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Specialist, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health

Paramaribo

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Paramaribo
  • Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Public Health and Health Service
    • PAHO/WHO Representation, Suriname
    • Malaria, Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases
  • Closing Date: Closed

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.
 
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative, and the general supervision of the Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to the following assigned duties\:
  1. Advise and promote the implementation of the technical cooperation program of work for the prevention and control of  noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in order to strengthen national capacities to adequately respond to the burden of  NCDs;
  2. Provide technical advice to implement an integrated approach to the promotion of mental health and the prevention and control of NCDs, risk factors and determinants of health, following a multi-disciplinary team approach, linking the regional/global levels of the Organization;
  3. Provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and other institutions of the national and sub-regional health and political integration system for the promotion of  health, diagnosis of health problems, as well as the identification of risk factors, methods, and technologies for their control; collaborate in technical cooperation activities particularly related to NCDs;
  4. 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;
  5. Promote and support the development of relevant networks, alliances, and multi-stakeholder partnerships needed to successfully address the problem of mental health,  NCDs, risk factors and determinants;
  6. Promote and facilitate collaboration between the Ministries of Health, academic institutions, other sectors of government, civil society and private sector organizations to strengthen national and sub-regional capacities to implement and evaluate non-communicable diseases prevention and control programs;
  7. Collaborate in the development of  standards, guidelines, and procedures for the organization, operation and evaluation of program activities; optimize the use of national and sub-regional health systems and related socioeconomic infrastructure; implement the strategy of primary health care;
  8. Collaborate in the application of concepts, principles and methods to the planning, programming, administration and evaluation of disease surveillance, prevention and control programs, including functions related to the community level, integrated programs, local health systems, and health promotion;
  9. Cooperate in the development and strengthening of human resources, relating to disease prevention and control, especially in epidemiology, research methodologies, prevention and control programs for noncommunicable diseases, and cooperating in continuing education;
  10. Disseminate appropriate and relevant scientific, technical, and policy information, sharing experiences of successful practices from other countries in integrated prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases;
  11. Promote and strengthen public health research in the area of NCD and risk factors by assisting in identifying research priorities and institutions in the field of public health and promoting multi-disciplinary studies;
  12. Collaborate in the development of national systems of information and public health surveillance for noncommunicable diseases, using as appropriate standard regional and global tools; provide models and support to countries in the use of data for decision-making regarding policies and programs for the prevention and control of chronic diseases;
  13. Participate in obtaining extra-budgetary resources, financial and non-financial by assisting national and sub-regional authorities in the preparation of project proposals and plans for appropriate national, bilateral and international agencies;
  14. Cooperate and collaborate with other programs of work and  projects to achieve efficient coordination of activities, systematic utilization of resources and comprehensive development of study, research and analytical capacities required for the control and prevention of NCDs;
  15. Contribute to the coordination of delivery of the Organization’s technical cooperation and financial assistance, working as part of the team of professionals assigned to the Country Office;
  16. Collaborate in the preparation, implementation and assessment  of the Representation´s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities;
  17. Provide technical support to national authorities for the implementation of Health in All Policies in the areas of NCD and Risk factors;
  18. Perform other related duties, as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education\:
Essential\: A bachelor’s degree in a health-related profession from a recognized university.
 
Desirable\: A master’s degree 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.  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/search/default.asp 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\: Seven years of combined national and international professional experience in the development and evaluation of programs for prevention and control of NCDs, including disease surveillance and health care planning; managing of health services, including primary and secondary health care as well as experience in inter-sectorial approaches to address the underlying determinants essential for mental health.
 
SKILLS\:
PAHO Competencies\:
  • Intrainstitutional Action\:  Operates in a fair, consistent and equitable manner, and displays such behavior by example. Ensures that the mission and the values of the Organization as well as the setting in which projects will be carried out are the drivers in one's technical work. Understands the results required and performs to that standard. Behaves consistently in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Organization.
  • Analysis. Synthesis, and Forecasting\: Takes or organizes individual and collective action after analyzing situations on the basis of the available evidence and knowledge. Continuously analyzes the evolution of situations in an area of work and makes suggestions to adjust or confirm the decisions necessary to implement required actions. Is capable of anticipating the implications of an analyzed situation between six months to one year ahead.
  • Teamwork\: Encourages team members, adds significant contribution when participating in internal and external work teams, and leads through personal example the virtues of team success--collaboration, trust, transparency and joint responsibilities.  Builds and maintains mutually beneficial productive interpersonal relations based on trust, inside and outside the Organization. Keeps every team member informed as well as shares relevant and useful information.
  • Accountability\: Identifies, in conjunction with management, specific activities, processes jobs that require defined accountability, linking them to accountability strategies and objectives.  Revises periodically progress made in the established work plan with his/her supervisor. Constantly reaches their objectives.
  • Knowledge Management\: Supports and develops networked and community working. Identifies, develops and nurtures networks and communities. Identifies and builds on working networks that enable knowledge and information flow. Designs and implements knowledge and information services. Enables utilization of knowledge and information sources. Delivers relevant knowledge and information in most appropriate form. Participates in and learns from networked and community approaches.
  • Evaluation of technical cooperation interventions\: Proposes criteria for evaluating interventions at the process, management, and outcome level, in addition to plans for evaluating technical cooperation, in keeping with the PAHO's strategic direction.
  • Thinking, planning and the strategic management of technical cooperation interventions\: Identifies the risks and benefits of  options for future health initiatives based on the analysis of institutional and political trends. Applies a broad approach to work in the health field.
  • Resource mobilization\: Establishes partnerships and alliances with a variety of institutions and organizations as well as internal partnerships to obtain financial and non-financial resources.  Is able to relate with all types of people and at all levels in order to obtain resources that are needed. Is able to present and disseminate information in a clear manner.  Executes resources according to the agreements previously established with partnerships.
Technical Expertise\:
  • Theoretical and practical expertise in all aspects related to surveillance of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of health, as well as a thorough knowledge of epidemiology, prevention, and control methods.
  • Familiarity with health services policies and administration within the framework of local health systems.
  • Knowledge and skills in project planning, management and evaluation, including resource mobilization and grant management.
  • Knowledge of NCD and risk factor surveillance systems; capacity to identify weaknesses and limitations in their implementation and ability to provide appropriate solutions.
  • Strong public health and strategic thinking background showing resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive areas; demonstrated ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendations on key political and technical issues.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and tact to effectively communicate with senior level officials, multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
  • 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 and 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 a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as Visio, Microsoft SharePoint and Project will be an asset.
 
REMUNERATION
Annual Salary\: (Net of taxes)
US$59,151
 
Post Adjustment\: 26.6% 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.
 
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 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.
This vacancy is now closed.
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