BeSD Senior Project Coordinator, Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste

ABOUT MENZIES: As one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) continues to translate its research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. SUMMARY OF THE POSITION: The Senior Project Coordinator is responsible for the implementation of key Menzies programs focused on health system strengthening, including surveillance, clinical and laboratory activities, stakeholder engagement, financial and human resource coordination, activity implementation, risk management, reporting, and governance. The role works closely with in-country partners—primarily INSP-TL and the Ministry of Health (MoH)—as well as non-government partners, external funders and collaborators, Menzies Timor-Leste leadership and project teams, Menzies Darwin-based teams and support services, and technical experts both nationally and internationally.The role will primarily focus on the Behavioural and Social Drivers (BeSD) Program – Understanding the Behavioural and Social Drivers of Childhood Vaccine Uptake in Timor-Leste, funded through the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) and undertaken in collaboration with the Sydney School of Public Health (SSPH). The Senior Project Coordinator will oversee the day-to-day coordination of all BeSD program activities, working under broad direction from the Program Manager, Menzies Timor-Leste.In addition, the Senior Project Coordinator will provide day-to-day oversight and support to other interrelated programs, working closely with individual Project Coordinators and under the direction of the Program Manager, Timor-Leste. The position is a fixed-term appointment of seven (7) monthsPRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The following key responsibilities are not exhaustive and may include others as directed by Head of Programs at Menzies School of Health Research Timor-Leste Office. Oversee the day-to-day planning, coordination, and implementation of BeSD and other assigned programs to ensure activities are delivered on time, within scope, and in line with approved workplans, budgets, and protocols.Lead coordination with INSP-TL, the Ministry of Health, partners, and collaborators, while supervising project teams and consultants to ensure effective collaboration, communication, and performance.Demonstrate strong leadership that fosters a strong team environment and supportive workplace that brings out the best in all team members. Lead high-level stakeholder engagement and coordination with government partners, communities, funders, and collaborators, ensuring respectful, culturally appropriate communication and sustainable partnerships.Hold overall operational responsibility for ensuring BeSD program activities comply with in-country ethical, regulatory, and technical requirements.Develop and oversee operational workplans, budgets, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and data management plans, and lead reporting to partners and funders in collaboration with Program Leads.Work closely with the Menzies Timor-Leste support teams to ensure timely approvals and effective management of finance, human resources, procurement, logistics, and infrastructure required for BeSD operations.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.Undertake any other responsibilities reasonably required to support effective delivery of the BeSD Program.SELECTION CRITERIA: 1. Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in health or another field relevant to project coordination.2. Essential Criteria: Demonstrated experience in health project coordination in Timor-Leste.Demonstrated experience in budget management and financial oversight.Strong oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.Demonstrated capacity to work independently under broad direction and as part of a team.Demonstrated initiative, sound judgement, strong problem-solving skills, a strong work ethic, and flexibility in managing work tasks.Demonstrated ability to set priorities and manage competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality.Ability to manage sensitive issues appropriately and maintain confidentiality.Demonstrated experience and competency with a range of computer software, including the Microsoft Office Suite.Demonstrated ability to build strong, productive relationships within an organisation and with external partners, including the capacity to consult, collaborate, and negotiate effectively with people from diverse cultures and stakeholder groups.Proficiency in English and Tetum (spoken and written).Willingness to learn, continuously improve, respond positively to feedback and supervision, and invest in ongoing professional development.Hold, or be able to obtain, a National Police Clearance certificate.Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Menzies values, Equal Opportunity principles, and contributing to a safe and inclusive workplace.3. Desirable Criteria: Experience working in health research with understating on research methods, qualitative interviewing, ethics, or data collectionStatement of Duties: Senior Project Coordinator. The Behavioural and Social Drivers (BeSD) study in Timor-Leste is a qualitative research initiative led by INSP-TL and partners to understand why some children remain unvaccinated ("zero-dose") or do not complete their measles-rubella vaccination schedule (MR2). The study uses in-depth interviews with caregivers, health workers, village leaders, and other stakeholders in selected urban and rural municipalities to explore beliefs, experiences, social influences, and practical barriers affecting vaccine uptake. By generating context-specific insights into vaccine hesitancy, access challenges, and health system factors, the BeSD study aims to inform the development of an evidence-based immunization communication strategy and action plan to improve routine vaccination coverage and reduce zero-dose and under-immunized children in Timor-Leste.The study is implemented in close collaboration with in-country partners and collaborators. The Senior Project Coordinator is responsible for high-level project management, including the following key tasks: Serve as the primary liaison with senior stakeholders from the Instituto Nacional da Saude Publica Timor-Leste (INSP-TL) and the Ministry of Health (MoH), as well as other relevant partners, to support effective implementation, program co-design, and strong in-country partnerships.Coordinate and oversee all BeSD fieldwork activities across selected municipalities in accordance with the approved research protocol and timeline.Manage field logistics, schedules, and coordination with municipal health offices, Community Health Centres (CHCs), PSFs, and community leaders.Supervise enumerators and interviewers during training, piloting, and field implementation to ensure high-quality qualitative data collection.Conduct daily debriefings and provide technical guidance to address challenges and continuously improve interview quality.Review interview recordings, field notes, and documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and adherence to sampling criteria.Monitor use of participant identifiers, de-identification procedures, and data quality standards.Oversee transcription of interviews from audio to written Tetum and translation into English, ensuring conceptual accuracy.Review and validate transcripts and translations, addressing inconsistencies and quality issues with the team.Ensure informed consent procedures, confidentiality, and ethical research standards are consistently applied throughout data collection.Maintain secure storage, controlled access, and appropriate documentation of all research data.Prepare regular field progress updates and contribute to reporting for internal management, partners, and donors.Support data organization and readiness for analysis and dissemination activities.Contribute to donor and partner reporting, as well as internal communications, in collaboration with the Menzies Communications Team, Timor-Leste Communications Officer, and Program Manager and other collaborators.Communicate effectively with the Menzies Timor-Leste management team on operational matters to support timely problem-solving and effective planning.Participate in relevant professional development opportunities, both recommended and self-initiated.Undertake other duties as reasonably requested by the Supervisor or Country Manager.How To Apply:To apply for this position, please refer to http://careers.menzies.edu.au/ and select / click on the BeSD Senior Project Coordinator, Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste, Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste role.Applicants are required to provide the following support documents:Updated Resume/CV with three referencesCover LetterA statement addressing the selection criteriaCopy of Electoral/BI cardCopy of Good behavior certificate (kelakuan baik)Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Closing date: 5th February 2026 (6 PM Dili Time)Antonio FernandesHR OfficerEmail: TL.HumanResources@menzies.edu.auMenzies Timor-Leste is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace and gender equality. Government employees recommended to seek support from immediate supervisor.Position Description AUD Dili