How to apply
The five steps
Applying to the AYAD Program is easy just follow the five steps below:
- Check out the assignments on our Assignments page
- Choose up to 3 assignments
- Download the AYAD Application Form
- Complete a full application for each assignment (*You only need to do the psychological assessment once per intake)
- Post in your application(s) to the AYAD Program:
AYAD Program
Level 1/41 Dequetteville Terrace
Kent Town, SA, Australia 5067
Your application
Your application has eight different parts and some of these can take some time to organise so give yourself plenty of time to pull it all together. Here's a breakdown of each part:
* Please note that if you are applying for multiple assignments you may choose to use the same referee reports for all three applications and the same responses to Part B of the Statement against Selection Criteria for each application (but Part A must be specific to each assignment).
* Each assignment application must include the full application plus 3 copies of each item (except Attachments 4, 5, 6 & 7) for the 3 Selection Panel members. All applications are screened for compliance and any incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the Selection Panel.
The cover sheet includes all your contact details as well as details about the assignment you are applying for, your qualifications and work experience and a declaration of your preparation to undertake the AYAD Program.
This section also asks for you to nominate a professional mentor. Your professional mentor should be someone who is working in the field of your assignment that can offer you professional advice during the course of your assignment. They may be someone you already know and work with or you can choose to approach a new professional mentor for your AYAD assignment.
Attachment 1: CV (3 pages max.)
Your CV should include a history of your work experience (including tasks) and your education. Please use the CV template provided and keep it to 3 pages (resist the urge to use a small font and no margins!)
Attachment 2: Statement Against Selection Criteria
The Statement Against Selection Criteria is the pivotal part of your application. This is the section where you explain (using examples from your own experience) why you would be the best possible candidate for the assignment you are applying for. The Statement is broken down into two sections (A&B) with a number of questions under each section. Both A&B are equally weighted (equally important).
Part A deals with your skills, experience and approach. This is where you can project yourself into the assignment and show evidence of how your skills and experience could meet the development needs of the assignment (how you would and could do the job you're applying for). It is also where the Selection Panel is looking for evidence of research into the living and working conditions relevant to the assignment location (that you are making an informed decision and have realistic expectations).
Part B deals with your cultural awareness and sensitivity, confidence, self assurance, adaptability and flexibility,communication skills and your motivation for living and working in a developing country.
You will need to provide one signed referee report with each application as well as contact details for two other referees. Your referees need to be able to comment on your skills and experience and your ability to do the assignment for which you are applying. Professional referees (supervisors through work or study including volunteer work) are preferred.
The Selection Panel will contact your referees so make certain that they fill out the Referee Cover Sheet (in the Application Form) with up to date details. At least two of your referees must be in Australia and all referees must be contactable during the times outlined in the Application Form.
Attachment 4: Photocopy of your passport ID page
Your will need to supply us with a photocopy of your current Australian passport ID page. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months beyond the end date of the assignment for which you are applying. If you do not have a passport we will accept a receipt of your Australia Post passport application and a copy of your photo id in place of the photocopy of your passport id page.
Attachment 5: 1 signed colour passport photo
You will need to attached 1 signed colour passport photo (if you are applying for multiple assignments you only need to attach it once and photocopies of it to your other applications).
Attachment 6: Filled in Criminal History Form
A Criminal History Check by the Australian Federal Police is a part of the AYAD Selection Process. You need to fill out the
Criminal History Form and send it in with your application. If you are successful in your application the AYAD Program will then send all the Criminal History Forms (and payment) through to the Australian Federal Police. You do not need to enclose any payment.
Attachment 7: Copies of qualifications
You must provide copies of any qualifications you have that are relevant to the assignment for which you are applying. Copies of official certificates or academic transcripts are acceptable. If you haven't finished your qualification include a copy of your transcript so far.
Additional requirement: Online psychological assessment
As part of your application to become an AYAD you will be required to undergo an online psychological assessment. The online assessment is in two parts. The first is a personality questionnaire which looks at your individual predispositions and characteristics in comparison with others. The second is a brief mental health screen which is used to establish any follow up support requirements prior to departure or once in-country.
The information from your assessment will be used to assist the AYAD Selection Panel. Both questionnaires combined will take no longer than 45 minutes. Assistance can be provided at any stage by contacting the AYAD Program's counselling provider, Response Psychological Services.