Technical Officer, Noncommunicable Diseases, Risk Factors and Mental Health

Contract

This is a NO-A 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 1 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 3,103 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 Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Department promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities, directed at the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and related risk factors, mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders and disabilities, and promotion of optimal nutrition and road safety, that are evidence-based and appropriate for the political and sociocultural context in which they are implemented. It raises political and public awareness and understanding of the burden of the most common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental disorders, related risk factors and conditions and leads multi-sector and multi-stakeholder strategic and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Member States' capacity to promote and protect health through public policies, programs, and services. This will reduce risks and disease burden and contribute to improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of the population.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative, and the technical guidance of the Unit Chief, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH/NV), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Provide technical support for the implementation of the technical cooperation program of work for the prevention and control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health disorders, in order to strengthen capacities to adequately respond to the burden of these diseases;
2. Provide technical support to the Ministry of Health, the National Health Services (NHS) and other national institutions to implement an integrated approach to the promotion of mental health and substance abuse, following a multi-disciplinary and inter-programmatic approach, in coordination with the subregional, regional and global levels of the Organization;
3. Collaborate in the development, implementation, and the evaluation of prevention programs and health services for the control of NCDs and mental health, with emphasis on the strengthening of the integration, continuity and quality of the health services from different providers;
4. Provide technical cooperation for epidemiological surveillance, production, dissemination, analysis and use of scientific strategic information on the epidemiological, clinical and socio-cultural aspects of mental health and prevention of psychoactive substance abuse, expand the coverage and quality of mental health services and the prevention of psychoactive substance abuse, through the implementation of the mhGAP strategy and strengthening the competencies of the human resource related to mental health;
5. Strengthen the continuity of the HEARTS strategy in already linked health services, promoting the inclusion of diabetes and provide technical cooperation for the development and implementation of the HEARTS Strategy Expansion Plan, including HEARTS diabetes module;
6. Provide technical cooperation for the inclusion of NCD medications and technologies from the Strategic Fund, in the national list of essential medicines and their possible purchase;
7. Promote the implementation of different PAHO/WHO packages addressing the NCD risk factors including M-POWER (tobacco), Stay active (physical activity), SHAKE (salt reduction), SAFER (alcohol strategies) trans-fat reduction and nutrition topics, with intersectoral partners;
8. Provide technical cooperation on road safety with the MoH and other national authorities and intersectoral partners, in order to: measure the magnitude of the problem; establishing and enforcing standards to reduce risk factors; promoting protective measures and supporting the health services to ensure timely and appropriate care for victims in order to prevent severe permanent injuries and even death;
9. Provide technical cooperation on disabilities and rehabilitation, promoting health equity for people with disabilities in the Americas, through accessible and inclusive health systems; improving inclusive emergency preparedness and response mechanisms (led by PAHO’s emergency department); strengthening the collection of data and evidence on disability; and promoting community based inclusive development/community based rehabilitation as a means to implementing the CRPD and empowering people with disabilities and their communities;
10. Provide technical cooperation for the coordination and development of joint strategies with the MSP, SNS, and other actors for the comprehensive approach of Cancer, with an emphasis on childhood cancer, cervical cancer, breast and prostate cancer, among others; implementation of hospital and population cancer records; the development of early detection campaigns; review of diagnostic and treatment protocols, among other activities in the country;
11. Generate national and/or international publications, newsletters, press releases, videos and other media on topics related to this consultancy;
12. Collaborate in mobilizing extra-budgetary resources, financial and non-financial; cooperate and collaborate with other projects to achieve efficient coordination of activities and contribute to the coordination of delivery of the Organization’s technical cooperation programs, working as part of the team of professionals assigned to the Country Office;
13. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education****:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health science from a recognized university.

Desirable: Postgraduate studies in 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. 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: Three years of professional experience in the development and evaluation of programs for prevention and control of NCDs, including disease surveillance and health care planning; managing of health services, including primary and secondary health care.

Desirable: Experience in health promotion, community-based health programs, research in NCD, mental health and their risk factors 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****: Shares knowledge - 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 expertise in all aspects related to surveillance, prevention and control of Noncommunicable diseases, and the promotion of health, as well as a thorough knowledge of epidemiology, prevention, and control methods.
• Knowledge and skills in project planning, management and evaluation, including resource mobilization and grant management.
• Knowledge of health services policies and administration within the framework of the model of family and community health.
• Strong public health and strategic thinking background showing resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive areas.
• Ability to analyze factors, trends, and forecast scenarios based on current surveillance systems and possesses the capability to develop and plan innovative and appropriate solutions for their improvement.
• Strong interpersonal skills 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 Spanish and a working knowledge of English.

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 software programs such as Microsoft SharePoint and Project would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

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

RD $1,579,017.00

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 the Dominican Republic.

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.