VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Team & Technical Lead (Health Extension Officer)

Community Adolescent & Adult Multi-disease Screening Project – East New Britain, PNG

About Burnet Institute

Burnet Institute is a leading, independent, not-for-profit Australian medical research and public health organisation. With a strong presence across Asia-Pacific and Africa, we work to improve health for vulnerable communities through evidence-based solutions and sustainable health programs.

Project Overview

Funded by ANCP, this 4-year project aims to co-design, pilot, and evaluate an integrated community-based screening model targeting both communicable and non-communicable diseases in adolescents and adults in East New Britain. The project is currently in Year 1 (formative phase).

Role Summary

The Team & Technical Lead (HEO) will coordinate field activities in Kokopo and Rabaul. You’ll lead across all project phases—from formative design to implementation and evaluation—while managing field staff, engaging communities, conducting clinical screenings, and ensuring effective referral and data processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical and field activities aligned with SOPs and project protocols

• Conduct community engagement and health worker coordination

• Perform clinical examinations, diagnosis, treatment, and referrals

• Supervise and mentor project team members

• Manage and analyse quantitative and qualitative data

• Draft reports aligned with M&E requirements

• Ensure respectful participant engagement and uphold ethical research standards

• Facilitate training and team meetings as required

Required Qualifications & Skills

• HEO diploma + 1-year residency (if graduated in/ before 2009) OR
  HEO degree + 2 years' residency (if graduated in/ after 2010)

• Field-ready, community-oriented, and based/willing to be based in ENB

• Computer literacy (Microsoft Office), English and Tok Pisin fluency

• Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills

• Empathetic, dependable, and respectful of community norms

Desirable

• Experience in TB programs and adolescent health

• Research experience (protocol/SOP development, REDCap, data collection/analysis)

Core Qualities

• Honest, reliable, self-starter, team player

• Committed to learning, safeguarding, and community conduct expectations

• Respectful of diversity, confidentiality, and clinical integrity

Application Process

Send your application to: [email protected]

Include:

• Cover Letter (max 2 pages) addressing the key responsibilities and criteria

• Current CV (max 3 pages) with 2 contactable referees

Deadline: 31st July 2025

For queries, contact HR: [email protected] | Phone: 982 8610 / 7289 2558

Additional Information

Burnet is committed to child protection, gender equity, diversity, and providing a safe workplace. All offers are contingent on agreement to our safeguarding policies.

Pre-Employment Medical Requirements

Preferred candidates for full-time and part-time roles, and students working in health facilities or community sites are required to:

• Undergo a pre-employment medical assessment including TB screening (chest X-ray, symptom screen, and medical report) at their own cost; results may impact employment.

• Attend an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) briefing covering TB transmission risks, protective measures (e.g. N95 masks), and the importance of self-reporting symptoms.

• Complete a Mask Fit Test to determine appropriate mask use.