Description Of Duties
Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR)and the general supervision of the Director, Health Emergencies (PHE), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:
Lead and provide specialist technical guidance to national authorities in, and coordinate all aspects of, the PAHO Health Emergencies (PHE) program, at the country level, to enhance the national capability in preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases, outbreaks, and health emergencies from all hazards;
Ensure the concerted approach of PAHO in the areas of emergency risk management, country preparedness and International Health Regulations (IHR), risk and situation assessments and infectious hazards management;
Collaborate with and guide relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work for emergency preparedness and management and to develop/revise national strategies and a national multi-hazard, health emergency preparedness and response plan;
Prepare a national risk profile, assessing and mapping existing and emerging national health risks as well as populations vulnerable to, or affected by, prioritized risks, their coping capacities and health needs;
Coordinate the identification of resource needs and funding gaps for health-sector risk reduction, preparedness, and response for vulnerable / affected populations, advocating with and mobilizing required resources from partners and donors;
Manage the assessment of capacities and national, competency development systems, and recommend, plan and facilitate the implementation of appropriate measures and training for strengthening core capacities under International Health Regulations including to manage identified risks; effectively monitor and evaluate processes, outcomes and the impact of response and recovery interventions;
Guide the national health authorities and partners in the establishment or strengthening of emergency health care systems to ensure the provision of a range of critical emergency health care services;
Guide the work of the country office and national- and state-level governmental authorities on policy formulation and the building of core capacities for early detection, verification and rapid response to epidemics and other public health events of international concern, as required in the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005;
Enhance national capacities in forecasting and detection systems during emergencies, including laboratory surveillance;
Promote PAHO’s position and influence national health authorities to develop infection prevention and control programs in health care facilities, particularly focusing on health facilities preparedness and response to epidemics and pandemics;
Participate and build country office capacity in the organization-wide, event-management system and PAHO’s disaster risk reduction and response operations through risk assessment and response activities for unusual health events;
Manage the knowledge capture from policy, strategic and field interventions, and ensure its dissemination;
Represent PAHO in inter-agency meetings and external forums related to WHO epidemics and emergency preparedness and response;
Act as first-line emergency responder in case of a country emergency in line with the PAHO Policy and procedures for Institutional Response to Emergencies and Disasters and serve as/or support the Incident Manager in the country in case of a graded emergency. Collaborate with other UN agencies and provide health expertise and required information, Support UN emergency teams, where relevant and in close collaboration with the Regional Office; Serve as a member of Regional Health Disaster Response Team;
Participate in the formulation and negotiation of, and consultation on, project proposals funded by external agencies; collaborate in the implementation, monitoring and reporting of those projects; contribute to the preparation of the Representation´s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities;
When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities;
Perform other related duties, as assigned.
Education
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Essential: A university degree in a health, social, or environmental science and a master’s degree in a health science, public health, or in a discipline related to emergency and disaster management from a recognized institution.
Desirable: A degree in medicine or specialized training in emergency and outbreak management or specific training in humanitarian response, disaster preparedness, or risk reduction would be an asset.
In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO, only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.
Experience
Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in a managerial position in public health, social services, or disaster management (prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery).
Desirable: Experience in the UN System with knowledge of inter-agency mechanisms in the area of national and international preparedness for and response to health emergencies would be an asset. Field experience in public health programs or emergency management programs in developing countries, including coordination of large-scale public health projects, would be an asset.
Skills
PAHO Competencies:
Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity – Relates well to diversity in others and capitalizes on such diversity. Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others – Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve and build rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the team’s successes and shortcomings.
Communication: Write effectively/Share knowledge – Writes down ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible way; drafts and supports the development of guidelines, policies and procedures. Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization.
Producing Results: Work efficiently and independently/Deliver quality results – Monitors own and others’ work in a systematic and effective way, ensuring required resources and outputs. Aligns projects with Organization’s mission and objectives. Consistently solves own and team’s problems effectively as needed. Proactively engages in projects and initiatives, accepting demanding goals, in line with Organizational Strategies and Program of Work. Demonstrates accountability for work of team and sets an example, while explicitly articulating lessons learnt for own and team’s benefit.
Ensuring effective use of resources: Strategize and set clear objectives/Monitor progress and use resources well – Sets specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely objectives for own team and/or the Organization; systematically analyses and anticipates priority projects for own team and allocates necessary resources to achieve them; identifies the cross-Organizational resources needed for large- scale projects in line with key Organizational objectives. Anticipates foreseeable changes and adapts own and team’s projects in the face of unforeseen circumstances and/ or challenges; creates measures and criteria to monitor progress of overall projects against key Organizational objectives; creates cost-effective solutions for the Organization.
Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond: Develop networks and partnerships and encourage collaboration – Builds and negotiates strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of key stakeholders to ensure Organizational results and success. Creates innovative opportunities for promoting synergies inside and outside the Organization to improve Organizational success.
Technical Expertise
Theoretical and practical expertise at the highest level in all aspects related to disaster management, emergency preparedness and response.
Theoretical and practical knowledge in establishing and managing emergency operations, including formulation of strategies, plans of action, project proposals, budgets and reports; familiarity with the international actors in emergency preparedness and humanitarian assistance.
Ability to identify priorities and develop strategies and activities to bring together all stakeholders to promote disaster response and preparedness.
Seasoned expertise in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of event-based data.
Experience in data analysis and interpretation related to epidemics/pandemics.
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources.
Knowledge and skills in project planning, management and evaluation, including resource mobilization and grant management.
Strong public health and strategic thinking background showing resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive areas; demonstrated ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendation on key political and technical issues.
Ability to integrate political, technical and managerial inputs into recommendations for decision-making.
Ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment to re-prioritize actions on short notice.
Languages
For Spanish-speaking countries:
Very good knowledge of English or Spanish, with a working knowledge of the other language. A working knowledge of Spanish and/or French would be an asset.
For English-speaking Countries
Very good knowledge of English. A working knowledge of Spanish and/or French would be an asset.
IT Skills
Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential.
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