Country: New Caledonia (France)
Closing date: 29 Mar 2016
The Pacific Community is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, proudly 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 unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are renowned 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) has staff based in Noumea (New Caledonia), Suva (Fiji), Honiara (Solomon Islands) and Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia). It supports members in improving the health of Pacific Island people and communities by providing assistance in public health surveillance and prevention of communicable diseases (CDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The division is organised into two programmes: the Research, Evidence and Information (REI) Programme; and the Policy, Planning and Regulation (PPR) Programme. REI focuses on developing the evidence base and information for policy, and actions directed at strengthening core public health functions in member countries and territories. The aim of PHD’s overall goals are: (i) to improve population health and well-being, and prevent disease and injury; (ii) to reduce gender disparities in health; and (iii) to reduce the incidence of prevalent/priority diseases. Priority areas are: (i) non-communicable disease prevention and control, including the major risk factors; (ii) communicable disease surveillance and response; and (iii) Sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and control, including HIV/AIDS.
The role – The Epidemiologist is a member of the Surveillance and Operational Research (SOR) team of the REI Programme, and reports to the SOR Team Leader. The role is responsible for strengthening and contributing to disease surveillance and response in Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) through: 1) the Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network (PPHSN) functions and capacity building programme; 2) the enhanced surveillance activities during mass gatherings in the Pacific; 3) contributing to the PHD operational research plan; and 4) supporting the SOR Team, the REI Programme and the PHD strategy (2013–2022).
The position will focus mainly on the following major functions:
- Contribute to team management, administration and communication
- Strengthen capacity for integrated regional surveillance
- Enhance evidence-based service delivery through operational research
- Improve health information systems
- Strengthen preparedness and response to public health threats
The profile– SPC seeks a team player with a track record in public health surveillance and response to public health emergencies, preferably in a developing country setting. The Epidemiologist will have experience in capacity building and training in field epidemiology, and will demonstrate a high level of cultural sensitivity. The selected candidate will be fluent in French and English, and will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to engage with multiple stakeholders. The candidate will also be willing to travel frequently in the Pacific region and internationally (up to 30% of the time).
Key selection criteria
1. Qualifications
- Masters-level qualification in public health, epidemiology, or a related discipline.
2. Technical expertise
- At least 10 years’ experience in public health surveillance, including communicable disease surveillance.
- Demonstrated experience in:
─ responding to outbreaks and public health emergencies
─ developing, maintaining and evaluating surveillance systems
─ the provision of capacity building or on-the-job training in field epidemiology
─ operational research and writing scientific reports and papers
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles of development effectiveness and international health concepts, as well as bilateral and multilateral policies and mechanisms of donors and other health agencies would be desirable.
- Experience in the Pacific region will be highly regarded.
3. Language skills
- *Fluency in both French and English is essential*** to perform effectively in the role.
4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- A team player with the ability to network and work effectively in a multicultural setting.
- Cultural sensitivity, and a demonstrated understanding of developing country environments, with knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories an advantage.
Salary, terms and conditions
Required start date – This position is to be filled as soon as possible.
Remuneration– The Epidemiologist is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2011 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 3,951–4,842 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 596,104–730,607 (EUR 4,995–6,122; USD 5,491– 6,730). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.
Benefits– SPC provides subsidised housing for staff based in Noumea. An establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical insurance and education allowance are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependants. Employees are entitled to: 25 days’ annual leave and 30 days’ sick leave per annum, life insurance, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary to which SPC adds a matching contribution).
How to apply:
Applicants must apply online at:http://careers.spc.int/
Hard copies of applications will not be accepted and, accordingly, will not be considered.
For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:
- an updated resume
- contact details for three professional referees
- a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
- responses to all screening questions
Please ensure that your documents are in either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.