Technical Officer, Communicable Diseases & Environmental Threats to Health

Contract

This is a NO-B contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 3,409 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 is a requisition for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Heath Department (CDE) promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities directed toward the surveillance, prevention, control, and elimination of communicable diseases and zoonosis that are technically sound and appropriate for the political and sociocultural context in which they are implemented. It strives to achieve a sustainable impact on health by providing normative guidance, furthering the implementation of evidence-based interventions, and fostering alliances that strengthen country capacity, improve the effectiveness of inter-country collaboration, and facilitate policy and decision-making processes through improved health information coverage, analysis and quality at all levels.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative, and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Health Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control (CDE), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Provide technical and programmatic support for the development, update and implementation of evidence-based policies, plans and strategies aimed at the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases, zoonosis, neglected tropical diseases and environmental threats to health within the framework of PAHO’s Strategic Plan;
2. Provide technical cooperation support to strengthen the evidence-based approach in the preparation of key norms, guidelines, and strategies to guide the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases, zoonosis, neglected tropical diseases and environmental threats to health as well as treatment protocols;
3. Provide support for technical cooperation activities related to prevention and control, elimination and reintroduction of vector borne diseases, zoonosis and neglected tropical diseases;
4. Promote and coordinate development of research capability, technologies and tools that apply to advocacy, communication, partnership, and collaboration in combatting vector borne diseases, zoonosis, neglected tropical diseases and environmental threats to health;
5. Provide and develop technical recommendations to improve surveillance on vector-borne diseases, zoonosis, neglected tropical diseases and environmental threats to health;
6. Identify and disseminate best practices; monitor and evaluate progress on elimination and control of vector borne diseases, zoonosis, neglected tropical diseases and environmental threats to health;
7. Support and disseminate strategies to facilitate the development and strengthening of laboratories to support diagnosis, program monitoring and impact assessments for all vector borne diseases, zoonosis, neglected tropical diseases and environmental threats to health;
8. Promote research activities and capacity building in the areas of vector borne diseases, zoonosis, veterinary public health, neglected tropical diseases and environmental threats to health;
9. Cooperate and collaborate with other projects to achieve efficient coordination of activities, systematic utilization of resources and comprehensive development of study, research and analytical capacities required for the prevention and control of vector borne diseases, zoonosis, neglected tropical diseases and environmental threats to health;
10. Mobilize financial and non-financial resources by assisting national authorities in the preparation of project proposals and plans to appropriate national, bilateral, and international agencies and by facilitating south-south and triangular cooperation for health development;
11. Collaborate in the preparation of the Representation's Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of technical cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical, and socioeconomic realities;
12. Collaborate in the coordination of bi-national projects and activities;
13. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education****:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health-related science related to the functions of the post, from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master's degree in communicable diseases, environmental health, epidemiology or public health and/or formal training in health research 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: Five years of national professional experience working in epidemiology, public health, vector-borne diseases and neglected diseases control and prevention.

Desirable: Experience in research, policy briefs and data analysis 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:

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of epidemiological methods, information systems, and biostatistics and their relation to vector borne diseases, zoonosis, neglected tropical diseases and environmental threats to health.
• Proven knowledge in preventive public health, epidemiological research, vector borne diseases, zoonosis, neglected tropical diseases and environmental threats to health.
• Ability to design and develop project interventions; knowledge and skills in project planning, management, and evaluation, including resource mobilization and grant management.
• Expertise in utilization of new information and communication technologies in the implementation of technical cooperation.
• 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 recommendations on key political and technical issues.
• 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 Spanish with a working knowledge of English. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook, Epi-Info or Stata, Tableau. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as Visio and Project would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

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

C$1,281,943.00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Local Recruitment)

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 offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary (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.

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

Candidates must hold a permanent local working visa (citizenship or permanent resident card) of Managua, Nicaragua.

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 organizational purposes.