Back Epidemiologist – Project Coordinator

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Epidemiologist – Project Coordinator located at its regional office in Suva, Fiji.

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Public Health Division (PHD) supports members in developing healthier Pacific Island communities by providing assistance in public health surveillance, and in the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases. The primary focus of the division is to provide scientific and technical assistance and to support the implementation of plans and programmes in member countries and territories. The primary goals for all PHD activities is to promote population health and well-being, help communities prevent disease and restore and/or maintain health, and reduce inequalities in health. PHD is primarily concerned with improving and protecting public (population) health, rather than providing individual treatment services. PHD is comprised of three programmes: Surveillance Preparedness and Response; Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Prevention and Control; and Clinical Services.

The Epidemiologist – Project Coordinator will strengthen and contribute to public health surveillance, research and response in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) and the Pacific region through (1) capacity enhancement and competency building on data utilization and epidemiology; (2) enhanced surveillance system and activities; (3) collaborative conduct of operational and implementation research studies with PICTs; and (4) strengthening preparedness and response to public health threats or events through application of epidemiological skills.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Team management, administration and communications
• Strengthen capacity for coordinated regional surveillance
• Enhance evidence-based service delivery through research
• Strengthen health information systems
• Strengthen preparedness and response to public health threats or events

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Masters-level qualification in public health, epidemiology, or related discipline

Knowledge and experience

• At least 10 years of experience in public health surveillance, including communicable and non-communicable disease surveillance
• Experience in grant management and coordination
• Experience in operational research and writing scientific reports and papers

Essential skills

• Cross-cultural skills and ability to work with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds
• Willingness to travel frequently (up to 30% of the time) in the Pacific region and internationally

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 30 June 2022

Remuneration – The Epidemiologist – Project Coordinator is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2020 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,015‒3,769 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 8,986–11,233 (USD 4,161–5,202; EUR 3,709–4,636). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international employees based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 per month. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and 30 days of sick leave per annum, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Equal opportunity – SPC is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit; in cases where two short-listed candidates are judged to be of equal rank by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.

Child protection – SPC is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. SPC’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Police clearance – Successful candidates will be required to provide a police clearance certificate.