Health Information Systems Adviser

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the Pacific region

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) supports members in developing healthier Pacific Island communities by providing assistance in public health
surveillance, and in the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases. The primary focus of the division is to provide scientific and technical assistance and to support the implementation of plans and programmes in member countries and territories. The primary
goals for all PHD activities is to promote population health and well-being, help communities prevent disease and restore and/or maintain health,
and reduce inequalities in health. PHD is primarily concerned with improving and protecting public (population) health, rather than providing
individual treatment services. PHD is comprised of three programmes: Surveillance Preparedness and Response; Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)
Prevention and Control; and Clinical Services.

The role – Health Information Systems Adviser will be responsible for technical support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) and PHD programmes to develop and strengthen country digital health programmes. This includes the national health information systems, information management, health informatics, and support data analysis and dissemination activities using appropriate tools, large datasets and methods.  Furthermore, the incumbent will provide country support in relation to health information system assessment and strengthening and maintain and develop tools and strategic approaches for management of health information systems at a Pacific regional level.   

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Lead the provision of technical advice and support to PICTs to assess and strengthen country health information systems performance, data quality and data generation activities.
• Lead the provision of technical advice and support to programmes and activities with regard to platforms used for compilation, analysis and synthesis of health information.
• Support PICTs with multi-sectoral information sharing, dissemination, communication and translating evidence into policies for national health planning and decision making.
• Facilitate and support PICTs capacity building and in country mentorship to enable national practitioners to implement the national digital health/HIS plans as well as regional commitments.
• Contribute as an active member of the PHD Office of the Director team with regard to programme planning, budgeting, reporting and publication. 

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in computer and information science, health informatics and analytics, public health or related discipline

Knowledge and experience

• At least 7 years of experience implementing digital health technology solutions
• Extensive knowledge of health information systems
• Experience in the provision of capacity building or on the job training in health information and analysis
• Practical exposure to the technical design, administration, and implementation of information systems/digitization of health systems and services

Essential skills

• Ability to advise and implement a sector-wide response to public health issues and international relations
• Ability to coalesce and collaborate with various donors and NGOs on various joint initiatives
• Ability to extract, analyse health information and present visual presentations and written reports
• Excellent research skills and ability to analyse findings to make appropriate use
• Willingness to travel frequently (up to 30% of the time) in the Pacific region and internationally

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Cross-cultural skills and ability to work with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds
• Interpersonal communication skills

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years until 31 December 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 Health Information Systems Adviser is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,015‒3,769 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,107–11,383 (USD 4,191–5,239; EUR 3,699–4,624). 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 – 17 October 2021 at 11:45pm Fiji time

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
• contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.

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 the Fijian 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.

Please ensure that you respond to all the screening questions.  If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.

Screening Questions:

1. What do you consider are the 3 health information systems priorities in the Pacific region?
2. Outline your experience in developing and supporting implementation of health information systems, what was your role and its outcomes.
3. Outline your experience in providing health information capacity building at a regional and national level.