Technical Officer, Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics

Contract

This is a P-2 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 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 98,139 USD and 133,297 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 primary objective of the Department of Health Systems and Services (HSS) is to strengthen health systems based on Primary Health Care, supporting universal health. Its work encompasses the following areas: strengthening of health systems stewardship and governance to achieve universal health and address the social determinants of health, including social protection in health; strengthening of regulatory frameworks and financial protection for progressive realization of the right to health; organizing people-centered, integrated health service delivery; promoting access to and rational use of quality, safe, and effective health technologies; health policies, and technical cooperation; and developing human resources for health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Health Systems and Services (HSS) and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Medicines and Health Technologies (HSS/MT), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Review and analyze technical information submitted by manufacturers for bid solicitations and request for quotes for the procurement of medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics;
2. Provide support for the definition and update of eligibility criteria and the review of the technical requirements for medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics, for PAHO supported procurement;
3. Collaborate and support training on quality assurance procedures in the selection of medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics;
4. Provide technical support to Member States for medical devices regulatory and quality issues and for queries related to local procurement or technical criteria related to medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics;
5. Systematize and analyze data on medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics, procured by PAHO, to determine product traceability and issues concerning quality, safety, and performance by reviewing and analyzing alerts issued by National Regulatory Authorities, technovigilance networks, and WHO;
6. Review the technical dossiers of medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics, submitted for procurement processes, to identify missing information and the validity of certificates; ensure proper organization of information and access, as needed;
7. Develop technical reports to support the quality assurance process of medical devices, including diagnostics, procured by PAHO as well as document standard operating procedures for the effective and efficient processes for medical devices and in vitro diagnostics procurement on behalf of Member States and corporate procurement;
8. Participate in meetings with internal and/or external stakeholders, including national and regional meetings with PAHO Member States, in order to provide technical recommendations related to management of medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics;
9. Participate in the implementation and development of the technical activities of the HSS/MT Unit as defined in the Biennial Work Plan (BWP);
10. Develop the technical specifications and special requirements of the medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics, submitted by the Strategic Fund or upon request of Member States;
11. Liaise with technical counterparts in WHO and WHO’s Regional Offices to share experiences and harmonize criteria for the evaluation and quality assurance of medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics;
12. Perform other duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education****:

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

Desirable: A master’s degree in health sciences 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/search/default.asp 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 combined national and international experience in programs or activities related to health technologies, medical devices management, regulatory systems, quality management systems, quality assurance of medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics.

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:

• Ability to integrate and apply good practices in quality assurance standards and/or compliance with standard operational procedures and guidelines for medical devices.
• Knowledge of international standards for safety, efficacy, and quality of medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics.
• Ability to analyze technical information, synthesize inputs and support the development of criteria.
• Strong analytical, planning, and operational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment and to re-prioritize actions on short notice.
• Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical 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 will be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, in particular spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Visio and Project would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

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

USD$4,104.50 (Salary non-negotiable)

Post Adjustment****:

USD$2,220.53 - 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.