Epidemiologist – Project Coordinator

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Epidemiologist – Project Coordinator within its Public Health Division. This position will be located at its headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia.

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 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, 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 goal 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 (SPR), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Prevention and Control; and Clinical Services (CS).

The role – 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, including but not limited to, mass gatherings in the Pacific; (3) collaborative conduct of operational/implementation research studies with PICTs; (4) strengthening preparedness and response to public health threats or events through application of epidemiological skills. The position will be supported with funds provided by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Team management, administration and communication

• Lead in coordination of assigned project(s)

• Contributing to an environment that fosters effective and harmonious working relationships with PICTs and partner agencies in the implementation of the SHIP-DDM programme

• Monitoring and evaluation of capacity development activities’ implementation

• Providing technical inputs in the development of concept papers, protocols, and proposals

• Contributing to programme, divisional and corporate publications and reports

• Contribute to management, monitoring and reporting on utilization of funds

Strengthen capacity for coordinated regional surveillance

• Guiding the assessments of public health information systems in PICTs

• Developing capacity development plans for the implementation of SHIP-DDM in coordination with, or in consideration of, PHD and SPC’s programme activities, and the Pacific Island countries and territories’ priorities

• Supporting planning and scaling up training in field epidemiology including surveillance, outbreak investigations, and data use

• Supporting planning and building capacity in the conduct of operational research (OR) studies among PICT health professionals

• Strengthening surveillance and response capacity at regional and national levels through system improvements

Enhance evidence based service delivery through research

• Consulting with crosscutting technical bodies within PHD and SPC to support the identified public health priorities in the SHIP-DDM course and develop joint approaches for action

• Supervising the conduct of research activities as part of the output of PGDAE programme

• Documenting the results of research studies, and findings presented in appropriate medium and forums.

Strengthen health information systems

• Developing in-country capacity to apply core epidemiologic skills in strengthening surveillance systems including the early warning systems (syndromic surveillance) and activities that support timely reporting of PPHSN target diseases, syndromes, and public health events

• Promotion and increased harmonisation of surveillance activities across PHD and SPC, and at regional and national levels in PICTs

• Develop in-country capacity to systematically analyse health data to address specific health problems and use data for decision making and policy development

Strengthen preparedness and response to public health threats or events

• Supporting the development and strengthening of in-country capacities in surveillance and response

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

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

Technical expertise

• Ten years prior 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

• Cross-cultural skills and ability to work with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds

• Highly developed oral and interpersonal communication skills

• Willingness to travel frequently (up to 30% of the time) in the Pacific region and international

Language skills

• Fluent in written and oral English

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Strong people skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.

Remuneration – the Epidemiologist – Project Coordinator is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,113–5,045 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 602,042–738,463 (USD 5,717–7,012; EUR 5,045–6,188). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. 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-discriminatory. 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.