JOB DESCRIPTION
QUALIFICATIONS
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 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 direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR) and the technical guidance of the Director, Health Emergencies (PHE), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:
1. Provide technical support to national authorities in, and coordinate selected aspects of, the PAHO Health Emergencies (PHE) program at country level, to enhance national capability in preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases, outbreaks, and health emergencies from all hazards;
2. Provide technical support for the concerted approach of PAHO in the areas of emergency risk management, country preparedness and International Health Regulations (IHR), risk & situation assessments, and infectious hazards management;
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3. Utilize national insights to collaborate with and support relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work for emergency preparedness and management, and support the development/revision of national strategies and a national multi-hazard, health emergency preparedness and response plans, as well as specific or contingency plans for prioritized events;
4. Prepare a national risk profile, assessing and mapping existing and emerging national health risks as well as populations vulnerable to, or affected by, prioritized risks, their coping capacities and health needs;
5. Provide support for the preparation and implementation of the Work Plan for the health emergency program (PHE) in the country office, as well as the response actions to current and potential pandemic (influenza, COVID-19);
6. Perform intersectoral work in emergency health operations, including the management of information tools, generation of reports and strategic documents, including support to the National Emergency Operating Centre (EOC);
7. Identify resource needs and funding gaps for health-sector risk reduction, preparedness, and response for vulnerable/affected populations, advocating with and mobilizing required resources from partners and donors;
8. Advocate for priorities in the health sector, including protection for health workers and health facilities and the highest possible integration of the health-related activities in the humanitarian country agenda;
9. Support the assessment of capacities and national, competency development systems, and recommend, plan and facilitate the implementation of appropriate measures and training for strengthening core capacities under International Health Regulations (2005), including to manage identified risks, effectively monitor and evaluate processes, outcomes and the impact of response and recovery interventions;
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10.Collaborate in providing support to the national health authorities and partners in the identification and addressing of gaps needed to establish or strengthen emergency health care systems to ensure the provision of a range of critical emergency health care services;
11.Represent PAHO in UN and other inter-agency meetings and external forums related to PAHO epidemics and emergency preparedness and response as designated.
12.Facilitate partner coordination and involvement in health and other related sectors including nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), planning, information, interventions, monitoring and quality assurance, and regularly report on health services delivered to the affected populations;
13.Collaborate in the preparation of the Representation’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities;
14.Participate in inter-programmatic and decentralized work at the different levels of the Organization in order to achieve the maximum levels of efficiency and effectiveness;
15.Perform other related duties, as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health, social, or environmental science related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.
Desirable: A master’s degree in emergency and outbreak management or specific training in humanitarian response, disaster preparedness, or risk reduction 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: Seven years of national professional experience in the areas of disaster management and control of emergencies, disaster risk reduction, including experience in outbreak response.
Desirable: Experience in the UN System with knowledge of inter-agency mechanisms in the area of national and international preparedness for and response to health emergencies 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:
· Theoretical and practical expertise in all aspects related to disaster management, emergency preparedness and response, as well as a thorough knowledge of epidemiology, prevention, and control methods.
· Theoretical and practical knowledge in establishing and managing emergency operations, including formulation of strategies, plans of action, project proposals, budgets and reports; familiarity with the international actors in emergency preparedness and humanitarian assistance.
· Ability to identify priorities and develop strategies and activities to bring together all stakeholders to promote disaster response and preparedness.
· Seasoned expertise in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of event-based data.
· Experience in data analysis and interpretation related to epidemics/pandemics.
· Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources.
· Knowledge and skills in project planning, management and evaluation, including resource mobilization and grant management.
· 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 recommendation on key political and technical issues.
· Ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment and to re-prioritize actions on short notice.
Languages:
Very good knowledge of Spanish with a working knowledge of English.
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
Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)
Costa Rica – ₡36,510,000.00
Panama – USD $72,346.00
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Local Recruitment)
This vacancy notice will be used to fill positions in costa rica and panama.
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 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/WHO 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/WHO 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 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) from Costa Rica or Panama.
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.