Technical Officer, Epidemic Alert and Response

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

1. Conduct the systematic review for the detection, verification and risk assessment of events which may be considered a public health emergency of international concern in the global context of public health and a risk and/or threat based on the operational strategies and policies of the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005);
2. Maintain the WHO Event Management System (EMS) updated, in accordance with public health regulations by registering all potential public health emergencies as declared by the IHR National Focal Points (NFP) as well as all requests for verification; work in a collaborative manner with Country Offices to collect, assess, and verify information on potential public health emergencies of international concern, in line with the operational requirements of the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005);
3. Develop and monitor the implementation of competency-based training programs on detection, verification, risk assessment, epidemic alert and response;
4. Conduct statistical analyses of information generated by the Event Management System (EMS); analyze and prepare disease risk profiles, and participate in routine epidemiological reporting;
5. Develop and conduct training activities on the Information System for Event Management (SIME) application;
6. Prepare and disseminate information on international acute public health events, as well as recommendations issued by the Organization to PAHO/WHO Representatives, national counterparts and the general public, including the internal dissemination of events via the publication of the Summary of Events, and the dissemination of alerts to the international community via the Epidemiological Alert; transmit information to WHO to be posted in the WHO Event Information Site;
7. Participate in the duty officer system to ensure 24/7 coverage of urgent communications from Member States and Country Offices related to event detection, verification and risk assessment, ensuring that the information from such communications flows rapidly to appropriate offices/officers, and that necessary action is taken in a timely manner, especially during non-working hours;
8. Support the Organization’s emergency and disaster response operations team on outbreak response operations as required;
9. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education****:

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

Desirable: A master’s degree in communicable diseases, public health, or related field 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. PAHO considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in one of the following databases:

World Higher Education Database (WHED), 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/

Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp

College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/ college navigator to support the validation process.

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

Experience****:

Essential: Seven years of combined national and international experience working in epidemiology, communicable diseases and public health. Demonstrated 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, or sound knowledge of PAHO and WHO processes for epidemic alert and response and IHR. Knowledge of statistical methods e.g. disease modeling for risk 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/Deal effectively with conflict - Creates team spirit; promotes collaboration and open communication in the team; proactively supports others; welcomes team responsibilities and drives team results; promotes knowledge sharing in the team. Proactively identifies conflicts and facilitates their resolution in a respectful manner; tactfully resolves conflicts between or with others and takes action to reduce any possible tension; effectively builds a rapport with individuals and teams, establishing good personal and professional relationships, as well as minimizing risk of potential conflict.

· 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/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.

· Producing Results****: Work efficiently and independently/Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Prioritizes work, monitors own progress against objectives and adapts plans as required; communicates adjustments as necessary. Acts proactively and stimulates action as needed; handles problems effectively and constructively. 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 - Actively supports Organizational change initiatives and demonstrates personal commitment to them, including when faced with new demands; proposes workable solutions to challenging situations. Engages in positive responses to a changing environment and promotes workable solutions to achieve own and team’s results. Welcomes, and actively seeks to apply, new ideas, approaches and working methods and technologies in order to improve own and/or team’s work processes and results; demonstrates commitment to Organizational change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

· Knowledge and skills in the application of the principles of international health regulations as they relate to epidemic alert and response programs.

· Theoretical and practical knowledge of and skills in communicable disease epidemiology.

· Excellent data management and web-based application skills.

· Organizational and analytical skills to assist in filtering epidemic intelligence for relevance and credibility.

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

· Mature judgment, strong technical, analytical and conceptual skills; demonstrated ability to assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendations on key managerial and technical issues.

· Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of funding proposals, 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, and Word are considered essential. Knowledge of other software programs such as SIME, Instant Atlas, SPSS Epinfo, Stata, and Tableau, would be an asset.

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.

· PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including a monthly 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 may include: 2.5 days annual leave per month, generous telework policy, parental leave, sick leave, pension plan, and health insurance scheme. Other benefits for internationally recruited staff may include travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, settling-in grant and rental subsidy.

· 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 misconduct.

· 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 is a smoke-free environment.

· 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.