Technical Officer, Acute Events Management

Contract

This is a P-3 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 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 127,053 USD and 166,365 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 objective of the Health Emergencies Department (PHE) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is to increase health sector resilience to emergencies and disasters. PHE assists Member States to strengthen the health sector’s capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man-made, biological, chemical, radiological and others) and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. PHE is responsible for ensuring the implementation and updating of the PAHO/WHO Institutional Emergency and Disaster Response policy.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the Advisor, Detection, Verification & Risk Assessment (HIM/DVA) and the general guidance of the Unit Chief, Health Emergency Information & Risk Assessment (PHE/HIM), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Provide technical support for the implementation of activities included in the entity’s program of work and for the application of the International Health Regulations (IHR);

2. Collaborate and perform duties related to the management of acute events and emergencies that involve foodborne diseases and/or contamination of food which may constitute a public health emergency of international concern; serve as Infosan Emergency Regional Contact Point for all related functions;

3. Review, update and publish the National IHR Focal Point (NFP) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be used by IHR States Parties;

4. Carry out the Rapid Risk Assessments on reported foodborne diseases and/or contamination of food which constitute a public health emergency of international concern, ensuring internal and external dissemination;

5. Ensure that all foodborne diseases and/or contamination of food which may constitute a public health emergency of international concern are assessed and registered in the WHO Event Management System (EMS);

6. Analyze the foodborne related events entered in the EMS to determine the timeliness of detection, verification and response and propose recommendations, as needed;

7. Analyze the main results and gaps related to the biannual communication test (phone and e-mail) with the Infosan Emergency Contact Points in the Americas to ensure connectivity 24/7, and prepare the report to be included in the annual Infosan Secretariat document;

8. Analyze the results and identify gaps and challenges related to IHR Annual Confirmation for the 35 States Parties from the Americas Region, and liaise with States Parties and Country Offices to undertake challenges related to designation of the Center of Institution that carry out the National IHR Focal Point functions;

9. Conduct periodic analyses on the use of the WHO Event Information Site by PAHO focal points and the National IHR National Focal Points; identify gaps and challenges and propose solutions;

10. Conduct the analysis and prepare the report to be included in briefing documents and governing bodies documents related to IHR annual confirmation and IHR NFP biannual communication test;

11. Implement activities included in the entity’s program of work and for the application of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and the Infosan Regional Contact Point functions;

12. Participate in the Organization’s emergency and disaster response operations and serve as a member of the Regional Disaster Response Team;

13. Perform other related duties, as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education****:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health or social science, or in any other field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized university.

If your candidacy is retained for an interview, you will need 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 accredited/recognized institution 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 following link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp and the 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: Seven years of combined national and international experience working in epidemiology, communicable diseases and public health. Experience in epidemiology and surveillance of infectious diseases, complemented by experience in collection and verification of epidemic intelligence and international risk assessment.

Desirable: Experience in detection, verification, alert and response and International Health Regulations (IHR-2005), and international experience in technical cooperation programs in health, 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.

· Teamwork****: Collaborate and cooperate with others. - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues.

· Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences****: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize 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.

· Communication****: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Write effectively/Listen/Shares knowledge - Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience. Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers. Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans). Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed.

· Knowing and managing yourself: Manages stress/Invite feedback/Continuously learn - Remains productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self- awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance. Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps.

· Producing Results****: Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own timelines effectively and efficiently. Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project’s expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary. Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.

· Moving forward in a changing environment****: Propose change/Adapt to change - Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise. Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

· Knowledge and skills in the application of the principles of international health regulations related to detection, verification and risk assessment programs.

· Excellent skills in all aspects of the development and operation of information systems complemented by the ability to design, analyze and produce information system applications and databases.

· Ability to exercise tact, discretion, and mature judgment; independently take initiative in procuring intelligence, and the ability to produce results under crisis situations.

· Excellent organizational and analytical skills combined with ability to multi-task and produce accurate results under pressure.

· Ability to integrate managerial and administrative inputs into recommendations for decision-making.

· 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 working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese 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, Visio, Project and Word are considered essential.

REMUNERATION

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

USD $5,343.42 (Salary is non-negotiable)

Post Adjustment****:

USD $3,393.07 This amount 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 identify candidates to fill other similar short-term professional positions, at the same grade level.

· Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this position as a form of screening.

· The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.

· 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 is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

· PAHO also promotes a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of abusive conduct.

· PAHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.

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

· Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are encouraged.

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