Public Health Specialist

• Tuvalu-based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Public Health Division (PHD) supports members in developing healthier Pacific Island communities by providing assistance in public health surveillance, and in the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases. The primary focus of the division is to provide scientific and technical assistance and to support the implementation of plans and programmes in member countries and territories. The primary goal for all PHD activities is to promote population health and well-being, help communities prevent disease and restore and/or maintain health, and reduce inequalities in health. PHD is primarily concerned with improving and protecting public (population) health, rather than providing individual treatment services. PHD is comprised of three programmes: Surveillance, Preparedness and Response (SPR), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Prevention and Control; and Clinical Services (CS).

The role – the Public Health Specialist will provide technical leadership and operational support to strengthen public health systems, policies, programmes, and workforce capacity within Primary Health Care, aligned with national priorities.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Policy, Legislation and Planning

• Support the development, review, implementation, and monitoring of public health legislation, regulations, policies, and strategic plans.
• Regulations required to operationalize health legislation (e.g., Food Safety Regulations, Environmental Health Regulations, Public Health Regulations, Tobacco Control).
• Support the formulation of the National Health Strategic Plan (2025–2028) and subsequent updates.
• Guide and support finalization, endorsement, and dissemination of pending Public Health policies, strategies, and guidelines.
• Support implementation and monitoring of the Public Health Strategic Plan and programme specific areas.
• Provide technical advice to ensure alignment with national priorities, regional commitments, and international frameworks.

Public Health Workforce Development

• Lead public health workforce planning, capacity assessments, and training coordination.
• Support mentoring, skills transfer, and competency development across public health disciplines, including primary health care teams.
• Facilitate and coordinate education, training, mentoring and professional development for medical and non-medical public health staff locally and through external partners.
• Strengthen competency-based capacity building in surveillance, outbreak response, environmental health, NCD prevention, and community health promotion

Health Information and Surveillance

• Strengthen public health surveillance systems, data quality, analysis, and routine reporting.
• Support evidence‑based decision‑making through improved use of health information and surveillance data.
• Lead technical advice and contribute to health security preparedness and International Health Regulations (IHR) implementation.

Programme Implementation and Technical Support

• Provide technical and operational support across priority public health programmes, including:
• Non‑communicable diseases (NCDs)
• Communicable diseases eg TB
• Environmental health
• Climate change and health
• Health security and emergency preparedness
• Support implementation of the DFAT funded Strengthening Clinical Services Delivery in Tuvalu through Deployment of Medical Specialists; Health System Strengthening Project and Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation Project (PHIT) (World Bank) particularly public health related components.
• Assist in planning and implementing priority public health campaigns and community awareness programmes.
• Develop and propose funding proposals and concept notes for priority public health programmes and campaigns in collaboration with partners and donors.
• Strengthen coordination between public health, clinical services, civil society organisations, and communities.
• Provide technical and operational support to the Chief Public Health Officer in priority areas identified by the office and SPC
• Perform any other tasks as required by in- country supervisor and SPC.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Medicine (MBBS)
• Master qualification in Public Health or a related health field or equivalent body of knowledge and experience

Technical expertise

• Minimum 10 years’ post‑qualification public health working experience, including senior or supervisory roles
• Experience working across primary health care, prevention, surveillance, and/or public health programmes
• Proven ability to operate effectively in small island or resource‑limited settings
• Strong analytical, coordination, and communication skills

Language skills

• Fluency in English.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 30 September 2026.

Remuneration – the Public Health Specialist is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,123–5,080 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately AUD 8,617–10,617. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in Tuvalu.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Tuvalu – SPC provides a housing allowance of AUD 1,400– 2,000 and will reimburse excess accompanied luggage of up to two additional bags. Airfares, medical and life insurance are available for eligible employees. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilinguism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals.  If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Application procedure

Closing date: 26 July 2026 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: CR000608

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference.

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

Screening questions (maximum of 2.000 characters per question):

1. Describe a situation where you led the strengthening of a national or sub-national public health system. What changes were achieved and how did you ensure sustainability?
2. Provide an example of how you developed or mentored public health or clinical staff in a resource-constrained setting. What competencies were strengthened and what evidence demonstrated success?
3. Describe your experience working in small island, remote or resource-constrained settings. What were the greatest challenges and how did you adapt your approach to achieve results?