Infectious Diseases Mentor, Timor-Leste

5 - 8 months, full time contract based in Dili, Timor-LesteAbout Menzies:As one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies School of Health Research continues to translate its research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.The Menzies Global and Tropical Health (GTH) Division is committed to dealing with key areas of public health concern that impact on the health and wellbeing of people and communities across northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. With a focus on translational research we shape our research program through close collaboration with a diverse range of healthcare providers, policy makers and researchers, to target priority health issues. Our aim is to find meaningful and relevant ways to improve the health of people in our region. Menzies has recently opened an office in Dili, Timor-Leste. Two main projects, STRONG TL and the Fleming Fund Country Grant for Timor-Leste are being conducted through the office under a Memorandum of Understanding between Menzies and the Ministry of Health, along with other smaller projects and partnerships.The focus of the Fleming Fund Country Grant for Timor-Leste is strengthening the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) surveillance systems and antimicrobial consumption (AMC) data capture in both the human and animal health sectors. The project will facilitate a stronger ‘One Health’ approach to surveillance, bringing together multi-sectoral stakeholders to share surveillance data and gain a better understanding of AMR, AMU and AMC. The Surveillance Training, Research Opportunities and National Guidelines for improving communicable disease control in Timor-Leste (STRONG TL) project has resulted in important gains in capacity for disease recognition, diagnosis and surveillance, as well as operational and implementation research. In the context of the current COVID-19 epidemic globally, the Timor-Leste MOH have requested additional assistance for country preparedness and response from international partners including Menzies.About the position:The two infectious diseases mentors will work together to provide mentorship and education in clinical settings including Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV) and Suai and Maliana municipality referral hospitals in Timor-Leste. Teaching will focus on the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, with specific focus on AMU, appropriate AMU, and clinical management considerations for COVID-19. The mentors will provide direct supervision for two infectious diseases / microbiology liaison doctors in HNGV and one each in Suai Hospital and Maliana Hospital, as well as teaching and training across all medical and surgical departments.The roles are intended to contribute to stronger relationships between clinical and laboratory services, and to encourage the use of diagnostic microbiology tests to guide decision-making in antimicrobial prescribing. In addition to teaching and mentoring, the role will contribute to operational and health systems research activities in Timor-Leste.These positions will be based in Dili, Timor Leste and will involve frequent travel to referral hospitals in other municipalities (Suai and Maliana).The successful applicant will have:Registered Medical Practitioner with specialist qualifications in Infectious Diseases or other evidence of postgraduate training in Infectious Diseases.At least five years’ experience in roles that have included clinical education and mentoring.Thorough understanding of the issues that affect health in low-resource settings, and the factors that influence antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use specifically.Demonstrated understanding of the contribution of diagnostic microbiology services to clinical management of infectious diseases.Ability to communicate and interact effectively with people from diverse cultures and educational backgroundsAbility to take initiative, make sound judgements with strong problem-solving skillsDemonstrated capacity to work independently without direct supervision, under broad direction and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.Prior experience/ exposure working with culturally diverse teams.Proven time management skills with ability to meet project deadlinesUndertake a National Police Clearance, hold a Working With Children Clearance (Ochre card) and be able to obtain working rights in East Timor.Contact: Joshua Francis on josh.francis@menzies.edu.auWhat we offer:6 weeks annual leaveOption to increase super to 14%Attractive salary package and benefits.Closing date:  19 May 2021Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to applyApplicants are required to address the selection criteria. For information on how to apply for this position and to obtain the Position Description and Selection Criteria please visit http://careers.menzies.edu.au/ or phone 08 8946 8626.POSITION DESCRIPTION AUD Dili