Laboratory Science Adviser

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 Laboratory Science Adviser will lead and strengthen laboratory systems for quality management, strategic planning and embed new testing capabilities as required to meet the host government’s intended laboratory service level standards.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Strengthen Capacity Building and Training

• Develop and document structured and informal training, with competency assessments, particularly for new capacities in the laboratory e.g. microbiology, open RT-PCR and on laboratory infection prevention and control.
• Assist the laboratory team to commence establish systems and start testing with new capabilities e.g. microbiology laboratory, open RT-PCR.
• Draw on regional and other partnerships to harness external training and development opportunities and co-ordination e.g. the Pacific Community (SPC), Pacific Pathology Training Centre (PPTC).
• Contribute to professional development through seminars and/or science education in Tuvalu e.g. talks about science careers or tours of the laboratory for Secondary students or the University of the South Pacific, if opportunities arise.
• Development of handover and transition plans for each area of responsibility in preparation for the end of the deployment. Identify any activities needed as part of handover.

Improve Laboratory Quality and Standards

• Develop and update relevant laboratory policies and protocols, strengthen laboratory quality management systems, and laboratory information management, in particular, through assistance of WHO and SPC
• Facilitate training and technical support to maximise the use of laboratory and scientific testing available within Tuvalu.
• Identify opportunities and linkages to strengthen Laboratory Information Management Systems.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance related to support best practices in laboratory supply chain management.
• Collect, create and disseminate information on innovations, best practices, and positive outcomes.

Strengthened staffing and budgeting in work unit

• In conjunction with the Laboratory Manager, co-ordinate with the biomedical team to establish or embed equipment procurement & donation policies and efficient disposal of assets that are unsuitable, broken or no longer required.

Data and Evidence

• Assist with the analysis of data in the work unit that can inform areas for further development e.g. test turnaround time, sample quality, external quality assurance results.
• Extract data from the staff training and competencies database to show progress and enable the planning of future training.

Programme Planning and Management

• Facilitate annual workplan and budget in laboratory services delivery.
• Prepare and submit monthly laboratory reports to Tuvalu MOH and SPC.
• 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

• Degree in Laboratory Science or health related discipline

Technical expertise

• At least 8 years of work experience in laboratory services in the Pacific
• Significant experience in managing and/or leading laboratory services and knowledge of health systems strengthening.
• Significant experience in procurement
• Demonstrated extensive work experience in laboratory services planning and development, policies and programming.
• Demonstrated ability to implement a sector-wide response to laboratory services issues
• Willingness to travel and conduct laboratory services to outer islands

Language skills

• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Understanding of Pacific cultures is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 6 months and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – the Laboratory Science Adviser is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,331–4,091 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately AUD 6,662–8,182. 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. Relocation airfares, excess luggage, health and life and disability insurances are available for employees. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum, and other types of leave, prorated on contract length, 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 be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.