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Qualifications

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 Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Department promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities, directed at the prevention and control of non-communicable 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.

The incumbent is a member of the Unit of Noncommunicable Diseases, Violence, and Injury Prevention (NMH/NV) in the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH), with primary responsibility for supporting the activities related to cardiovascular disease prevention and control (CVD) and specifically the HEARTS project. The incumbent will support the implementation of the HEARTS Initiative in the Americas and will provide technical support for country-based implementation, as well as regional monitoring and reporting on the initiative. The incumbent will work closely with the NMH/NV Unit Chief, Advisor, Chronic Diseases, PAHO/WHO country offices and partner organizations to coordinate activities and assist with the implementation of project activities at regional and country levels.  The responsibilities require a solid technical background, with expertise in the implementation and evaluation of projects, professional work style, teamwork, initiative, diplomacy and tact, excellent analytical and written and oral communication skills.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Noncommunicable Diseases, Violence and Injury Prevention (NMH/NV), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Provide technical support for the establishment of governance and oversight committees for the HEART initiative at the national and local levels, including the defined mechanism for reporting, working in collaboration with PAHO country office teams and the Advisor, Chronic Diseases;
2. Provide support to countries deciding to implement the HEARTS initiative during the critical first six months following the official decision; introduce, orient and support all planning activities;
3. Assist the Advisor, Chronic Diseases in the development/update of a national road map for expansion and national scale-up of the WHO HEARTS technical package and HEARTS in the Americas interventions in countries committed to implement the initiative;
4. Contribute to the update of the regional HEARTS monitoring and evaluation plan, and regular reporting on progress and core indicators;
5. Collaborate and assist with the organization and execution of national, as well as regional, HEARTS meetings and training sessions, with partners and country stakeholders;
6. Provide support for the planning and execution of external monitoring and technical site visits, peer exchanges and learning opportunities for HEARTS project stakeholders;
7. Gather relevant technical information related to the HEARTS project, as directed; obtain and share information on project-related issues;                                                                                                                              
8. Support the Advisor, Chronic Diseases to provide technical support for activities that involve training public health professionals and building academic capacities for HEARTS implementation;
9. Collaborate with PAHO entities and partner organizations to plan and conduct a regional training on the different pillars of the HEARTS in the Americas model;
10. Contribute to the department’s communication and advocacy activities related to the Hearts project, including for relevant World Days;
11. Participate in the department and unit planning and management activities, including preparation and reporting on the biennial work plan (BWP) and semester workplans (PTS), project budgets including grant management;
12. Prepare progress reports, periodic analytical reports to donors, and briefing notes and other related documents;
13. Monitor fund implementation and grant processes, including country implementation of funds and workplans;
14. Support external relations, partnerships, and resource mobilization processes for the Hearts initiative, including supporting non-state actors who are in official relations with PAHO with their annual and bi-annual reporting and work plan review requirements;
15. Manage grants related to the Hearts project and fulfill all reporting requirements, in collaboration with the department’s management and coordination team;
16. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential:  A bachelor’s degree in public health, epidemiology, or other health science related to the functions of the position, from a recognized institution.

Desirable: A master’s degree in a health science. Theoretical and practical training in non-communicable /cardiovascular diseases prevention and control strategies will be an asset.

If your candidacy is retained for an interview, you will need to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an accredited/recognized institution 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 following link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp and the 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: Seven years of combined national and international experience working in public health in the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease and/or noncommunicable diseases.

Desirable:  Practical experience working in public health projects in Latin America and the Caribbean region 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/Deal effectively with conflict – Creates team spirit; promotes collaboration and open communication in the team; proactively supports others; welcomes team responsibilities and drives team results; promotes knowledge sharing in the team.  Proactively identifies conflicts and facilitates their resolution in a respectful manner; tactfully resolves conflicts between or with others and takes action to reduce any possible tension; effectively builds a rapport with individuals and teams, establishing good personal and professional relationships, as well as minimizing risk of potential conflict.

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/Listen/Write effectively/Share knowledge – Foresees communication needs of audience and targets message accordingly.  Facilitates open communication; encourages others to share their views openly and takes time to understand and consider their views.  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/Take responsibility – Prioritizes work, monitors own progress against objectives and adapts plans as required; communicates adjustments as necessary. Acts proactively and stimulates action as needed; handles problems effectively and constructively. 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 – Actively supports Organizational change initiatives and demonstrates personal commitment to them, including when faced with new demands; proposes workable solutions to challenging situations.  Engages in positive responses to a changing environment and promotes workable solutions to achieve own and team’s results.  Welcomes, and actively seeks to apply, new ideas, approaches and working methods and technologies in order to improve own and/or team’s work processes and results; demonstrates commitment to Organizational change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

• Strong knowledge and skills in project planning, management and evaluation, including resource mobilization and grant management.
• Expertise and skills in providing technical support for the development of health programs, plans and projects.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills; ability to prioritize and multitask when required.
• Technical expertise in implementation and evaluation of community-based health programs.
• Knowledge of public health programs for non-communicable/cardiovascular diseases prevention and control.
• 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; ability to present in a clear and concise, diplomatic, tactful, and courteous manner.

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 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)

$5,343.42 (Salary is non-negotiable)

Post Adjustment:

$3,993.07  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.
• 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 abusive conduct.
• 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 has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• 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.