Physical Activity Specialist

JOB PURPOSE

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines physical activity as “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure” (2013, para. 1).  This suggests that the term ‘physical activity’ is more than ‘exercise’.  According to the WHO (2013), exercise, is a subcategory of physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive, and purposeful (para. 3).  Physical activity therefore includes exercise as well as other activities that are done as part of working, active transportation, house chores and recreational activities. 

Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally.  Physical inactivity, along with other health risk factors (e.g. unhealthy diet, tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol consumption, hypertension, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia) is becoming increasingly prevalent in developing countries faced with urbanization and globalization.  It is recognized that the promotion of physical activity initiatives is paramount to the reduction of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and some types of cancers and other health risk factors.

Locally, in Jamaica, treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) imposes a large economic burden on patients, their families and the government.  Chao, Carpio and de Geyndt (2011) indicate that “an individual suffering from NCDs spends approximately one third of household per capita expenditure on healthcare services and purchase of pharmaceutical drugs” (p. 43).  They also indicated that the 2006 and 2007 annual average total economic burden of NCDs was estimated to be JM$47,822 million. 

Qualifications

• A Bachelor Degree from a recognized tertiary institution offering preparation in exercise science and a minimum of five (4) years working experience in exercise science with knowledge of research and planning or Diploma in Exercise Science and a minimum of five (5) years working experience in the area with knowledge of research and planning
• Knowledge of health related (Non-Communicable Disease) issues.
• Have a valid taxpayer registration number (TRN).
• Must be able to travel across the island

Objectives 

• To assist in providing technical guidance to the Health Education Team across the four  Regional Health Authorities
• To build the capacity of Human Resource managers/Wellness coordinators across the island in the development and implementation of physical activity programmes
• To aid in the development of resource materials/tools for targeted population 

Scope of Work

The Physical Activity Consultant will be expected to:

• Assist at least 25 organizations with the development and implementation of a workplace physical activity programme based on their specific needs and in keeping with the Physical Activity Guide & Toolkit for the Workplace.
• Conduct at least 1 capacity building workshop in each parish targeting at least 30 organizations
• Develop additional resource materials that can aid in the capacity building sessions.
• Assist in the development of a manual that demonstrates various types of physical activity in the simplest form that are age and condition appropriate.
• Develop simple physical activity audio visual tool with the following specifications: 1×5 minutes, 1×15 minutes, 1×30 minutes and 1x 60 minutes
• Develop a monitoring and evaluation system to monitor workplace programme
• Assist with providing technical guidance to the Health Education Team across the four Regional Health Authorities
• Partner with key stakeholders to aid in the promotion of increased physical activity
• Formulate strategies that motivate individuals to increase participation in physical activity

Key Deliverables

The specific deliverables of the consultant includes the following:

• Tailored physical activity programmes for at least 25 organizations developed and implemented.
• Capacity building workshop conducted in each parish
• Training materials provided for each participant
• Physical activity booklet developed
• Physical activity audio visual tools developed 
• Monitoring and evaluation system to monitor workplace programme and community programmes developed
• Technical guidance provided to the Health Education Teams across the four Regional Health Authorities
• Monthly reports submitted

All educational materials developed must be pre-tested before circulated in the general public

Note

Interested persons may apply in writing accompanied by resumes. Applications must be submitted no later than June 16, 2017.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact

Director
Human Resource Management & Development
Ministry of Health

10A Chelsea Avenue
Kingston 10.
Jamaica

Email: jobs@moh.gov.jm

Base Salary: Undisclosed