Team Leader - Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Programme

• 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, education, 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 laboratory and 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 diseases, 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 five programmes: Surveillance, Preparedness and Response Programme (SPRP), NCD Prevention and Control Programme (NCDP), Clinical Services Programme (CSP), Laboratory Strengthening Programme (LSP) and Health System Strengthening Programme (HSSP).

The role – Team Leader – Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Programme will provide leadership, management, and technical oversight for the NCD team and program activities. Lead efforts to strengthen national and regional partnerships for NCD initiatives, facilitate a multi-sectoral approach to NCD prevention and control, build capacity to improve NCD implementation at the national level, and expand and enhance the NCD team’s services at both regional and national levels.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Leadership, management, and technical oversight of the NCD team and programme activities

• Lead strategic planning to ensure that the work of the NCD team aligns with the needs of PICTs, PHD, and SPC.
• In consultation with other PHD staff, lead the development of NCD work plans, budgets, and reports.
• Manage the activities of the NCD team in accordance with annual work plans and within the available budget.
• Contribute to divisional, program, and corporate publications/reports related to NCD.

Lead efforts to strengthen national and regional partnerships for NCD initiatives

• Manage the team’s provision of technical assistance and NCD services to countries in alignment with the Pacific NCD Roadmap, Bridgetown Declarations on NCD, National NCD Plans, the Healthy Island Vision and Blue Pacific 2050 vision.
• Lead the team’s contributions to regional initiatives related to NCD, as well as high-level regional meetings, including Pacific Heads of Health, the Pacific Health Ministers Meeting, the Forum Leaders Meeting, and others.
• Contribute to the promotion and increased harmonization of NCD activities with other implementing agencies, especially WHO, FNU, PIHOA, and other UN agencies.
• Maintain a high level of awareness of PICTs’ priority needs in NCD prevention and control.

Facilitate a multi-sectoral approach to NCD prevention and control

• Liaise with partner agencies to implement multi-sectoral NCD strategies.
• Collaborate with the PHD programme teams and SPC divisions to contribute to the development of SPC’s strategic documents (e.g., SPC Business Plan).
• Work with other sectors and divisions to contribute to the development and implementation of SPC strategies and flagship program e.g., food system.

Build capacity to improve NCD implementation at the national level

• Supervise the NCD team to plan, facilitate, and scale up NCD-related training, as well as support South-South collaborations.
• Oversee the NCD team in fostering and developing strong partnerships with appropriate institutions for the development and delivery of NCD training and placements.

Expand and enhance the NCD team’s services at both regional and national levels

• Supervise the team in maintaining and strengthening regional communication on NCDs.
• Lead resource mobilization efforts to enhance NCD services in PICTs.
• Build new partnerships to expand NCD services at the national and regional levels as needed.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A medical degree (MBBS/MD) and master of public health or related fields including health promotion or population health.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in NCD prevention and control, health promotion, and community health development.
• Thorough knowledge and expertise in evidence-based public health approaches for the prevention and control of NCD.
• In-depth knowledge of current health promotion concepts, principles, and practices, and their application to the management of major NCD risk factors.
• Good understanding of health systems and practices in PICTs.
• Demonstrated experience in health promotion or community development in the Pacific, including obesity prevention, promotion of physical activity and good nutrition, and the management of tobacco and alcohol control.
• Proven experience in managing public health projects and programs at the regional, national government, country, and community levels.
• Demonstrated experience in working with development partners and other international organizations on health-related issues.
• Proven ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Willingness to travel frequently (up to 30% of the time) within the Pacific region and internationally.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.

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 Team Leader – Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Programme 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 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: 19 January 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000822

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. Describe your experience in leading the development and implementation of national or regional NCD prevention and control strategies, including challenges faced and solutions applied.
2. Outline your experience in leading teams and managing projects that improved health services and expanded resources.
3. Describe your experience in building partnerships with governments, organizations, and stakeholders, including an example of successful collaboration in NCD prevention and control.