SPC (Fiji-based): Principal Adviser - Health Policy and Research: 2025/190
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Pacific Vacancies Announcement No. 2025/190 ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ? ? Principal Adviser - Health Policy and Research ? ·?????? Suva-based position (Fiji) ·?????? Attractive expatriate package ·?????? Join the principal development organisation in the region ? The Pacific Community?(SPC) invites applications for the position of?Principal Adviser - Health Policy and Research?within its Public Health Division. This position will be located at its regional office in Suva, Fiji. ? 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) and Clinical Services Programme (CSP), Laboratory Strengthening Programme (LSP) and Health Integration and Innovation Programme (HIIP). ? The role –?Principal Adviser – Health Policy and Research?take a leadership role in advancing public health policy development and implementation, leading health operational research and driving the production and dissemination of high-impact research to inform evidence-based decision-making across the PHD, and at the national and regional level. Specifically, this role involves developing regional frameworks, coordinating national and regional policy formulation, conducting in-depth policy and regulatory gap analyses, and leading key operational research initiatives across PHD division and at the regional level in collaboration with health and non-health sectors, and policy makers in the region. ? The key responsibilities of the role include: ? Lead health policy development and implementation · Take the lead in driving public health policy formulation across PHD and in the Pacific region in key areas including NCDs, diseases surveillance, health information systems, health and climate resilient programs, clinical services, and laboratory systems, ensuring alignment with regional health priorities and global standards. · Lead in supporting PICTs in adopting and implementation regional frameworks, guidelines, and strategies for public health policy. · Provide leadership in working with government counterparts in PICTs to strengthen public health policy through stakeholders’ consultations and facilitation, including working with civil society, SPC divisions, development partners and communities. · Oversee policy reviews and gap analyses to identify priority areas for policy enhancement, ensuring consistency with national and regional goals. · Build strategic partnerships and collaborate across sectors, such as health, education, trade, agriculture, and environment at the national and regional level through the Pacific Heads of Health, Health Ministers and Forum Leaders meetings. ? Lead operational research on public health for evidence-based policy · Lead the coordination and implementation of operational research initiatives across SPC’s public health programmes, ensuring they address priority health issues. ????????Take the lead in translating research findings into evidence-based policies, ensuring results are incorporated into public health programme strategies and technical documents. · Develop and lead the implementation of a regional operational research agenda, prioritizing areas including NCDs, infectious disease, climate change impact on health, and health system strengthening. · Foster high-level partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and development partners to support collaborative research and capacity building. · Lead the development of manuscripts and submission of research findings to peer-reviewed journals in collaboration across SPC programmes, PICTs and partner institutions. ? ? Capacity building, resource mobilisation and technical assistant · Lead resource mobilisation efforts by identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals to support operational research and operational research initiatives. · Advocate for increased investment in public health research and policy through high-level policy dialogues and ministerial meetings. · Develop resource materials, toolkits, and training modules for policy development and analysis and operational research. · Strengthen research and policy development capacity by providing technical assistance, training, and mentorship to national health teams. · Facilitate workshops and regional forums to build skills in public health research, policy analysis, and evidence-informed decision-making. · Support the development of national operational research frameworks and ethical oversight mechanisms. ? Coordinate and facilitate knowledge sharing · Facilitate the dissemination of research findings through policy briefs, technical reports, scientific publications, and presentations at regional and international forums. · Develop platforms for sharing best practices, success stories, and lessons learned in public health policy and operational research across PHD and PICTs. · Promote the use of evidence and research data in advocacy and policy dialogues with governments and regional bodies. ? Contribute as an active member of the Public Health Division · Contribute to the development of annual work plans and budgets for public health programmes. · Contribute to programme performance monitoring and reporting on progress towards regional health goals. · Support programme monitoring and reporting by tracking progress against work plan indicators and evaluating outcomes. · Facilitate the development of information, education, and communication (IEC) resources and ensure regular updates of technical content on the division’s platforms. · Promote collaboration and harmonization across PHD programmes by sharing information, building partnerships, and participating in cross-programme initiatives. ? For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please?refer to the online job description. ? ? Key selection criteria ? Qualifications ? · PhD in a relevant field with a strong policy and research component in Public Health, Health Policy, Health System or equivalent body of knowledge and experience. ? Technical expertise ? · Demonstrated track record of at least 10 years in leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programs across sectors, including drafting policy briefs, guidelines, or legislation, with expertise in policy analysis tools, and regulatory frameworks. · At least 10 years extensive experience and expertise in designing, conducting, and leading operational research initiatives in public health, with a strong focus on translating research findings into evidence-based policies. · A strong track record of publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals, drafting technical reports, and producing policy briefs for diverse audiences. · Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with government agencies, academic institutions, development partners, and regional organisations to advance public health goals. · Experience in developing and delivering training, mentoring national health teams, and strengthening institutional capacities for policy development and research. · Strong knowledge of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, with experience in tracking progress against health indicators and reporting to stakeholders. · Knowledge of policy advocacy processes with a proven ability to navigate political landscapes and 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?Principal Adviser - Health Policy and Research?is a band 12 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,565?4,456 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 10,730–13,413 (USD 4,741–5,927; EUR 4,367–5,459).?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 1,500–5,200 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: 4 May 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time) Job Reference: JM000865 ? Applicants must apply online at? 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 or implementation of public health policy at a national or regional level, including key challenges and solutions. 2.??? How have you successfully translated research findings into evidence-based public health policies or programs? 3.??? Outline your experience in leading training, mentorship or capacity building initiatives in health policy development and operational research. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLEASE NOTE: ? ECO-CONSULT
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Wilco Liebregts