Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP)

Locally engaged personnel - 3-year contract with possible 2-year extension  Based in Suva, Fiji with travel to Divisions

FPSP Overview:

FPSP, also referred to as the ‘Platform’, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment, will contribute to the delivery of Fiji’s national development priorities, in line with the Australia’s International Development Policy, the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership and the Development Partnership Plan.  

The Platform will deliver key bilateral programs, such as health, education, scholarships, social infrastructure, governance, climate and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities will identify and address climate risks, promote climate action, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs. 

The Platform has three functional Outcomes:  

The Platform has delivered its sector program outcomes, including through supporting strategic coherence, planning, partnerships management, data and learning across the portfolio of investments.  The Platform has prioritised gender equality, disability-inclusive development, and climate and disaster resilience, in its systems and practices. This includes in how it undertakes sector programming and its engagement with selected Government of Fiji (GoF) agencies.  The Platform administers timely and efficient programming that is: value for money; maximises use of local supply chains; and supports good governance, and public diplomacy, effective decision making and risk management.

AFHP Overview:

The Fiji Program Support Platform (the Platform) implements over fifty percent of Australia’s bilateral development support to Fiji across a range of sector programs in education, health, Australia Awards, disaster response, cyclone recovery, social infrastructure and technical assistance to improve public sector governance in Fiji.   

The Platform integrates cross-cutting themes, including gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate and disaster resilience, across sectoral programs. In particular, the Platform seeks to strengthen program outcomes by better addressing the needs of targeted beneficiaries including those who are often marginalised. 

The Australian Government is supporting Fiji’s health sector through the Australia Fiji Health Program (AFHP, the Program) working with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). 

The program’s high-level End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs) are: 

Improved systems are used by MHMS and health workers for evidence-based planning and resource allocation (workforce and budget), clinical care, digital health and medical supply chains; and  Targeted healthcare facilities equitably deliver improved primary health services, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and non-communicable disease (NCD) services. 

The funding for the program is approximately AUD 45million over 9 years (5 years, with an option to extend a further 4 years) and delivered through a range of activities (interventions) to achieve the program’s objectives where implementation modalities include technical advice, procurement of technical services and goods, minor works and infrastructure upgrades, capacity building and training support, support to Ministry led initiatives and innovations, and grants to civil society organisations (CSOs). 

AFHP is designed to support the MHMS achieve the goals and objectives in its Strategic Plan and Annual Operational Plans, and AFHP’s workplans are targeted to support specific components of the Ministry’s plans. 

Recent natural disasters such as cyclones, and public health emergencies in Fiji including COVID-19 have highlighted major challenges for pandemic preparedness and response during epidemics and other health emergencies. In this context, around 10% of program funding will be allocated for MHMS to assign to emerging needs and priorities as they arise. Funding may be allocated toward preparedness and responses to public health emergencies, or related opportunities for reform and innovation. 

Position Summary: 

Reporting to the Team Leader, the Senior Health Specialist is an executive member of the AFHP team. The Senior Health Specialist is a high-level technical role responsible for driving strategic initiatives and providing oversight to enhance health service delivery and equity in Fiji.  

The Senior Health Specialist provides strategic advice, prepares high-quality written materials, and engages in policy advocacy and program implementation. Through complex problem-solving and issues management, the Specialist ensures the achievement of strategic public health outcomes while supporting sustainable health sector development. The position also will be directly responsible for the delivery of the community health worker training program, providing support to HIV surge response, development of minimum service standards for health facilities, and contribute to the implementation of Fiji’s National Disability-Inclusive Health and Rehabilitation Action Plan. These efforts aim to enhance equitable access to healthcare, with a particular focus on the rights of underserved populations. 

The Senior Health Specialist will also have several direct reports, and this includes National Health Supply Chain Specialist, SRHR Specialist, Project Manager – STEPS Survey and other consultants/advisors upon recruitment. This multifaceted role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, good networks within Fiji’s health systems and a commitment to advancing health equity and inclusivity throughout Fiji's health system. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Technical Leadership and Advisory Support 

Provide high-level technical advice on health systems strengthening, primary healthcare, and health sector reforms and ensure evidence-based approaches are integrated into program planning and delivery.  Support recruitment and oversight of all other health specialists under AFHP, ensuring program alignment with MHMS Strategic Plan and AFHP objectives. This includes National Supply Chain Specialist, SRHR Specialist, Project Manager- STEPS Survey, Fiji Regional Health Programs Coordinator and other technical/specialist roles which will be recruited in the future.  Oversight of the Community Health Worker Training Project, and AFHP’s support to the National Disability Inclusive Health and Rehabilitation Action Plan 2023-2027 and the development of gender-responsive, accessible and climate-resilient minimum service standards (MSS) for health facilities and associated procurement  Support DFAT and MHMS decision-making around the number and nature of target facilities for AFHP support by using findings from health facility assessments and other relevant evidence. Ensure data-driven decision-making by analysing health indicators and program performance. This will be evidenced by preparation of high-quality technical reports, policy briefs, talking points and presentations for stakeholders. Support public health emergency response efforts and contribute to disaster response planning to enhance health system preparedness and resilience 

Program Implementation & Coordination 

Support the Team Leader in developing and implementing annual workplans aligned with emerging health priorities and AFHP objectives.  Support development of agreed proposals for investments to deliver on the workplan.  Support program implementation via the execution of key health initiatives within the AFHP and ensuring they align with DFAT and national priorities.  Assist with the development of TORs and Scope of Services for technical health consultancies and procurementsAssist in the coordination of AFHP governance meetings in conjunction with MHMS and DFAT Identify potential program risks and bottlenecks and develop mitigation strategies together with the AFHP team.  Ensure compliance with DFAT’s safeguarding policies, gender equality, and social inclusion frameworks and promote climate-resilient and sustainable health solutions in program implementation  Foster the integration of GEDSI principles across all health programs, with a focus on improving access and equity for marginalized populations.   

Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement 

Engage in policy advocacy and ensure AFHP representation in high level advisory panels, steering committees, technical working groups and health think tanks  Create opportunities for engagement and coordination with technical and donor partners to support program implementation and capacity-building initiatives. Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, development partners, donors, and other stakeholders to ensure collaborative program delivery. This will involve creating a comprehensive list of all donor partners and stakeholders and mapping areas of interest and alignment. 

General  

Serve as mentor to junior staff and support with capacity building and identify opportunities for staff learning activities  Support AFHP/DFAT public diplomacy opportunities and media relations in conjunction with Platform Comms Team  Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the AFHP Team Leader 

Key Working Relationships: 

Reporting to 

Team Leader, Health  

Other 

AFHP Program Support Team  Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS)  Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)  Abt Senior Health Advisor 

Selection Criteria: 

Experience 

This a locally recruited position and we are interested in applicants with significant expertise in one or more of the following areas: public health, health policy and planning, health program management, international development, health systems strengthening, universal health coverage, communicable and/or non-communicable disease control.  Comprehensive understanding of the structure and organisation of the Fiji Health System.  Strong understanding of health and/or development issues in the Pacific, including Australia’s priorities and interests. 

Qualifications  

Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in public health, international development, project management, government, or related fields. 

Knowledge/Skills  

Highly developed project management skills. Ability to deliver work to a very high standard and within deadlines.  Very strong written and oral English, including an ability to communicate with influence to shape strategic thinking and policy development.  Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to engage at a senior level, build and maintain networks, provide advice and communicate effectively (both written and verbal) on sensitive issues with a culturally and professionally diverse range of stakeholders.   Strong presentation skills and experience presenting to large groups. Knowledge of, or familiarity with DFAT’s compliance standards for development programs, particularly child protection, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) and fraud awareness and control requirements and practice.   Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications. 

Personal Attributes  

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team as well as work independently, demonstrating initiative when required. Demonstrated strong judgement.  A passion for working towards more equitable health care outcomes in Fiji.  Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, meet tight deadlines, and work flexibly when needed.  High level of personal integrity and professionalism.

How to apply:

Applications close on 16 February 2025.

Please apply online by submitting a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of this role and up-to-date comprehensive CV.  

#LI-AUSBRIT #LI-HN1