Position: Fiji Regional Health Programs Coordinator (National Position) - Specialist Health Service (SHS)

Location: Fiji

Monthly Remuneration: AUD5,833

Duration: 12 months with possibility of two-year extension

 

The World at Abt 

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges. 

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game. 

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you. Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

 

Specialist Health Service:

Managed by Abt Global, the Specialist Health Service (SHS) provides strategic input on health to the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

SHS is the primary source from which DFAT accesses health and development expertise and advisory services to improve the quality of health programming across DFAT's global and regional health portfolio, through enabling access to responsive technical advice. 

 

The Opportunity

Australia continues to invest in programs to deliver essential health services and strengthen health systems across the Pacific. Health investments save lives, underpin economic growth, and protect Australia and the region against the risk of cross-border threats. Health programs in the Pacific are delivered across bilateral, regional and global/multilateral programs, through a diverse range of mechanisms and partners. 

 

Bilateral programs are the core of our health support, and Regional Programs provide an important mechanism to leverage economies of scale through undertaking similar and related activities in multiple countries. Australia’s regional health programs include those under the Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative (PHR, 2023-2027, $620 million), but other regional health programs are not part of the initiative e.g. Pacific Phase 2 Pacific Specialised Clinical Services & Health Workforce Improvement Program (PSCSHWIP). These programs are managed by DFAT’s Global Health Division (GHD), with Posts.

 

Regional health programs support the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, and bolster national health systems in the Region, including regulatory mechanisms and health information systems. It will also progress key cross-cutting priorities, including gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), One Health, climate change, and community engagement, including to reflect and embed Australia’s approach to First Nations engagement. 

Regional health programs are delivered in partnership with a range of development partners including Australian government agencies, multilateral and regional bodies, product development partnerships, and leading health institutions from Australia and the region. Programs are delivered in countries of the Pacific (Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu) and Southeast Asia. Coordination between partners, partner governments, DFAT Posts, thematic areas (the Global Health Division) and bilateral programs is essential to maximise effectiveness and efficiency of health programs.

The Fiji Regional Health Programs Coordinator will support the effectiveness and quality of regional health program activities in Fiji. The position will ensure coherence of activities and alignment with partner government priorities. The position will also support Post to have a high level of visibility of regional health program activities. The position assists to maximise synergies and avoid duplication with bilateral programming. 

Specific Duties:

The Fiji Regional Health Programs Coordinator will:

Support and monitor the implementation of regional health programs in Fiji, ensuring that Post, GHD and geographic divisions are aware of implementation progress, key developments and risks.  Support improved alignment between the bilateral program and regional health programs and partner government priorities. Develop strong relationships across a broad range of stakeholders including partner government officials, multilateral organisations and donors to build local networks and anticipate and respond to stakeholder needs and expectations.  Attend relevant meetings and forums and represent the regional health program, with staff from Post as appropriate.  Support communications and reporting on DFAT’s regional health programs and outcomes in Fiji, in concert with GHD’s communications team. Work with Post to identify public engagement and dialogue opportunities, including to which regional health program partners can contribute to enhance visibility in-country.  Synthesise partner reporting into country factsheets summarizing health programming across bilateral and regional programs  Support DFAT staff in internal program quality management activities. Support DFAT official visits for the regional health program, including preparing programs, meetings and briefings.  Coordinate and support the partners in high level engagement with the partner government Contribute to surge workforce arrangements and corporate culture in the Fiji Health Program Platform and perform other duties as required.

 

Key Requirements:

Required experience

Strong aid management, development and health policy skills. Outstanding program management skills, including the ability to independently manage and/or support Post to liaise with partner governments, multilateral organisations, donors, implementing partners and other stakeholders. 5-10 years+ of experience working in public health, international development or other related fields. 

  Required Qualifications and skills

Postgraduate degree in public health, international development, or other related field Understanding of gender equality and disability-inclusive development principles and practices.  Demonstrated ability to liaise with multiple, diverse stakeholders, and build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.  Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and make decisions under the support and general direction of the Post

Cultural and language requirements

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (essential).  Ability to communicate in one or more of the other two official languages of Fiji is highly desirable.  Demonstrates cross-cultural competence, values diversity, and treats all people with dignity and respect.

Desirable Experience

Demonstrated knowledge of Australia's relationship to, or interest in Fiji, including history of relations, current context, risks and opportunities, and key stakeholders. 

 

How to apply:

Please submit your application on the Abt Global website attaching your resume/CV and a cover letter (as a single PDF document) addressing how you meet the key requirements of the role. Closing date is 6 February 2025. For any enquiries, please email recruitment@shsglobal.com.au 

Abt is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce.

 

Disclaimer: Abt will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

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