State Government of Victoria, Australia Education Services Manager, Latin

Education Services Manager, Latin America

The Victorian Government, through its Department of State Development, Business and Innovation (DSDBI) and the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) are looking to recruit an Education Services Manager (ESM), specialising in the Education sector and Latin America.

This position will be based at the Australian Consulate – General in Bogota, Colombia and will be responsible for Victoria’s education sector engagement throughout Latin America.

The ESM will operate as part of the Victorian Government's ESM network and will also work collaboratively with the team of Austrade Education Managers located throughout the region.

The position will report to DSDBI via the International Education Unit in Melbourne on overall policy directions aligned with the Victorian Government’s International Education Strategy. On administrative matters, the position will report to the Austrade Post Manager in Bogota. Regional education portfolio matters will be oversighted by Austrade’s Education Commissioner for Latin America.

We are looking for a highly professional, experienced, strategic, self-motivated candidate with strong business planning skills, capable of leading Victoria’s international education interests in Latin America.

The candidate will have preferably studied in Australia, will have the capacity to network at the highest levels across government, industry and academia to identify opportunities for Victoria’s education and training institutions, and will be able to represent both the Australian Government and the Victorian Government in a range of situations.

The candidate must be a strong team player, an excellent communicator and possess outstanding written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish. A strong commitment to client service and reporting is also important, as well as time management, project management, research skills, presentation skills and knowledge of the full Microsoft suite. Familiarity with client contact/management systems, events and public relations activities would be well regarded.

A tertiary degree in international relations, business, marketing or a related discipline, combined with at least 5 years of relevant work experience is required, with a strong preference for experience in the education and training sector and working in Latin America.

DSDBI is Victoria’s lead economic development agency. Trade and support for the international education sector form part of its responsibilities. Further information about DSDBI can be found here: www.dsdbi.vic.gov.au

Austrade is the Australian Government’s trade, investment and education promotion agency. Austrade’s role is to advance Australia’s international trade, tourism, education and investment interests by providing information, advice and services. Further information about Austrade can be found here: www.austrade.gov.au 1

Job Description

The Victorian Government Education Services Manager responsible for the education sector in Latin America will work to:

 enhance the profile of Victoria’s education and training sector;  promote Victoria as a destination to international students;  expand Victoria’s export development capability;  assist Victorian international education providers to access international market opportunities;  provide market intelligence on trends, issues and opportunities in Latin America of relevance to Victorian education providers;  associate the Victorian education and training offer with other export industry sector initiatives;  facilitate international access to Victoria’s education and training system; and  facilitate the management of relationships between the Victorian education community and offshore stakeholders, both government and non-government.

Key responsibilities will include:

1. Develop a strategic three year business development and marketing strategy and plan for Victorian international education encompassing key markets and opportunities in Latin America to promote and position Melbourne and Victoria as a preferred destination for international students across all education sectors (higher education, vocational education and training, English language (ELICOS) and schools). 2. Develop an annual work plan of activities with an associated budget, aligned with approved strategy and budget allocation. 3. Identify and communicate opportunities for the Victorian international education sector, particularly business opportunities for the provision of education, training and related consultancy and other education-related services in the government, education and private sector in Latin America, as well as partnership, research and other opportunities including those linked to Victoria’s broader trade related strengths and capabilities. 4. Provide high-level support to Victorian education providers seeking to partner, collaborate, develop or enter new markets in Latin America. 5. Promote the capability of Victoria’s education sector within Latin America by establishing and maintaining high level contacts in leading organisations and government institutions in the region. 6. Initiate, arrange and co-ordinate visits to Victoria by Latin American education sector organisations, and provide support to Victorian Ministers and other senior government education representatives visiting Latin America. 7. Arrange an active media liaison program in coordination with Austrade’s regional marketing manager. 8. Develop and lead a program of engagement with prominent alumni of Victorian institutions in Latin America in coordination with the Australian Government’s Alumni Strategy led by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Victorian Government’s Victorian Connections program. 9. Analyse relevant data and provide market intelligence reports and briefs on the education sector in the region, emerging trends and competitor activity, assessing the opportunities by country and sub-sector. 10. Modelling and promoting Austrade corporate policies and values and working collaboratively with Austrade.

Key Selection Criteria

1. Considerable knowledge of major education issues in Latin America, of the economic and political environments, and the major issues which impact on education in the region. 2. A sound understanding of the Victorian education and training system, including the higher education, vocational education and training and schools sectors. 3. Demonstrated experience in and understanding of, business development and project management, including the ability to respond within tight timelines and to deal with uncertainty. 4. High level interpersonal, communication and networking skills with the ability to present, influence outcomes, gain commitment and negotiate at a senior level, including a demonstrated ability to prepare high level reports and business strategies. 5. Demonstrated experience in marketing and promotions with proven ability to develop and lead programs, including organising itineraries and trade mission, as well as organise events. 6. Proven ability to establish and maintain relations with key external and internal stakeholders to advance the interests of Victorian education providers. 7. Demonstrated proficiency in English and Spanish – Portuguese would also be desirable. Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional / technical skills, and 5 – 10 years relevant experience. 8. Strong demonstrable commitment to collaboration and team development including respect for individual and cultural differences. 9. Superior research and data analysis skills, and high level strategic, conceptual, analytical judgement and problem solving skills.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send their CV in English plus a cover letter in English, which addresses each of the selection criteria listed above. Both documents should be sent via email to [email protected] The email subject title MUST read: Victoria ESM, Bogota followed by your first and last name. Both electronic files submitted with your application should include your first and last name plus a description, e.g. John Smith_CV or John Smith_Cover Letter Late or incomplete applications WILL NOT be accepted. Only short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applications close Wednesday, 30 April 2014.