Laboratory Officer – Monitoring and Evaluation at Pacific Community

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 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 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) employs around 23 staff based in Noumea and Suva. It supports members in developing healthier Pacific Island people and communities by providing assistance in clinical services. The primary focus of the division is to provide scientific and technical assistance and to support the implementation of plans and programmes in the Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). The primary goals 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. The PHD is comprised of three programmes: Research, Evidence and Information Programme, and NCD Prevention and Control Programme and Clinical Services Programme. The current position is located within the Clinical Services Programme.

The Laboratory Officer – Monitoring and Evaluation will work as part of the Surveillance Preparedness and Response Program (SPRP) and COVID-19 Joint Incident Management Team (JIMT) to monitor the quality of COVID-19 testing in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). The Officer will support the technical design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation framework to capture evidence-based information of laboratory and surveillance component of COVID 19 testing through periodic data collection and analysis.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Lead Monitoring and Evaluation of COVID 19 testing
• Establish and manage Laboratory based information system
• Information and Knowledge Management
• Training

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in medical laboratory science plus postgraduate qualification in laboratory science or related field

Knowledge and experience

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience working with molecular testing on GeneXpert or RTPCR is required.
• At least 5 years’ experience in Laboratory management in a developing country set up
• At least 10 years’ experience of working in a developing country health laboratory set up
• Strong experience in the establishment of reporting system using database, dashboard reporting and/or information management system

Essential skills

• Successful development and implementation of an M&E system at the programme level is highly desirable
• Experience in reporting of emergency response programs is a strong asset
• Formal qualifications in Monitoring and Evaluation will be a strong asset

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 – Until 5 September 2024

Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.

Remuneration – The Laboratory Officer – Monitoring and Evaluation is a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,512‒3,140 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,586–9,483 (USD 3,492–4,364; EUR 3,081–3,852). 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.