Advisor, Diabetes Prevention and Control

Overview

Provide technical cooperation for diabetes prevention and control initiatives.

You have:

• A medical degree and a master’s degree in public health or a field related to noncommunicable diseases from a recognized university.
• Nine years of combined national and international experience working in noncommunicable disease management, of which at least 5 years should be work experience directly in diabetes.
• Very good knowledge of English or Spanish, with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize data analysis programs such as EpiInfo, Stata and SAS, and office software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 140,640 USD and 181,326 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Department promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities, directed at the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and related risk factors, mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders and disabilities, and promotion of optimal nutrition and road safety, and violence prevention, that are evidence-based and appropriate for the political and sociocultural context in which they are implemented. It raises political and public awareness and understanding of the burden of the most common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental disorders, related risk factors and conditions and leads multi-sector and multi-stakeholder strategic and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Member States' capacity to promote and protect health through public policies, programs, and services. This will reduce risks and disease burden and contribute to improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of the population.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Noncommunicable Diseases, Violence and Injury Prevention (NMH/NV), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Provide technical cooperation to Member States in the implementation of the Regional Plan of Action on Noncommunicable Diseases at regional, subregional and national levels, with a focus on diabetes prevention and control;
2. Advise and lead public health interventions to improve diabetes prevention, diagnosis and management, including self-management, with emphasis on improving quality of care, especially at primary and secondary care levels;
3. Collaborate with WHO, Member States and external partner organizations to develop and promote the implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact, and evidence-based guidelines, norms and protocols for diabetes prevention and control, including for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and related metabolic disorders;
4. Develop and lead initiatives that will increase capacities and skills of primary level care providers on evidence-based interventions for NCD management, including diabetes prevention and control;
5. Analyze, promote and improve the situation of access to essential medicines and technologies for diabetes control in the region, in collaboration with the Organization’s medicines and technology program; provide technical assistance to increase the utilization of the PAHO Strategic Fund to increase access to essential medicines for diabetes;
6. Collect, analyze, synthesize and disseminate scientific and technical information related to diabetes prevalence, management and related health conditions, and facilitate the use of the information in planning and evaluation of national NCD programs;
7. Collaborate and cooperate with staff in the NCD team, and relevant PAHO departments to promote and ensure coordination and synergies for NCDs, with a focus on diabetes prevention and control, and to ensure greater effectiveness and utilization of organizational resources;
8. Provide technical input, contribute to, and ensure regional considerations provided to WHO’s initiatives on diabetes prevention and control;
9. Promote and raise the visibility of the work of the Organization, on diabetes prevention and control;
10. Mobilize international and national political, technical and financial resources and extra-budgetary funds in support of national and regional programs on diabetes and other NCDs; obtain extra budgetary resources to extend the scope of technical cooperation for diabetes and other NCDs, by preparing project proposals for the appropriate national, bilateral and international financial agencies and collaborate in the implementation, monitoring and reporting of those projects;
11. Collaborate in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Organization’s Strategic Plan, emphasizing activities under the program area for NCDs, with a focus on diabetes;
12. Represent the Organization at national, regional and international technical meetings and in inter-agency collaborations on diabetes and other NCDs;
13. Contribute to organization-wide policies, plans, strategies, and budgets, in support of the mandates related to NCDs; report to Governing Bodies, through executive presentations and reports, on the status or results of the activities;
14. Participate in the preparation of the Unit’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP), budget and technical evaluation reports;
15. 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;
16. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education****:

Essential: A medical degree and a master’s degree in public health or a field related to noncommunicable diseases from a recognized university.

Desirable: A Ph.D. in public health or related field from a recognized university 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 working in noncommunicable disease management, of which at least 5 years should be work experience directly in diabetes.

Desirable: Practical clinical and public health experience in diabetes prevention and control, and experience in diverse economic settings 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 knowledge and technical expertise at the highest level in all aspects related to diabetes prevention and management.
• Practical expertise in effective public health interventions for the prevention and control of diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases.
• Demonstrated project management skills in planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Ability to develop collaborative working relationships, mobilize resources and coordinate activities among various internal and external partners.
• Excellent analytical skills and demonstrated ability to collect, analyze and synthesize information on noncommunicable diseases including diabetes, and to prepare scientific, educational and advocacy materials to disseminate the information.
• Ability to transfer knowledge to national counterparts and to promote the adoption and/or application of appropriate public health interventions that would be responsive to the different social, cultural, and economic realities in the countries.
• Managerial skills for the development, implementation and analysis of technical cooperation program and activities, including budget programming and control.
• Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and tact to effectively communicate with senior level officials, multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish, with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize data analysis programs such as EpiInfo, Stata and SAS, and office software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary****: (Net of taxes)

US $ 74,913.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment****: 49.6% of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level****.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org

PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance). Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy.

Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post. The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.

Potential interview questions