Principal Technical Officer [RHU] (Ministry of Health and Medical Services)

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide strategic technical guidance to ensure all rural housing and infrastructure projects align with national policies, standards, and priorities.

2. Oversee the planning, design, costing, and implementation of rural housing and capital projects within approved budgets and timelines.

3. Deliver expert advice on resilient, safe, and sustainable building practices to support rural and maritime community development.

4. Monitor and evaluate project progress to ensure quality, compliance, and accountability in all stages of implementation.

5. Prepare accurate and timely technical and financial reports to support management decisions and policy formulation.

6. Foster strong partnerships with contractors, communities, and development partners to enhance project collaboration and outcomes.

7. Actively manage monitor and assess staff performance to enable business continuity and the delivery of quality outcomes aligned with individual and business objectives.

8. Actively contribute to the Ministry and Corporate Requirements including Planning, budgeting and Human Resources activities.

Knowledge & Experience

1. 1. Minimum of 6-9 years of progressive experience in project management, rural housing, or infrastructure development.
2. 2. Strong understanding of civil engineering, construction management, or architectural design principles.
3. 3. Knowledge of national building codes, housing policies, and construction standards, especially for rural and maritime environments.
4. 4. Demonstrated experience in planning, design, implementation, and monitoring construction or capital projects.
5. 5. Proven experience in supervising technical teams and managing stakeholders, including contractors and community partners.
6. 6. Expertise in resilient, sustainable, and safe building practices.
7. 7. Proficiency in project management tools, cost estimation, and reporting systems.

Skills & Abilities

1. 1. Proven project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
2. 2. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
3. 3. Ability to prepare accurate technical and financial reports with actionable recommendations.
4. 4. Leadership and capacity-building skills to mentor and manage technical staff effectively.
5. 5. High-level communication and report-writing skills.
6. 6. Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
7. 7. Familiarity with climate-resilient and sustainable construction practices.
8. 8. Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities. Service oriented approach with a commitment to supporting the operational/corporate environment of the organization.

Additional Information

Applicants for employment in the Ministry must be a Fijian Citizen, under the age of 60, in sound health, with a clear police record. The successful Applicant will be required to provide a medical certificate and police clearance as a condition of employment.

The Ministry is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applications are encouraged from all eligible, qualified persons that meet the specified requirements stated above.

Contact Information

Further clarifications may be directed to Ms. Nitisha Divika of HR Unit on telephone 3313400 ext 354116.