Lavame’a Ta’e’iloa Disabled People Association (LATA)
VACANCY
• Project Officer – Disability Inclusion Project
Job Vacancy: Project Officer – Disability Inclusion Project
Location: Tonga
Employer: Lavame’a Ta’e’iloa Disabled People Association (LATA)
Project: Community of Practice for Disability Support Facilitators (COP/DSF)
Partners: Tonga Australia Support Platform (TASP), TVET Providers
LATA is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Project Officer to join our team and support the Disability Inclusion Project – Community of Practice for Disability Support Facilitators (COP/DSF). This exciting project, implemented in collaboration with TASP and selected TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) providers, aims to improve inclusive skills development and increase the participation of people with disabilities in vocational training.
Objectives of the Role:
The Project Officer will play a key role in supporting students with disabilities to overcome barriers to enrolling in and completing vocational education and training (TVET) programs. This will include collaborating with students, TVET providers, and Disability Support Facilitators (DSFs) to identify and address obstacles to inclusion and learning. The role also includes managing small grants that support strategies to overcome these barriers.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Management &; Coordination:
- Develop and implement a detailed project work plan in collaboration with LATA’s Director and TASP teams.
- Monitor the progress of the project and report on outcomes regularly.
- Provide coordination and support to TVET providers and the COP/DSF network.
Student Support & Inclusion:
- Identify potential students with disabilities for enrolment in TVET institutions.
- Assist DSFs in developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students, addressing barriers to enrolment and participation.
- Work closely with students and TVET providers to ensure the implementation of IEPs and provide necessary supports for students to participate fully in training and assessments.
- Regularly check in with students to monitor their progress and ensure timely resolution of any challenges.
Grant Management:
- Support TVET providers in submitting small grant applications to remove barriers identified in the students’ IEPs.
- Oversee the disbursement and acquittal of funds to ensure transparent and effective use.
Professional Development & Capacity Building:
- Coordinate and facilitate professional development workshops for DSFs, helping them build the skills and knowledge needed to support students with disabilities.
- Work with TASP to develop training materials and resources for DSFs and contribute to the development of professional learning activities.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Serve as a liaison between students with disabilities, TVET providers, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Establish and maintain effective communication networks with both internal and external partners to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
- Engage in community outreach and awareness activities, including expos and local community networks.
Monitoring, Reporting & Evaluation:
- Regularly monitor and evaluate project progress to ensure objectives are met.
- Maintain accurate records and provide timely reports on project activities and outcomes.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and practices related to disability inclusion in vocational education.
Qualifications & Experience:
- A qualification in education, skills development, human resources management, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in human resources, skills development, or disability inclusion, with a particular focus on supporting students with disabilities in vocational education and training.
- Strong commitment to the human rights of people with disabilities and the principles of participation, inclusion, and accessibility in education.
- Experience in person-centred and individual support planning will be highly regarded.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and report-writing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience working independently and as part of a collaborative team to achieve project objectives.
- Proficiency in computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office) and project management tools.
- Flexibility and adaptability to work in both individual and group settings, including professional development training and community engagement activities.
Key Attributes:
- A genuine passion for promoting inclusive education and empowering people with disabilities.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with diverse individuals and organizations.
- Problem-solving mindset with a commitment to identifying and overcoming barriers for students with disabilities.
- Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic and evolving project environment.
- Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria to lavameataeiloa1984 [at] gmail [dot] com no later than 4:30pm 30th December, 2024
Download TOR Here: 
LATA Terms of Reference.pdf
For any inquiries, please contact Rhema Misa at 7755878/8825810
LATA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people with disabilities.
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