Technical Officer, Health Emergencies

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.

The incumbent will provide technical support to national health authorities and other relevant stakeholders, supporting PAHO’s programs on epidemic and emergency preparedness and response. He/she will collaborate in strengthening national preparedness, response, and core capacities under the International Health Regulations (IHR), to manage all-hazard risks and emergencies, and to build multisectoral approaches for health security. As part of the PAHO Health Emergencies (PHE) team, the incumbent will provide technical support at the country level in coordination, preparation and implementation of base programs and emergency operations activities. The incumbent also provides support to project management and administration tasks and activities, when necessary. Within the PAHO/WHO country office, the incumbent will be part of a multifaceted team, operating within the framework of the approved Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and directed by the regional health priorities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the Advisor, Health Emergencies, a.i. and the general guidance of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1) Provide technical support in collaboration with the Advisor, Health Emergencies, to national authorities in, and coordinate selected aspects of, the PAHO HealthEmergencies (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 in collaboration with the Advisor, Health Emergencies, 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;

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 in coordination with the Advisor, Health Emergencies 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 coordination with the Advisor, Health Emergencies, 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 in coordination with the Advisor, Health Emergencies 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 on 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 managing identified risks, effectively monitoring and evaluating processes, outcomes and the impact of response and recovery interventions;

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 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 health, social, or environmental science or any other field 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.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: Three years of professional national experience in supporting emergency response efforts, 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 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 - 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 other individual issues.

·Respecting and valuing individual differences: Treats everyone with dignity and respect, fostering positive relationships with everyone. Reflects on personal behavior to avoid stereotypes and considers situations from the perspective of others.

·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:

·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 supporting the establishment and management of 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.

·Experience with data collection and analysis, with ability to interpret and report on findings.

·Experience in data analysis and interpretation related to epidemics/pandemics.

·Knowledge of technical principles and practices related to health emergencies, including standard operating procedures, data collection and reporting, and analytical and problem-solving skills.

·Understanding of public health principles and ability to think critically, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills to address challenges and sensitive 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

Monthly Salary: (Net of taxes)

Q $30,487.92 (Salary is non-negotiable)

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 (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.
• 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 and individual differences.
• 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.
• Candidates must be nationals or hold a permanent working visa (permanent resident card) from Guatemela.