The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) has advertised for applications for the position of Team Leader, Surveillance and Operational Research Team in its Public Health Division located at its headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia.
SPC works with its 22 Pacific Island member countries and territories, providing technical and scientific assistance across a wide range of sectors to enhance economic, environmental, social and human development in this region.
The Public Health Division (PHD) has staff based in Noumea (New Caledonia), Suva (Fiji), Honiara (Solomon Islands) and Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia). It supports members in improving the health of Pacific Island people and communities by providing assistance in public health surveillance and prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Under its new strategic plan 2013-2022, the division is organised into two programmes: (i) the Research, Evidence and Information (REI) Programme, and (ii) the Policy, Planning and Regulation (PPR) Programme. REI focuses on developing the evidence base and information for policy and actions directed at strengthening core public health functions in member countries and territories. The aim is to enable and support members to respond effectively to all public health threats rather than single disease or risk factors. PPR focuses on supporting the development of appropriate policy options in members in order to improve the health of Pacific people and contribute to national development plans.
PHD’s overall goals are: (i) to improve population health and well-being, prevent disease and injury; (ii) to reduce gender disparities in health; and (iii) to reduce the incidence of prevalent/priority diseases. Priority areas are (i) NCD prevention and control, including the major risk factors; (ii) communicable disease surveillance and response; and (iii) STI prevention and control, including HIV/AIDS.
The Team Leader - SOR Team is accountable to the Deputy Director - Research, Evidence and Information. The role exists to plan and manage the work of the Surveillance and Operational Research Team and oversees the research activities for the Evidence and Information Programme.
SPC seeks an experienced Public Health specialist with a track record in surveillance, communicable and non-communicable diseases and epidemiology at regional level. He/she should be experienced in teaching and supervising health professionals in epidemiology, and have a solid publication record in peer-reviewed journals. The selected candidate will have strong leadership and management skills, along with advocacy, networking and negotiation skills. She/he will have effective oral and written communication skills and be able to represent PHD and SPC at external meetings and conferences.
Applications due: 9th April 2015.
