Back Non-Communicable Disease Adviser – Systems and Services

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Non-Communicable Disease Adviser – Systems and Services 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 Non-Communicable Disease Adviser – Systems and Services will take a lead role in strengthening health systems and services to address prevention and control of NCD at regional and national level, and support implementation of multi-sectoral national NCD strategies particularly cross-cutting priorities.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Lead in strengthening workforce capacity to enhance NCD prevention and control efforts at regional and national level.
• Lead to enhance NCD prevention and control services, particularly primary health care, including cross-cutting priorities.
• Contribute to improve NCD governance, planning and financing.
• Support multi-sectoral collaboration, information sharing and networking.
• Contribute as an active member of the NCD team with regard to programme planning, reporting and publication.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A Medical qualification (MD, MBBS or equivalent) or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, health system, health promotion or health education

Knowledge and experience

• At least 7 years of relevant work experience in public health, health system or health promotion addressing NCD as a priority
• Significant experience in health system development and health care services especially in NCD prevention and control
• Significant experience in the provision of capacity building or on the job training for NCD prevention, control and care.

Essential skills

• Ability to advise, supervise and implement a sector-wide response to public health issues particularly in the areas of NCD prevention and control
• 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 31 December 2023

Remuneration – The Non-Communicable Disease Adviser – Systems and Services 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 repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, 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.

Recruitment principles - SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-disciminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilinguism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander.

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.