Non-Communicable Disease Officer – Data and Reporting

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organization in the Pacific region

 

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 organisation works across more than 25 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 member countries in attaining healthier Pacific Island people and communities by helping in public health surveillance, prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCD) and support for clinical services. The primary areas of focus of the division are to provide scientific and technical assistance and 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, prevent disease and injury, restore, and/or maintain health and reduce inequalities in health. PHD is primarily concerned with improving and protecting public (population) health, rather than individual treatment services as highlighted in the PHD Business Plan. The PHD is comprised of three programmes: Surveillance, Preparedness and Response Programme (SPRP), NCD Prevention and Control Programme (NCDPCP) and Clinical Services Programme (CSP).

 

The role – Non-Communicable Disease Officer – Data and Reporting will develop and manage the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) database and generate data visualisation, support countries developing NCD data collection tools and analysing data, compile NCD data and general reports, and build countries’ capacity to strengthen NCD data collection, analysis and reporting.

 

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Lead in developing and managing NCD related database and generate data visualization

• Lead in developing and managing non-communicable disease related database with a particular focus on non-communicable disease risk factors, complications, non-communicable disease policies, planning and implementation progress status.
• Develop ideas and work closely with the NCD Advisers in the Public Health Division to generate data visualization on regional non-communicable disease data.

Support countries in developing NCD data collection tool, analysing data and generating up-to-date evidence-based information

• Support Pacific Island Country Territories in developing data collection tools and methods to collect high quality national non-communicable disease data.
• Support Pacific Island Country Territories in collecting, analysing and generating up to date non-communicable disease data and information in collaboration with in-country stakeholders and partners.

Compile NCD data and information, and generate reports needed for SPC’s NCD Program and Pacific Island Country Territories monitoring and reporting requirements

• Compile and analyse non-communicable disease related data and information required for reporting in collaboration with stakeholders and partners.
• Generate visual data needed for monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Disseminate evidence-based data and good practices information at the regional and national level.

Facilitate in building countries’ capacity to strengthen NCD data collection, analysis, and reporting

• Facilitate training, mentoring and professional support to Pacific Island Country Territories to strengthen non-communicable disease data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Liaise with relevant agencies to identify professional development opportunities for Pacific Island Country Territories.

Contribute as an active member of the NCD team for programme planning, information sharing and publications

• Contribute to annual work plan development and budgeting and monitor to meet work plan target indicators.
• Contribute to updating non-communicable disease data in websites, sharing information, networking and publications.

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

 

 

Key selection criteria

 

Qualifications

• A university degree (bachelor’s) in a relevant field such as information management, statistics, public health, data analyst etc.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in developing databases and information.
• Demonstrated work experience in the area of data management and reporting on non-communicable disease and related issues.
• Solid PC-based computer skills including ability to use MS Excel to advanced level, MS Access and Power BI.
• Experience in managing databases for the entering, processing, cleaning, extraction of data and data analysis.
• Experience in building capacity for data processing and management.
• Willingness to travel frequently (up to 30% of the time) in the Pacific region and international.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

 

 

Salary, terms and conditions

 

Contract Duration – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

 

Remuneration – The Non-Communicable Disease Officer – Data and Reporting is a band 9 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,284‒2,856 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,808–8,509 (USD 3,038–3,798; EUR 2,832–3,540). 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 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 bilingualism, 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.

 

 

Application procedure

 

Closing Date: 11 August 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000705

 

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

 

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

 

For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.

 

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

 

Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):

1. Can you describe your experience with developing and managing health-related databases, particularly in the context of non-communicable diseases (NCD)?
2. What is your experience in compiling and analysing data, and generating reports for health programs or initiatives? Can you provide specific examples?
3. Have you been involved in training or capacity-building activities related to data collection, analysis, and reporting? Can you provide specific examples?

Position Description