Non-Communicable Disease Officer – Prevention and Health Promotion

• 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 – Prevention and Health Promotion will provide technical support in developing and implementing non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention and health promotion strategies, lead in producing innovative health promotion resources, support communication and dissemination of NCD information and good practices, and build capacity to strengthen health promotion interventions.  

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Provide technical support in developing and implementing NCD prevention and health promotion strategies

• Provide technical support in developing NCD prevention and health promotion strategies that address the social determinants of health.
• Develop ideas and work closely with relevant government ministries for the implementation of health promotion strategies at different settings including schools, government departments and communities.

Lead in developing and implementing innovative health promotion materials and digital resources for behaviour change interventions

• Develop innovative health promotion materials and digital resources for different target population groups.
• Lead in supporting countries in implementing innovative health promoting and digital resources that promote behavior change for healthy living.

Support to improve communication on national and regional NCD initiatives and dissemination of evidence-based information and good practices in collaboration with key stakeholders

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve communication and sharing information on national and regional NCD initiatives and good practices.
• Disseminate evidence-based information and good practices on NCD prevention and control at the regional and national level.

Contribute to build countries’ capacity to strengthen the implementation of health promotion interventions

• Facilitate training, mentoring and professional support to Pacific Island Country Territories on health promotion initiatives.
• 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, reporting, information sharing and publication

• Contribute to annual work plan development and budgeting and monitor to meet work plan target indicators.
• Assist the NCD Team Leader and NCD Advisers as required.

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 health, public health, social science, health promotion etc.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in health promotion and NCD prevention.
• Demonstrated experience in producing high quality NCD related innovative health promotion and digital resources.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing health promotion interventions.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of health promotion concept and behaviour change modifications.
• Cross-cultural skills and ability to work with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds.
• 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 – Prevention and Health Promotion 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: JM000706

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 in implementing non-communicable diseases (NCD) prevention and health promotion initiatives?
2. Have you led projects involving the creation of health promotion resources and digital materials? Can you provide specific examples?
3. Can you describe a successful collaboration with stakeholders to disseminate evidence-based NCD-related information? Can you provide specific examples?

Position Description