Project Coordinator BRUCE TL, Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste

ABOUT MENZIES:Menzies School of Health Research is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving Indigenous, global and tropical health. Menzies has a history of over 30 years of scientific discovery and public health achievement, joining with partners across the Asia-Pacific as well as Indigenous communities across northern and central Australia. SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:The Project coordinator will coordinate and lead implementation of projects in Timor-Leste. Specific project details are included in the statement of duties.The project coordinator will be supervised by the Project Manager.The project coordinator will provide overall coordination for the studies within the BRUCE-TL projects. This includes coordinating visits to selected cattle owning households for blood collection and interviews; and organizing meetings, workshops and focus group discussions on brucellosis control measures. The role will require close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Health, local leaders and stakeholders at the project sites. The project coordinator is expected to travel regularly to project implementation sites outside of Dili for up to 5 days at a time to maintain communication with stakeholders and coordinate project implementation. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:The following key responsibilities are not exhaustive and may include others as directed by the Research Coordinator at Menzies School of Health Research Timor-Leste Office.Coordinate or lead implementation of the research projects outlined in the statement of duties.Supervise staff employed to work on the research projects outlined in the statement of duties.Liaise with Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Health and Instituto Nacional da Saúde staff at relevant levels, to communicate about the research projects and ensure coordination with activities of relevant ministries.Communicate and coordinate effectively with health, community, and other stakeholders, to ensure that the projects are carried out in a way that is respectful and appropriate, adapting as necessary to the context of conducting research in Timor-Leste.Ensure that the research projects comply with the requirements of relevant Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Health and INS policies and procedures, including for ethical and technical approval of research.Ensure that study procedures are carried out according to study protocols and in accordance with Good Clinical Practice Guidelines, the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, and Menzies policies, procedures, and guidelines.Ensure that study data are collected, stored, and transmitted appropriately in accordance with ethical, cultural, and confidentiality requirements.Coordinate logistics and administration for field work related to the research projects outlined in the statement of duties.Ensure that activities progress in line with anticipated workplans and project budgets, working with the investigator team to review progress, produce reports, and revise workplan and budget as needed.Work with investigator team to meet the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements of relevant funders.Coordinate regular team meetings.Work effectively with the Menzies Timor-Leste office support team, to ensure timely internal approvals for finance, human resource, infrastructure, and other project needs.Develop productive, cooperative working relationships with other members of the research team and division, as well as external collaborators.Assist with the conduct of other research studies as required.Demonstrate and maintain an understanding and awareness of relevant Workplace Health and Safety as well as Equal Opportunity principles and legislation along with a commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace.Any other tasks as reasonably required by the Supervisor, Country Manager or the Investigator team for the research projects outlined in the statement of duties.       SELECTION CRITERIA:1. Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in health or another field relevant to project coordination.2. Essential Criteria:Demonstrated experience in human and/or animal health project coordination in Timor-Leste.Strong oral and written communication skills including, with demonstrated capacity to communicate with a range of audiences.Demonstrated capacity to work independently without direct supervision under broad direction and as part of a team.Demonstrated initiative, good judgement, strong problem-solving skills, strong work ethic and flexibility with work tasks.Demonstrated ability to assess and establish priorities, manage competing deadlines against expected timeframes, while maintaining accuracy and quality.Ability to manage sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.Demonstrated experience and competency with a range of computer software including the Microsoft Office Suite.Ability to build strong productive relationships within an organization and collaborative external partnerships. Well-developed capacity to consult, collaborate and negotiate effectively with people from diverse cultures and a wide range of stakeholders.Proficiency in English and Tetun.Willingness to learn, continuously improve and respond positively to feedback and supervision.Hold or be able to obtain a National Police Clearance certificate.Understanding of and commitment to Menzies values, the principles of Equal Opportunity and contributing to a safe and inclusive workplace.3. Desirable Criteria: Research experience and/or relevant work experience involving animal health or human health work. COVID-19 Safety Requirements:Menzies encourages all staff to be fully vaccinated in accordance with the latest guidance and recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination as issued by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI).Menzies requires all staff to implement, as directed, risk control strategies that provide them with protection from COVID-19 in the workplace such as good hygiene practices, mask wearing, physical distancing and any other reasonable direction.  STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Project coordinator (BRUCE-TL)THE PROJECTS:The BRUCE-TL (Brucellosis Reduction Using Co-Design Elements in Timor-Leste) project aims to provide evidence and recommendations for improving brucellosis control and One Health collaboration in Timor-Leste. This is achieved through a village-level implementation science project which identifies practices that place individuals and cattle at greater risk of brucellosis transmission, followed by implementation of trial brucellosis control measures. There will be four research activities:Activity 1: Cross sectional survey to identify seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis.Activity 2: Interviews, focus groups and meetings to identify brucellosis control strategies.Activity 3: Implementation of trial brucellosis control measures together with communities, with regular monitoring and review visits to support iterative change.Activity 4: Case study approach to explore barriers and enablers for One Health collaboration.BRUCE-TL also aims to strengthen serology capacity in laboratories, improve stakeholder knowledge on brucellosis control, and improve partnership between government and community for disease control.The BRUCE-TL project is part of a larger group of capacity-building and research projects implemented by Menzies in Timor-Leste. The Fleming Fund project is another One Health project focusing on antimicrobial usage and antimicrobial resistance across human and animal health. Specific responsibilities for the project(s) will include:Liaise with municipal government officials, village leaders and local guides for enrolment and participation in studies.Organize and coordinate visits to selected cattle owning households for blood collection and interviews.Organize and coordinate meetings, workshops and focus group discussions on brucellosis control measures.Contribute to preparation of communication materials for meetings and workshops.Coordinate with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries on project implementation.Prepare required documentation for conduct of studies, such as participant information sheets, consent forms and laboratory submission forms.Coordinate transport of blood samples from humans and cattle to the National Health Laboratory or Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for testing.Ensure the research activities adhere to human and animal ethical guidelines and protocols, including informed consent and adverse event reporting.Track progress of implementation and project activities against the workplan.Work collaboratively with the Animal Health Lead and Technical Advisor (One Health Implementation Lead) to monitor and report on project progress towards stipulated output and outcomes.Coordinate procurement and management of equipment/consumables required for project implementation across various project sites. Closing date:   24th March 2023 To apply for this position, please refer to http://careers.menzies.edu.au/ and select / click on the Project Coordinator BRUCE TL, Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste role. Please ensure to attach your application letter and Curriculum Vitae with three references and responds to the selection criteria if possible. A Copy of Identity Card/ BI or Electoral Card and Copy of Good behavior certificate (kelakuan baik) before or by 24th March 2023. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.    Menzies Timor-Leste is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.Position Description AUD Dili