Specialist, Detection, Verification and Risk Assessment

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 Information Management & Risk Assessment (PHE/HIM) and the direct supervision of the Advisor on Detection, Verification and Risk Assessment (PHE/HIM) the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

a)Conduct signal detection, verification, event risk assessment on potential public health event of international concern notified by the International Health Regulation (IHR) National Focal Points (NF);

b)Manage IHR event related communication received as IHR Regional Contact Point;

c)Provide technical support to develop plans, communication products, and bulletins for response to health emergencies/crises which may require the Organization’s assistance, and management and provision of pertinent information;

d)Collect and analyze data and, disseminate information on acute public health events and emergencies. This includes incident specific information (what, where, who, how many, how quickly, current status), internal and external situation reports (SitReps), Epialerts, rapid risk assessments (RRA), and public health situation analysis (PHSA);

e)Collaborate in strengthening relevant networks for information management during acute public health events, emergencies and disasters, including IHR NFP, Country Offices, Ministries of Health, and health partners;

f)Develop and facilitate training activities, for early warning, outbreak investigation during emergency situations;

g)Support the planning, implementation and the assessment of Early Warning and Response System tool (EWARS mobile) at countries level to guide decision’s response;

h)Collaborate in implementing the Epidemic Intelligence for Open source (EIOS) at national and subnational level to strengthen event-based surveillance;

i)Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in public health, epidemiology, or a health-related science from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master’s degree in public health, or health-related science.

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, only considers official degrees 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: Five years of combined national and international experience in epidemiology, communicable diseases, and international public health. Experience in epidemiology and surveillance of infectious diseases, complemented by experience in the collection and verification of epidemic intelligence and international risk assessments.

Desirable: Experience in carrying out the detection, verification and risk assessment on acute public health events and the International Health Regulation. International experience working in technical cooperation programs in health would be an asset 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: 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:

–Knowledge and skills in the application of the principles of International Health Regulations related to detection, verification and risk assessment programs.

–Theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in communicable diseases epidemiology.

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

–Ability to analyze epidemiological information from different sources to detect unusual situations that pose at risk the international public health.

–Organizational and analytical skills to assist in preparing early warning and epidemiological reports.

–Excellent organizational and analytical skills combined with ability to multi-task and produce accurate results under pressure

–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:

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 other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Word, and Statical Package.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

USD $50,377.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment:70.2% of the above figure(s).This percentage 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 fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

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/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual 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 include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy.

Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

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 organization purposes.