Technical Officer, Tropical and Vector-borne Diseases

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 105,852 USD and 138,605 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 Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control and Elimination (CDE) Department promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities directed toward the surveillance, prevention, control, elimination and/or reduction 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, fostering alliances that strengthen country capacity, improving the effectiveness of inter-country collaboration, and facilitating policy and decision-making processes.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR) and the technical guidance of the Unit Chief, Neglected, Tropical and Vector-borne Diseases (CDE/VT), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Collaborate and support the country in the process of consolidation of malaria surveillance, maintaining zero indigenous cases in 2024 and preparing for the certification as a malaria free country in 2025;

2. Guide the country team in the elaboration of the National Malaria Elimination Report to be submitted to WHO in January 2025, including the National Plan for Prevention of Malaria Reestablishment;

3. Guide and provide support for the updating of treatment guidelines to address technical and policy gaps in the 2018 version;

4. Provide technical support to improve case investigation and response efforts including the review of all case investigation forms for malaria cases since 2022; include justification for case classification;

5. Facilitate capacity building to strengthen the health system response to the elimination of malaria, including actions to finalize the development, hosting and implementation of an online data platform;

6. Coordinate actions to finalize the elaboration of guidelines for entomological surveillance in malaria, as one of the requirements for elimination certification process, including actions to put sentinel sites for entomological surveillance into operation.

7. Promote alliances and operational associations among institutions from different sectors of the society, at different governmental levels (national and local) for malaria elimination;

8. Facilitate alliances to increase collaboration with national environment authorities to promote malaria testing in legal mining sites and reinforcement of agreements on environmental management of mining pits/breeding sites;

9. Promote actions to increase collaboration with migration authorities for malaria outreach activities and surveillance in border areas;

10. Collaborate and promote activities to mobilize political support for malaria elimination and foster commitment of key stakeholders in engaging in joint activities to achieve the certification as malaria free country;

11. Provide technical support for the preparation of proposals for submission to the Global Fund and other financial institutions to consolidate malaria elimination and prevention of reestablishment of malaria as well as the implementation of work plans with approved proposals in the Country;

12. Promote and facilitate inter-country cooperation and coordination of collaborative multi-country efforts towards the elimination of malaria in the Guyana Shield in coordination with the Regional Malaria Program and PAHO offices in neighboring countries;

13. Contribute to the development of an information platform to exchange epidemiological information and risks in malaria between the countries of the Guyana Shield;

14. Collaborate in the preparation of the Representation’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the implementation of international cooperation;

15. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education****:

Essential: A university degree in a health discipline related to the functions of the position, from a recognized institution.

Desirable: A master's degree in tropical medicine, infectious diseases, epidemiology, entomology or public health would be an asset. Training in malaria elimination 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 malaria, epidemiology and vector-borne disease prevention and control programs.

Desirable: Proven experience in the operational aspects of prevention, control and elimination of communicable diseases 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 time lines 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:

· Strong knowledge and expertise in surveillance, prevention, control and elimination of malaria and other neglected infectious diseases of public health importance.

· Demonstrated knowledge and experience working on malaria elimination strategies and prevention and control of neglected diseases in the Region of the Americas.

· Knowledge of entomology and the Integrated Vector Management strategy and its use and application in the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases.

· Knowledge of program and project management, including planning, setting objectives and targets, monitoring and evaluation, with special focus on budgeting and financing aspects as well as stakeholder mapping, analysis and engagement.

· Knowledge and skills in the development and execution of programs, plans and projects.

· Organizational and managerial skills to effectively manage resources and facilitate interprogrammatic collaborations.

· Ability to analyze technical information and data and to synthetize inputs from multiple sources to support the development of evidence-based strategies, guidelines and training materials.

· Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the preparation 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 a 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.

REMUNERATION

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

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

Post Adjustment****:

US$ 2,030.50 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.