.
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 Social and Environmental Determinants for Health Equity (DHE) Department leads intersectoral, strategic and collaborative efforts at the regional, subregional and country levels, enabling countries to reduce health inequities, promote health and well-being, address social determinants of health -including its commercial, economic, political dimensions- to integrate equity, human rights, gender and interculturality into the public health agenda, and to address the threats of climate change, to create healthy environments and to prevent disease by addressing environmental risk factors. The incumbent is responsible for providing support for the implementation of the Department’s Knowledge Management and Communications Strategy, in collaboration with the Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health (EIH) and the Department of Communications (CMU). He/she will collect, manage and disseminate the Department-related health information both within the Organization and to regional networks and cooperating agencies. This includes the management of existing information, and the production and dissemination of new resources, such as web pages (internet and intranet), databases, newsletters, fact sheets, briefs, and contents to be disseminated through social networks (in accordance with the Organization’s guidelines). He/she assists in enabling the Department’s projects in the development of knowledge management and capacity building to promote its work, including training, health situation analysis, and health policy development. The incumbent provides technical support in information and knowledge management initiatives within the general framework of the Organization’s mission, including the EIH and CMU strategic objectives. The incumbent recommends information and knowledge management actions to support the technical cooperation work plan. The incumbent must exercise a high degree of independent judgment and initiative, make recommendations, and is required to assume leadership and initiative in the areas of responsibility with colleagues both internally and externally to the Organization.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the general supervision of the Director, Communications (CMU), and the direct supervision of the Director, Social and Environmental Determinants for Health Equity (DHE), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to the following assigned duties:
1. Coordinate the adoption and implementation of the Knowledge Management and Communications Strategy within the Department, in close coordination with the Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health (EIH) and the Department of Communications (CMU); addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), priorities and leveraging modern information technology tools; and improved methodologies of information sharing and knowledge management initiatives; take the lead in the development of the Department’s communication and advocacy activities to support and promote the Department’s biennial work plan and strategic objectives; assist in the development of education and advocacy materials; provide strategic support to develop and strengthen a consolidated approach to synchronize and harmonize knowledge management and communications initiatives;
2. Develop, implement, and evaluate knowledge management and information sharing strategies collaborating with the Director, Unit Chiefs, and technical staff in the Department; assist in the design and implementation of an integrated management approach of the Department’s dissemination, communication and publication policies/guidelines to promote the technical cooperation projects and the production of project-specific technical publications and promotional materials;
3. Collaborate on communication campaigns, of special significance for the Department; identify information requirements and provide timely solutions;
4. Leverage online tools to monitor and collect information, support technical staff in gathering evidence-based information for program implementation and policies; review web-metrics reports, provide support and one-to-one training for current and emerging online communication channels;
5. Serve as the focal point for EIH and CMU providing strategic support for developing principal products and services, organized by the following areas of work:
⦁ Knowledge Management & Organizational Learning: training sessions on virtual tools; develop Communities of Practice (CoPs) and maintain the Department’s Intranet/Website;
⦁ Editorial Services: provide editorial support for scientific, technical and/or promotional materials ensuring quality and integrity of information;
⦁ Library and Information Networks: Update the Organization’s taxonomy coordinate with the Library to provide to the Department staff the accessibility to scientific articles and bibliographic databases, etc; develop and promote digital literacy initiatives for the Department staff and within the program of work, based on EIH guidelines and Learning Board; promote the integration with the institutional repository initiative and promote the operation of the Virtual Health Library related to the Department’s production, in coordination with EIH/BIREME;
⦁ Multimedia Relations and Services: Support external media requests, edit content and provide media training to technical staff;
⦁ Institutional Branding: Promote a focused branding and strategic approach to the Organization’s name, visual recognition, public relations efforts, and campaigns across all Department’s visual communication, media and associated networks; coordinate data on information products, based on the guidelines of the Publishing Policy and the Institutional Branding principles and standards;
6. Ensure DHE’s visibility in Organization’s thematic campaigns promoting the correct use of the virtual resources and platforms, and the social and institutional networks; develop and maintain a database of professionals who work with Knowledge Management and Communications within the Department and externally; identify opportunities for and forge strategic partnerships to improve dialogue and outreach activities to promote the Department’s program of work;
7. Work in close coordination and interaction with the Department’s Administrative Team, EIH and CMU staff;
8. Perform other related duties, as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: A bachelor’s degree in information sciences, information management, knowledge management, communications or any other field related to the functions of the post from a recognized institution.
Desirable: Training in emerging technologies and methodologies for knowledge management and communication 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: Five years of combined national and international experience working in the area of information and knowledge management and/or communication projects.
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.
Technical Expertise:
• Theoretical knowledge of knowledge management and communication principles, and “best practices”.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver knowledge management programs and/or content management systems and information architecture.
• Knowledge and skills in emerging information and communication technologies electronic/digital library systems and knowledge sharing methodologies.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships, assess complex issues and provide recommendations for decision making.
Strong technical, analytical and conceptual skills, with excellent 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 Spanish or English with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French 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, Visio, and Project, knowledge of Web 2.0 concepts are considered essential; Virtual Collaboration tools; open-source tools such as Joomla, etc.
REMUNERATION
Monthly Salary: (Net of taxes)
$4,198.08 (Salary is non-negotiable)
Post Adjustment:
$2,947.05 This amount 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 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 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 may include: 2.5 days annual leave per month, generous telework policy, parental leave, sick leave, pension plan, and health insurance scheme. Other benefits for internationally recruited staff may include travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, settling-in grant and rental subsidy.
• 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 diversity.
• 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.
Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements