Advisor, Health Governance, Leadership, Policy, and Planning

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 primary objective of the Department of Health Systems and Services (HSS) is to strengthen health systems based on Primary Health Care, supporting universal health coverage. Its work encompasses the following areas: strengthening health systems governance for social protection in health; strengthening regulatory frameworks and financial protection mechanisms to promote the progressive realization of the right to health; organizing people-centered, integrated health service delivery; promoting access to and rational use of quality, safe, and effective health technologies; strengthening national health research systems, and promoting the integration of scientific knowledge into health care, health policies, and technical cooperation; and developing human resources for health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Health Systems and Services (HSS), and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Human Resources for Health (HSS/HR), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1.Provide technical, strategic advice and programmatic direction for the implementation of the program of work to strengthen health governance, policy, planning and leadership in the context of the Regional Strategy for Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage, and the development of more inclusive and resilient health systems;

2.Collaborate with Member States in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national health plans based on Primary Health Care for the progressive realization of Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage, building resilience within health systems, guided by the Essential Public Health Functions; coordinate within HSS and with other PAHO technical departments and Country Offices;

3.Collaborate and support Member States in the development, organization and implementation of health systems reform and transformation processes through strategic analyses and systematization of countries’ health planning and health sector reform formulation; develop and implement processes to improve access and equity in health, greater resiliency in health systems, ensuring coordination, when necessary, with other international development agencies and financing institutions, and with PAHO Country Offices; provide critical comparative analysis and interpretation of enabling factors within the health and other sectors;

4.Support the development and monitoring of national and regional agendas to strengthen the regulation of financing and provision of health services, especially in relation to the participation of the private sector;

5.Provide technical support to strengthen the leadership capacities of national health authorities in formulating and implementing the health-related components of public social protection policies through social programs that promote Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage; promote intersectoral coordination for the formulation and implementation of inclusive policies that address the social determinants of health; promote legislation and regulations relevant to the health system, engaging government ministries, NGOs, community-based organizations, and other civil society organizations, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders;

6.Provide technical advice and support to Member States for the development and/or strengthening of mechanisms and processes for social participation and participatory dialogue, ensuring accountability and transparency in the formulation and implementation of national health policies, strategies, plans and/or programs;

7.Provide support to countries in building capacities for policy dialogue and coordination with the international donor community and other key stakeholders, promoting alignment of international cooperation initiatives in global health with the objectives stated in national policies, plans and strategies;

8.Disseminate appropriate and relevant scientific and evidence-based technical information in support of health governance, policy and leadership;

9.Coordinate expert and knowledge management networks in health governance, policy and leadership to support health systems strengthening for the progressive realization of Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage; facilitate the documentation and communication of country experiences and inter-country collaboration, promoting South-South and triangular cooperation;

10.Collaborate in the design of strategies and actions for the mobilization of resources, in support of the Project’s programs and/or projects funding;

11.Participate in the analysis and preparation of the Project’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP), budget and technical evaluation reports;

12.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.

13.Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A university degree in one of the health, social, or management sciences and a master’s degree in health governance, health policy, public health or other field related to public health from an accredited institution.

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.WHO, only considers higher educational qualifications 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 areas related to health systems development, health governance, leadership and health policy and planning. Experience should include direct implementation of health policies and plans, preferably through inclusive and participatory processes, and work with other sectors, in particular the social and economic sectors, to address the social determinants of health.

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 - Relates well to diversity in others and capitalizes 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:

·Expert knowledge in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of health policies, plans and programs; establishment and management of participatory mechanisms for policy dialogue and intersectoral coordination in health; and development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of interventions to strengthen health governance and leadership to address the social determinants of health.

·Expertise in strategic thinking and management, political and stakeholder analysis and coordination, social participation, communication, negotiation methods, conflict resolution, leadership development, change management and health systems performance.

·In-depth knowledge in health governance, leadership, policy, and planning operational research.

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

·Expertise in formulating project proposals for external financing.

·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 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

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

USD $77,326.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment:70.2% 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.