Project Officer, Health - Australia Fiji Health Program

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: 

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), in collaboration with the Fiji Medical Council (FMC), is undertaking the strengthening of the Fiji Medical Internship Program (FMIP). This initiative responds to identified variability in internship training quality and supervision across facilities, and the need for a nationally standardised, competency-based internship aligned with Fiji’s primary health care (PHC) priorities.

The Medical Education Specialist will provide technical leadership to design and establish a robust, standardised internship program, including curriculum, assessment systems, supervision frameworks, and an internship entrance examination, as outlined in the concept note.

To support the technical work led by the Medical Education Specialist, MHMS requires a Project Officer to provide day-to-day coordination, documentation, and technical support to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of curriculum materials, assessment tools, workshops, and program outputs.

The position does not function as a senior technical or strategic lead, but supports implementation, coordination, and consolidation of outputs developed under the direction of the Medical Education Specialist. 

Key Responsibilities: 

The Project Officer will achieve its purpose through the following key responsibilities:

Technical and Program Support

• Support the development of the FMIP curriculum, assessment frameworks, and training materials under the guidance of the Medical Education Specialist.
• Assist in drafting, formatting, editing, and consolidating curriculum documents, logbooks, assessment tools, and supervisor training materials.
• Support preparation of materials for standards-setting and technical workshops.

Coordination and Logistics

• Coordinate meetings, consultations, and workshops with MHMS, FMC, hospitals, and internship training sites.
• Support logistical arrangements for supervisor training workshops and other FMIP-related activities, including venues, materials, participant lists, and follow-up actions.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain organised program documentation, version control, and records for all FMIP outputs.
• Assist in preparation of progress reports, technical summaries, workshop reports, and implementation updates for MHMS, FMC, and AFHP.

Stakeholder Liaison and Communication

• Act as a coordination focal point between MHMS, FMC, internship sites, and other stakeholders.
• Support communication, dissemination, and uptake of FMIP materials across training sites. 

Key deliverables:  

1. Drafted and finalised FMIP curriculum, assessment, and training documents.
2. Coordinated workshops and associated reports.
3. Program tracking documents and progress reports.
4. Consolidated and well-managed documentation supporting FMIP implementation. 

Selection Criteria: 

Qualification:

• In addition to bachelor’s degree in health sciences, education, public health, or a related field, the following knowledge, experience, skills and abilities are required:  
• Postgraduate qualification or formal training in medical education, health workforce development, project management, or public health would be an advantage

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience supporting health training programs, curriculum development, or workforce development initiatives
• Experience coordinating workshops, consultations, or multi‑stakeholder activities within the health sector
• Proven experience in program coordination, documentation, and reporting, preferably within government, regulatory, or donor‑funded programs
• Experience working with or supporting clinical staff, hospitals, or professional/regulatory bodies is highly desirable
• Familiarity with the Fiji health system, including MHMS structures and service delivery contexts, is an advantage

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Understanding of medical training pathways, internship programs, or competencybased education frameworks  
• Working knowledge of clinical governance, supervision, and assessment principles  
• Awareness of regulatory processes related to medical registration and training standards (or ability to rapidly acquire this knowledge)  
• Understanding of donor funded program environments, including reporting, accountability, and quality assurance expectations 

Personal Attributes:

• Empathy: Understands the urgency and emotional weight behind healthcare-related requests and responds with compassion.
• Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic environments where supply chain disruptions or urgent medical needs require quick pivots.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in order processing, documentation, and communication critical in healthcare logistics.
• Resilience: Maintains composure under pressure, especially when dealing with time-sensitive or high-stakes situations.
• Proactive Mindset: Anticipates potential issues (e.g., stockouts, delays) and takes initiative to resolve them before they escalate.
• Strong Communication: Clearly conveys information to both clinical staff and internal teams, bridging gaps between departments.
• Team-Oriented: Collaborates effectively with procurement, warehouse, and clinical personnel to ensure seamless service.
• Integrity: Upholds confidentiality and compliance with healthcare regulations and policies.  
• Customer-Centric Attitude: Prioritizes the needs of healthcare providers and patients, aiming to enhance service quality.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Navigates complex logistics challenges with creativity and resourcefulness. 

How to Apply: