in the area are interesting, with Tolai and Baining people
represented. There is an annual Mask Festival in Kokopo, an annual gathering for groups across PNG
to show off their traditional dancing, dress and traditions.
Rabaul (and PNG on the whole) is largely a Christian society, and there are many different churches,
including Lutheran, SDA, Catholic, Uniting and Pentecostal.
There are a number of reasonable supermarkets and shops to buy your supplies at, and Kokopo is a
40 minute drive with good services.
An awareness of the local security situation is necessary, but for the most part Rabaul is a safe place to
live with a low crime rate.
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
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
AUD 1300.00 per month.
$0
‘NB: Of the above amount, the Host Organisation
will contribute PGK200 per month’
*See Below
Housing
AVI will be leasing long-term housing for the volunteer in Rabaul town. AVI will pay the rent on behalf of
the volunteer. The house or flat will be basic, clean and secure. There will be running water and a toilet
and shower in place. The house will contain basic furniture.
Housing is scarce throughout PNG, so the volunteer should expect to share accommodation
with other volunteers from time to time during their placement.
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)
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Preparing Your Application
Personal Circumstances Constraints
We are NOT able to accept applications from people with the following personal circumstances due to
security, cultural, legal or visa restrictions in this location.
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Applicants with accompanying children
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
Applicants with criminal offences
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/
Qualifications, Essential Skills & Experience
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Relevant tertiary, professional or technical qualifications and/or certification or equivalent work
experience
Experience in sourcing fundraising, grant applications and managing donors
Experience working with volunteer groups
Experience working with limited resources within a challenging environment
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.
Desirable Skills & Experience
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Experience in archaeology and/or anthropology research would be an advantage
Experience working with key governmental departments is highly desirable
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online. If you haven’t already done so, you will need to register on
our website prior to applying.
Once completed, please visit www.australianvolunteers.com, log in, select the assignment you are
interested in and follow the prompts at the end of the page.
The Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program is an
Australian Government initiative. This assignment has been developed by Australian
Volunteers International, a delivery partner for the AVID program.