PROGRAM COORDINATOR PNG Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program
National Department of Health (University of Newcastle Consultant)
To apply, please complete the online application form by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button. A Gmail account is required to submit your application. If you don’t have one, you can create a free Gmail account here.
📍 Location: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
📅 Full-time position | 12 month contract
🕔 Closing date: 4 April 2025
Main purpose of the role
The University of Newcastle's Field Epidemiology in Action (FEiA) team is seeking to engage a consultant Program Coordinator to lead the intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) in the National Department of Health (NDoH) in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (iFETP), which aims to develop a cadre of technically competent field epidemiologists in Papua New Guinea. Graduates from the program will support efforts to strengthen surveillance and response to outbreaks of communicable diseases.
The Program Coordinator will serve as a technical adviser for the faculty members (trainers) and fellows (trainees) of the program, and ensure the successful delivery of the program. The incumbent will be strongly focused on working with the national and international team to transition the program into a nationally sustainable and institutionalised program within the National Department of Health.
This is a full-time position based in the FETP office at the NDoH office in Waigani, Port Moresby. The successful applicant will be employed on a consultancy basis and will not be an employee of the University of Newcastle.
The initial contract will be for 12 months, with the possibility of extension. A three-month probation period will apply.
The remuneration will be commensurate to a Level 14 plus relevant allowances in the PNG public service.
Applications close on 4 April 2025.
All applications must be submitted online. Applicants must briefly explain how they meet each selection criteria, in no more than 200 words for each criteria, and upload a CV.
A gmail account is required for online submission.
Duties and Responsibilities
Program Coordination & Implementation
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
Administrative & Logistical Support
Institutionalisation & Sustainability Support
Capacity Building & Continuous Improvement
*More details are available in the complete Job Description, on request
Management
This role will be under the direct supervision of the Director of the Health Security Branch at the NDoH and the University of Newcastle FEiA intermediate FETP program lead.
The incumbent will work alongside the One Health Frontline Program Coordinator, the RRT Program Coordinator and the Project Support Officer.
The incumbent will be expected to collaborate closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) PNG, other relevant NDoH departments and other stakeholders, as required.
External responsibilities
Represent the intermediate FETP program at national and international meetings and conferences.
Work with the Program Director and respective program Coordinators to ensure visibility of FETP and RRT, both within Papua New Guinea and across the region, through documentation of success stories and lessons from the field, and contributing to social media network.
Qualifications & experience
Essential criteria
Demonstrated strong leadership skills.
Evidence of prior training in epidemiology [FETP, MPH or equivalent]
A minimum of 5 years’ experience in public health in Papua New Guinea
Highly developed organisational skills including the ability to prioritise competing tasks and manage time effectively.
Strong interpersonal skills, including highly developed oral and written communications, and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously within a team and with external stakeholders.
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products, MS Word, MS Excel and PowerPoint, including strong electronic file management skills
Desirable criteria
a) Experience in developing and delivering training within the health sector.
b) Experience responding to outbreaks of communicable diseases or other public health emergencies.
c) Experience with program monitoring and evaluation.
