Internal Medicine Specialist

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 Internal Medicine Specialist will lead and provide technical assistance in Internal Medicine Clinical Services delivery.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Improve Patient Care

• Provide clinical services for medical referrals, in-patient and out-patient assessments, and management of patients requiring specialist medical care.
• Deliver medical services within PMH, Tuvalu Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), working across the health continuum to enhance primary care practices and provide advice to primary care clinicians.
• Participate in the Medicine on-call roster, including after hours and weekends, and contribute to the ongoing care of general medicine in-patients.
• Conduct routine ward consultations with other medical doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals as necessary, ensuring adherence to Tuvalu MOH guidelines.

Support and Facilitate Primary Care and Public Health Related Activities

• Facilitate and support non communicable diseases (NCDs) prevention and screening programmes at hospital, schools, and communities.
• Develop/Update NCD management algorithm and standards of practice (SOPs) in hospitals and clinics, including management of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, ischaemic heart diseases, obstructive airway disease, etc.
• Manage referrals from health clinics, outer islands screening programs.
• Facilitate and conduct outer island outreach medical visits (aligned to MOH requirements).

Clinical Governance

• Develop Clinical Practice Guidelines for Internal Medicine including medical emergencies.
• Conduct clinical audits with guidance from the local team on priority areas.
• Participate in and provide input to the hospital’s senior management meetings (e.g., Medical Board, Health Advisory Committee, Therapeutic Committee) to address departmental concerns and issues.
• Contribute to the planning and development of general medicine services to achieve effective, efficient, and integrated care across health services.
• Implement continuous quality improvement of medical outpatient, inpatient, and special clinic services.

Programme planning and management

• Facilitate annual workplan and budget in internal medicine services delivery.
• Ensure the delivery of high and consistent quality medical services within the Medical Department.
• Prepare and submit monthly internal medicine reports to Tuvalu MOH and SPC
• Supervise and mentor clinical staff, including interns, registrars, and nurses in internal medicine service delivery.
• Conduct refresher courses and provide relevant training for doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.
• Perform any other tasks as required by in country supervisor and SPC.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Master of Medicine (MMed) in Internal Medicine.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of work experience in internal medicine clinical services in the Pacific.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience post MMed.
• Significant experience in managing and/or leading internal medicine services delivery
• Demonstrated extensive work experience in clinical services planning and development.
• Demonstrated experience in the development of internal medicine services policies and programmes.
• Demonstrated ability to implement a sector-wide response to clinical services issues
• Demonstrated excellent understanding of project management principles
• Experience working in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs)
• Willingness to travel and conduct internal medicine services to outer islands

Language skills

• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 31 December 2025 and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – the Internal Medicine Specialist is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,941–4,852 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately AUD 7,882–9,704. 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 Tuvalu.

Benefits for international staff employees based in Tuvalu – SPC provides a housing allowance of AUD 1,400– 2,000. 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 10% 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.