Advisor, Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology

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 90,970 USD and 117,287 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 PAHO Caribbean Subregional Program is responsible for providing subregional technical cooperation to strengthen PAHO’s engagement with the Caribbean Subregional integration mechanisms, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its various bodies and organs; and to build synergistic partnerships with the subregional institutions such as the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the University of the West Indies (UWI), among others. PAHO’s subregional technical cooperation specifically focuses on public health issues which would benefit from economies of scale and for which agreement on proposed collective responses and actions would produce a far greater impact rather than individual country responses. The Subregional Program also plays a role in coordinating among the different PAHO country offices.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the Subregional Program Coordinator, Caribbean (SPC-CRB), and the general supervision of the Director, Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health (CDE), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Provide technical, strategic and programmatic advice to subregional authorities and Country Offices in the implementation, strengthening and monitoring of core capacities in compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR), in collaboration with the IHR Regional Contact Point;
2. Support subregional authorities and Country Offices in the implementation and monitoring of progress on PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative, in collaboration with relevant technical units at PAHO HQ;
3. Provide advice and guidance for the collection, organization, compilation and reporting of epidemiological and surveillance data and information from Caribbean countries and territories, in collaboration with CDE, PHE and CARPHA staff;
4. Compile country epidemiological and surveillance data and information and conduct analyses of the Caribbean to share with relevant subregional partners and identify subregional capacity building needs;
5. Provide technical advice and support to subregional authorities and Country Offices in the area of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), in collaboration with the regional AMR unit;
6. Provide technical advice and support subregional authorities and Country Offices in the implementation of PAHO’s Integrated Management Strategy for Arboviral Disease Prevention and Control in collaboration with the regional Arboviral diseases program;
7. Coordinate, develop and provide technical and managerial support for epidemiology and surveillance training programs in the Caribbean sub-region, particularly for the PAHO Skills on-line training program;
8. Provide support and advice to subregional organizations, particularly the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), for the development of epidemiology, surveillance and response capacities and implementation of related activities/programs in the Caribbean subregion, including capacity-building and training in these areas; support the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs for disease control in the Caribbean subregion;
9. Contribute to the joint preparation of PAHO/CARPHA biennial workplans and budgets, semi-annual work plans and evaluations, in collaboration with relevant PAHO focal points and CARPHA staff;
10. Provide technical support at the national level to Trinidad & Tobago and the Dutch Islands and territories, in the areas of surveillance, epidemiology, communicable diseases and AMR; strengthen core capacity areas in compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR);
11. Collaborate in the development of related publications and other written materials;
12. Represent the Organization at technical meetings/workshops and relevant subregional, regional and international fora in the areas of epidemiology, and disease surveillance and response;
13. 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;
14. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education****:

A bachelor’s degree in a health-related discipline and a master’s degree in epidemiology, public health or any other field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized university.

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 national and international experience in activities related to the application of epidemiological principles and methods in the design, implementation and management of surveillance systems; epidemiological analysis; training; and research.

Desirable: Experience in surveillance and outbreak investigation and control in developing countries, preferably in the Caribbean sub-region, 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****: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Listen/Write effectively/Share knowledge - Foresees communication needs of audience and targets message accordingly. Facilitates open communication; encourages others to share their views openly and takes time to understand and consider their views. 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.
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment****: Provide direction - Manages individual and group projects and ensures that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clearly defined, understood and accepted; delegates work appropriately to achieve best results.
• 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:

• In depth knowledge of, and practical expertise in, public health issues and trends, epidemiological theory, principles and practices and surveillance techniques, systems and procedures.
• Knowledge and practical expertise in the application and monitoring of implementation of International Health Regulations (IHR).
• Advanced knowledge of PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative, the Global and Regional Plans for Antimicrobial Resistance, and the Integrated management Strategy for Prevention and Control of Arboviral Diseases. Skills in developing, monitoring and evaluating surveillance systems and networks at all levels.
• Knowledge and skills in supporting cooperation among countries for health development in the areas of epidemiology, surveillance and response.
• Ability to analyze information, identify problems and recommend solutions or adjustments that take into account the particular situations in different countries.
• Knowledge and skills in project planning, management, monitoring and evaluation, including grant management.
• 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:

Essential: Very good knowledge of English. A working knowledge of Spanish and/or French would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other relevant software programs would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

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

US$ 74,913.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment****: 40.7% 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****.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

A written test may be used as a form of screening.

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.

A written test and/or interview will be held for this post. The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.