AAS Profile 1 - Public Sector Policy Makers and Practitioners in the Designated Priority Sectors

Profile Specific Eligibility Criteria:

This category targets applicants who are employed in public institutions at the federal or provincial levels and who are working within one of the priority sectors of (i) maternal, neonatal and child health services, (ii) basic education services and (iii) rural development and food security. People working in Balochistan, FATA and KP are encouraged to apply.

This will include applicants who are mid-level Government employees who can demonstrate the potential to influence policy, or who are practitioners working, facilitating or delivering services in one of the priority sectors.

At the completion of their studies, scholars identified with a potential ability to influence policy making will preferably return to key positions where they will be able to influence reforms in the priority sector they have specialised in. Similarly, scholars identified as practitioners will preferably return to work in the priority provinces – Balochistan, FATA and KP.

Fifty per cent of the total number of awards will be allocated to female applicants. Applicants with disability or who are working with people with disability in the priority sectors are encouraged to apply.

Candidates must:

• be an employee of a Federal or Provincial Ministry working in a designated priority sector
• be able to provide a No Objection Certificate to take up the scholarship in January 2014, from their employer
• be applying for a course that is relevant to one of the priority sectors outlined in this profile
• meet the general minimum eligibility criteria and submit a personal statement
• have a minimum of two years relevant work experience in the public sector, preferably in Balochistan, KP and FATA
• have achieved or be able to demonstrate the capacity to reach IELTS band 6.5
• submit a personal statement that clearly articulates how the proposed field of study could add value to policy, practice and resource allocation for service delivery in the priority sectors
• not be above 45 years of age at the time of submitting the application form

Support Service: 

•  The cost of the IELTS test will be met by AusAID for the shortlisted candidates who take the test after 27 January 2013 and are successful in the preliminary screening.
• Applicants with disability, who otherwise meet the eligibility criteria, will be supported throughout the selection processes and while studying in Australia.