Program Background

The Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security (CHS) was established in 2017 to implement the Australian Government’s Health Security Initiative for the Indo-Pacific Region. The Initiative, which is funded through Australia’s overseas aid program, aims to inform evidence-based planning, help prevent avoidable epidemics, strengthen early detection capacity, and support rapid, effective national and international outbreak responses. It does this by accelerating research on new drugs and diagnostics, expanding partnerships at the national, regional and global level to strengthen human and animal health systems, and deepening people-to-people linkages that build national and regional health security capacity.

In 2020 CHS has played a key role in Australia’s response to the regional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Commencing in 2021, Australia is assisting 18 countries to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine through the VAX Taskforce.

The CHS supports countries in Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Timor-Leste and Vietnam) and the Pacific (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and small island nations such as Tuvalu, Tonga and Kiribati).

Cardno International Development is supporting the implementation of several activities delivered as part of the initiative across the Indo Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Position Details

• Position type: Adviser Remuneration Framework (ARF)
• ARF Classification: D4
• Duration: 12 Months with possibility of extension
• Reports to: Secretary of Health and Medical Services
• Commencement: May 2021
• Location: Nauru

Duties & Responsibilities

The Deputy Secretary for Health & Medical Services (DSHMS) is responsible for supporting the Secretary of Health in discharging the roles and responsibilities given to a Head of Department under Nauru law. This includes all strategic, policy, planning and operational aspects of the Nauru Department of Health and the in-country coordination and support of donor assistance to the Nauru health sector, with the aim of achieving an appropriate level of sustained and improving health services to all the people on Nauru, with a focus on preventative health interventions, as well as being a key provider of policy advice to the Nauru Department of Health. Areas if duties and responsibilities are:

• Policy, Planning and Reporting
• Financial management
• Leadership
• Operational management and oversight
• Donor coordination & management

For full details of the duties and responsibilities copy and paste this link into your web browser to view the Terms of Reference (ToR): https://www.cardno.com/media/7146/tor-nauru-deputy-secretary_final.pdf

Selection Criteria

Qualifications

High level experience and a record of success in Health Service Management, supported by relevant tertiary qualifications.

Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience in managing an organisation from a whole of health service delivery approach.
• Experience working at a high level of government and able to demonstrate an ability to work closely in a politically sensitive environment.
• Extensive experience working in a resource challenged area.
• Experience working in a cross-cultural environment.
• Experience working with international donor agencies.
• High level of knowledge of health issues of pacific island countries.
• High level of written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in project management.
• Desirable – clinical management skills and knowledge.
• Desirable - previous experience living and working in a developing country (particularly in the Pacific or small island states).

Personal Attributes

• Flexibility, commitment to working in a cross-cultural environment, genuine interest in working in a resource challenged environment, adaptability.
• High level interpersonal, leadership, representation and communication skills.
• Commitment to teamwork, coaching and mentoring other people.
• Ability to cope with cultural isolation and a standard of living that may be different.
• Patience, tolerance and flexibility.
• The ability to live and work in a new cultural setting.
• A preparedness to work with limited resources within a challenging environment.

Remuneration

This position will be remunerated in line with the Australian Government’s Adviser Remuneration Framework (ARF) https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/adviser-remuneration-framework-2016.pdf and will be offered at a level commensurate to the successful candidates experience relevant to the role, within the following band Discipline Group D, Job Level 4.

Other Information

• Amendments to the position’s Terms of Reference may be made during the period of the engagement as required.
• All personnel must abide by Cardno’s Code of Conduct, Australian Government policies in relation to Child Protection; Environmental and Resettlement safeguards; Gender Equality; and Disability.
• Any offer of employment will require criminal record clearance.

We thank all applicants however due to anticipated volumes of applications only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

How to Apply?

We welcome your interest in joining the team. Please click the “Apply Now” button to submit your application with the following:

1. A maximum two-page cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
2. Up to date CV.
3. Details of three professional referees.

For any queries regarding the positions please email [email protected], using the subject line: Deputy Secretary for Health & Medical Services - Nauru Ministry of Health enquiry via EthicalJobs.