PIA is calling for Australian planners with more than five years of professional experience to undertake short-term placements in Colombo, to volunteer their time and skills to support the growth of the Sri Lankan planning profession.

PIA is currently assisting the National Physical Planning Department (NPPD) to undertake regional planning, via the Regional Planning in Sri Lanka project. This two-year project is delivered through a partnership with Victorian Government Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), Planning Institute Australia (PIA) and Institute of Town Planners Sri Lanka (ITPSL), and is funded by AusAID through the Asia Public Sector Linkages Program.

PIA volunteers work alongside Sri Lankan planners with different levels of skills and experience and have many opportunities to share skills and ideas. Your ability to work in a different environment is as important as your planning expertise - we are looking for people able to work autonomously and patiently in an environment without access to their usual work resources.

Beyond this project, PIA is exploring how we can continue our efforts to build capacity in the profession across both of our nations. Over the next few years, new areas of activity may include economic development and infrastructure at a local level, climate change adaptation and management of related risks, urban design, and planning for people with disabilities.

PIA volunteer placements are currently located in Colombo, with occasional travel to the north of Sri Lanka. Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka and offers a comfortable lifestyle to Australian planners undertaking short-term placements – yes, even on a volunteer allowance!

Express interest now!

If you would like to express interest in volunteering your time and skills in Sri Lanka, please answer the following questions. This online survey will only take a few moments of your time – thanks!

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* 1. Please tell us about yourself.

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* 2. Are you currently a member of Planning Institute of Australia?

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* 3. Please tell us about your qualifications.

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* 4. Please tell us about your experience.

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* 5. In 150 words or less, please describe how your professional experience may be relevant to this project.

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* 6. In 150 words or less, please describe how your personal attributes may be relevant to this project.

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* 7. Please tell us what has motivated you to express interest.

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* 8. Please describe any specific consideration relevant to you, e.g. travelling with a partner or family, special needs, or specific resource requirement.

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* 9. Please tell us about additional resources you may be able to bring to the program, e.g. financial or technical resources, training packages, Australian-based networks of expertise.

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* 10. Please provide an indication of your availability to travel in 2012 and beyond.

Additionally, feel free to e-mail your CV to Sofie Anselmi at sofie.anselmi@planning.org.au. Thanks again for expressing interest in the Sri Lanka project.

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