FIELD EPIDEMIOLOGIST - PNG
University of Newcastle
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📍 Location: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
📅 Full-time position | Fixed term 2 years (3-month probation)
🕔 Closing date: 3 June 2025
Main purpose of the role
Provide technical expertise and support to the PNG National Department of Health (NDoH) staff to enhance field epidemiology and public health response capacity.
Collaborate with the broader Field Epidemiology in Action (FEiA) team of the University of Newcastle, PNG NDoH, and World Health Organization (WHO) PNG to effectively implement the Intermediate and One Health Frontline FETP programs, and Provincial Rapid Response Team (RRT) Program.
Foster and strengthen national and regional partnerships in field epidemiology.
Support and mentor University of Newcastle (UoN) PNG-based consultants, ensuring high-quality capacity development and program implementation.
Work closely with the PNG NDoH to institutionalise and sustain FEiA-supported programs, embedding best practices within national health systems.
Lead and mentor PNG researchers in applied research, encouraging evidence-based decision-making, program improvement, and strengthening field epidemiology capacity.
Collaborate across all FEiA-supported programs to ensure alignment, knowledge sharing, and sustainable public health impact.
Position Context
This is a full-time position based in the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) office at the NDoH office in Waigani, Port Moresby.
The successful applicant will be employed by a third-party international organisation on behalf of the University of Newcastle.
The salary for this position is commensurate with a HEW 7 level in the Australian university salary structure and may be tax-free. Benefits include accommodation, transport to work, an appropriate location allowance, and annual flights to the employee's country of origin. For applicants without work rights in PNG, we will provide assistance in obtaining the necessary permits.
Role Responsibilities and Typical Activities
Technical expertise and coordination
Provide specialist guidance and technical support to the PNG National Department of Health (NDoH) and other stakeholders in field epidemiology training and outbreak response.
Design, conduct and evaluate a program of professional development training for NDoH staff.
Support the development and integration of One Health principles into field epidemiology and emergency response initiatives.
Provide technical input on training materials, case studies, and learning modules, ensuring they are contextually relevant, and evidence based.
Mentor and supervise FETP trainees, facilitators, and national trainers to build a sustainable field epidemiology training infrastructure.
Lead and mentor PNG-based researchers, epidemiologists, and University of Newcastle (UoN) consultants in field epidemiology research and analysis.
Support the publication and dissemination of research findings, reports, and program evaluations to inform public health policies and practices.
Promote a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and knowledge exchange within the FEiA network and broader public health community.
Communication and engagement
Act as a liaison between FEiA, PNG NDoH, WHO PNG, the Australian High Commission, National Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA), Conservation and Protection Authority (CEPA) and other implementing partners to coordinate activities, align strategies, and enhance collaboration.
Establish relationships with new partners to leverage expertise, resources, and technical guidance for program success.
Show a high level of cultural awareness and sensitivity when supporting activities and individuals.
Identify potential collaborations aimed at strengthening field epidemiology in the Pacific.
Strategic planning and program management
Work with PNG NDoH and partners to integrate FEiA-supported training programs into existing national health and education systems.
Advocate for policy development and institutional frameworks that support the long-term sustainability of field epidemiology and rapid response initiatives.
Assist in securing funding and resource mobilisation efforts to sustain program activities beyond external funding cycles.
Support financial tracking of expenditures related to implementation of FEiA programs in PNG
Qualifications & experience
Essential criteria
A medical, veterinary, or public health degree with subsequent extensive field experience in infectious disease epidemiology, including outbreak investigation
Applied research experience, including writing of manuscripts for publication and abstracts for conference presentation
Demonstrated skills in data analysis, interpretation and dissemination of findings
Demonstrated high level program management skills with well-developed time management and work prioritisation skills
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including the capacity to build relationships and an inter-disciplinary way of working
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, particularly in a cross-cultural environment
Desirable criteria
Graduate of an advanced field epidemiology training program, Master of Public Health or equivalent
Experience working with international organisations (eg WOAH, WHO, MSF) in a low-income setting, particularly Pacific Island Countries
Experience in developing and/or delivering health related training materials, ideally in low-income settings
If you have a specific query about any of the information provided above, please contact FEiA
Applications close on 3 June 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.
