Advisor, Emerging Pathogens One Health

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 Department of Health Emergencies (PHE) at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) increases 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 Deputy Director, Health Emergencies (PHE), and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Infectious Hazards Management (PHE/IHM), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1.Provide technical advice and guidance to develop and promote regional and national initiatives and activities to reduce risks from emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics and pandemics, such as those outlined in Action Track 2 of the Quadripartite’s One Health Joint Action Plan 2022–2026;

2.Develop, field test, and disseminate evidence-based strategies to predict, prevent, detect, and respond to emerging and re-emerging pathogens, including zoonotic pathogens;

3.Develop and strengthen surveillance systems at the human-animal-environmental interface for the early detection and containment of emerging and re-emerging pathogens, included zoonotic pathogens;

4.Systematize and disseminate best practices for the ongoing exchange and joint analyses of surveillance information among public, animal and environmental health services;

5.Initiate and coordinate activities with internal and external partners, including research centers and academia, for risk characterization and forecasting of epidemic and emerging pathogens, included in potential animal and wildlife reservoirs;

6.Coordinate and collaborate with other Units, Centers and Departments to improve health by reducing the impact of epidemic-prone diseases using a comprehensive approach to ensure human interactions with animals, animal products, wildlife, and the natural environment;

7.Elaborate studies and projects using a multidisciplinary strategy to predict, prevent, detect, respond and – where possible – control/eliminate epidemic-prone pathogens within a larger ecological context;

8.Strengthen the link between human, animal and environmental health strategies and partnerships proposed and implemented under the PAHO organizational One Health approach;

9.Collaborate in working groups, situation analyses, and research in different subjects related to communicable diseases in the Region, including those of the regional Disease Elimination Initiative;

10.Support the technical secretariat of PAHO’s One Health Coordination Group (OHCG);

11.Promote the mobilization of resources in relation to epidemic-prone diseases, including preparation of project proposals for external funding;

12.Develop and implement innovative training on topics related to the position;

13.Provide advice and support to national institutions and universities, in designing, conducting and evaluating research projects;

14.Prepare and disseminate scientific and evidence-based technical reports, policy documents and position papers;

15.Collaborate with other projects to achieve efficient coordination of activities, systematic utilization of resources and comprehensive development of study, research and analytical capacities required for epidemic alert and response operations;

16.Contribute to the preparation of the biennial work plan (BWP) and budgets, semiannual workplans and periodic evaluations for assigned projects; participate in the performance evaluation of the Unit;

17.When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities;

18.Support the Organization’s emergency and disaster response operations, and serve as a member of the Regional Disaster Response Team;

19.Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health-related profession, microbiology or ecology and a master's degree in veterinary science, public health or any other field related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

Desirable: A doctorate degree in medicine, veterinary medicine, emerging pathogen microbiology or ecology will 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, 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: Nine years of combined national and international experience in public or animal health, in programs involving the control and prevention or research of epidemic-prone diseases.

Desirable: Experience in the surveillance of epidemic-prone diseases and contribution to multidisciplinary teamwork and intersectoral collaboration related to the topics of the position 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.

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.

Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve and build rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the team’s successes and shortcomings.

Communication: Write effectively/Share knowledge - 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 - Monitors own and others’ work in a systematic and effective way, ensuring required resources and outputs. Aligns projects with Organization’s mission and objectives. Consistently solves own and team’s problems effectively as needed. Proactively engages in projects and initiatives, accepting demanding goals, in line with Organizational Strategies and Program of Work. Demonstrates accountability for work of team and sets an example, while explicitly articulating lessons learnt for own and team’s benefit.

Ensuring effective use of resources:Strategize and set clear objectives/Monitor progress and use resources well - Sets specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely objectives for own team and/or the Organization; systematically analyses and anticipates priority projects for own team and allocates necessary resources to achieve them; identifies the cross-Organizational resources needed for large- scale projects in line with key Organizational objectives.Anticipates foreseeable changes and adapts own and team’s projects in the face of unforeseen circumstances and/ or challenges; creates measures and criteria to monitor progress of overall projects against key Organizational objectives; creates cost-effective solutions for the Organization.

Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond:Develop networks and partnerships and encourage collaboration - Builds and negotiates strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of key stakeholders to ensure Organizational results and success.Creates innovative opportunities for promoting synergies inside and outside the Organization to improve Organizational success.

Technical Expertise:

–Ability to integrate human, animal, and environmental health knowledge with the One Health approach to address zoonotic diseases and health threats at the human-animal-environment interface.

–Thorough knowledge of the international public health field and of disease surveillance, including the collection, analysis, modeling, and dissemination of information.

–Expertise in tracking, analyzing, and modeling the spread of zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases, for instance using tools like GIS mapping and predictive modeling.

–Strong managerial, project monitoring and execution experience.Practical experience in the operational aspects of prevention and control programs.

–Familiarity with the strengths and limitations of surveillance systems at the national and regional levels.

–Practical experience in the operational aspects of prevention and control programs required.

–Managerial skills for the development, implementation and analysis of technical cooperation programs and activities, including budget programming control.

–Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy 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

–Proven ability to craft compelling proposals in support of resource mobilization initiatives.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other.Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese will 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

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

USD $84,672.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment:55.4% 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.