• 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 – Programme Manager - Public Health Division will oversee planning, resource mobilisation, communications, monitoring, and evaluation activities of the Public Health Division. This involves providing high level leadership and management oversight, supporting planning, monitoring and evaluation ensuring effective delivery of programme enabling services. This role will report to the Director PHD and work closely with the PHD Team Leaders to achieve the intentions and aspirations as per the SPC Strategic Plan 2022 – 2031, the PHD Business Plan and member country and regional priorities articulated through various strategies, frameworks, and plans.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Leadership and Management

• Lead the Programme Management Team which includes monitoring, evaluation, communications and project management.
• Collaborate with the PHD Director and Team Leaders to provide leadership for the effective delivery of PHD programmes and projects.
• Design, implement and effectively deliver annual work plans and work plan reports for the Programme Management Team.

Planning and Integration  

• Collaborate with the Director and Team Leaders to prepare the PHD annual and multi-year plans.
• Lead in monitoring and evaluating division reviews, business plans, programmes and projects in collaboration with the PHD Director and Team Leaders.
• Provide effective support to the planning and convening of the Pacific Regional Heads of Health and Ministers meetings.

Programme Management

• Supervise the Programme Management Team of the PHD.
• Ensure that the Division’s monitoring, evaluation, communications, and financial data are aligned for regular reporting to SPC and donors.
• Work closely with Team Leaders to ensure all program/project requirements within the division are completed in accordance with contractual agreements.

Resource Mobilisation

• Collaborate with Director and Team Leaders to consolidate a PHD strategy for resource mobilisation including monitoring, analysing, and documenting progress towards targets.
• Monitor international, regional and country level development partner policies, trends, and resource opportunities for health.
• Collaborate with SPC colleagues and other stakeholders to assist with a coordinated, consistent approach to development partner interactions in the health sector.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A master’s degree from a recognised institution in health or related discipline.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of demonstrated management of health programmes and projects in Pacific Island countries and territories.
• Demonstrated experience in relationship building and working with a wide variety of development partners.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, including people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to manage professional, technical, and program support staff in a team environment.
• Proven ability to work collegially with stakeholders and internal partners towards an agreed outcome.
• High-level verbal and written communication skills and the capacity to represent SPC at regional and international forums.   

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 Programme Manager - Public Health Division is a band 12 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,565‒4,456 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 10,623–13,279 (USD 4,741–5,927; EUR 4,419–5,524). 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 matching 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: 7 July 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000678

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. Please describe one role you have held that is relevant to this position and explain how that experience has prepared you for this opportunity.
2. Please provide examples of donor-funded programmes you have managed. Highlight what challenges you faced in programme and financial management, and what you did to overcome these challenges.
3. Outline some approaches that you have employed to develop harmonious teams with individuals from various cultural and technical backgrounds