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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 Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Department promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities, directed at the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and related risk factors, mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders and disabilities, and promotion of optimal nutrition and road safety, that are evidence-based and appropriate for the political and sociocultural context in which they are implemented. It raises political and public awareness and understanding of the burden of the most common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental disorders, related risk factors and conditions and leads multi-sector and multi-stakeholder strategic and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Member States’ capacity to promote and protect health through public policies, programs, and services. This will reduce risks and disease burden and contribute to improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of the population.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative, and the technical guidance of the Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1.    Provide technical advice and support for the implementation of the technical corporation program of work for the prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), in order to strengthen capacities to adequately respond to the burden of these diseases;

2.    Provide technical support to the Ministries of Health BHS and TCA, and other national institutions to implement an integrated approach to the promotion of mental health, following a multi-disciplinary and inter-programmatic approach, in coordination with the subregional, regional and global levels of the Organization;

3.    Collaborate in the development, implementation, and the evaluation of prevention programs and health services for the control of NCDs and mental health, with emphasis on the strengthening of the integration, continuity and quality of the health services from different providers;

4.    Support the implementation of the PAHO initiative, Better Care for NCDs: Accelerating Actions in Primary Health Care, to expand access to NCD services within Primary Health Care systems.

5.    Support the expansion of the coverage and quality of mental health services and the prevention of psychoactive substance abuse, through the implementation of the mhGAP strategy and strengthening the competencies of relevant human resources;

6.    Support the development and/or strengthening of national MHPSS coordination mechanisms in order to strengthen country’s capacity to integrate MHPSS into emergency preparedness, response and recovery.

7.    Support the implementation of the HEARTS strategy, promoting the inclusion of diabetes and hypertension;

8.    Promote the implementation of different PAHO/WHO packages addressing the NCD risk factors in collaboration with intersectoral partners;

9.    Provide technical cooperation on road safety, disabilities and rehabilitation through accessible and inclusive health systems;

10. Support the strengthening of national capacities for the development and implementation of NCD and risk factors surveillance systems, data analyses, interpretation and reporting;

11. Identify technical assistance issues (needs, options and resources); supervise/coordinate the technical assistance for the Projects and Terms of Cooperation under areas of responsibilities, and with implementing partners at country level;

12. Contribute to the preparation and dissemination of reports and communication materials on the NCD situation to promote and raise the visibility of the work of the Organization;

13. Contribute to mobilizing extra budgetary resources to extend the scope of technical cooperation for addressing NCDs and mental health issues and collaborate on the implementation, monitoring and reporting of those projects;

14. Represent the Organization at national and regional technical meetings on NCD surveillance;

15. Collaborate in the preparation, monitoring and evaluation of the Representation’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of national technical cooperation;

16. Prepare and maintain all documents and progress reports pertaining to the projects being implemented at the country level;

17. Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

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

Desirable: Postgraduate studies in public health or related field 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, 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 experience in technical cooperation in institutions concerned with public health management and/or NCDs and/or mental health programs.

Desirable: Experience in surveillance of NCDs and their risk factors, health promotion, community-based health programs, research in NCDs and mental health 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:

·       Thorough knowledge and expertise in methods and systems for NCD and risk factor surveillance.

·       Technical expertise in the areas of social determinants of health, health promotion, noncommunicable diseases and mental health.

·       Knowledge and skills in the development, implementation and analysis of technical cooperation programs and interventions and in the development of criteria for evaluating program interventions.

·       Managerial skills for the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects, including resource mobilization, budget planning and management.

·       Excellent analytical skills and demonstrated abilities to analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources.

·       Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and tact to effectively communicate with senior level officials, multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

·       Results oriented and ability to work well under pressure and with tight deadlines.

·       Ability to integrate managerial and administrative inputs into recommendations for decision-making process; ability to work independently and to manage multiple assignments simultaneously;

·       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. Knowledge of Spanish would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, One Drive, Teams and SharePoint are considered essential.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

BSD$63,375.00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Local Recruitment)

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

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) of the Bahamas.

OR

FOR VACANCIES IN CARICOM COUNTRIES USE THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS:

This is a locally recruited post and is only available for citizens of CARICOM Member States (Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago).  Candidates must hold a permanent local working visa or be citizens of a country from CARICOM to apply.

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.