Specialist, Noncommunicable Diseases

PAHO Country Offices are responsible for ensuring that the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) country program of technical cooperation and its country presence provides adequate support to the national health development process and, at the same time, enables countries to shape the sub regional, regional, and global health agendas. The PAHO/WHO Country Office is the basic organizational unit for technical cooperation with the country/ies, drawing on PAHO/WHO resources from all levels and all parts of the Organization.

This is undertaken in close coordination with the Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Department  which 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 non communicable 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.

Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative, and the general 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. Advise and promote the implementation of the technical cooperation program of work for the prevention and control of  noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) to strengthen national capacities to adequately respond to the burden of NCDs, including chronic kidney diseases of non-traditional causes;                                                                                                                                                                                  
2. Provide technical advice to the Ministry of Health  and other national institutions to implement an integrated approach to the promotion of mental health and the prevention and control of NCDs including chronic kidney diseases of non-traditional causes, risk factors and determinants of 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,  chronic kidney diseases of non-traditional causes and mental health, with emphasis on the strengthening of the integration, continuity and quality of the health services from different providers;
4. Promote and support the development of relevant intersectoral networks, alliances, and multi-stakeholder partnerships needed to successfully develop, implement and evaluate non-communicable disease prevention and control programs, including mental health,   chronic kidney diseases of non-traditional causes, risk factors and determinants;
5. Support the development of standards, guidelines, and procedures for the organization, operation and evaluation of national NCD programs; 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;
6. 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; collaborate in the development of strategies for continuing education;
7. 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;
8. Promote and strengthen public health research by assisting in identifying research priorities and institutions in the field of public health and promoting multi-disciplinary studies;
9. 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 in the use of data for decision-making regarding policies and programs for the prevention and control of chronic diseases;
10. Mobilize resources, financial and non-financial by assisting national authorities in the preparation of project proposals and plans to appropriate national, bilateral and international agencies and by facilitating south-south and triangular cooperation for health development;
11. Cooperate and collaborate with other 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;
12. Contribute to the coordination of delivery of the Organization’s technical cooperation programs, working as part of the team of consultants assigned to the Country Office;
13. Collaborate in the preparation of the Representation´s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities;
14. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Essential\: A university degree in a health – related discipline from a recognized institution.

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/collegenavigatorto support the validation

Essential\: Seven years of 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.

Desirable\: Experience working with Chronic Kidney Disease of Non-traditional Origin (CKDnt) would be an asset.

• 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\:  Embraces and leads consensual decision-making, that is, leading the fulfillment of team decisions, even when they may not fully coincide with one’s own opinions or proposals.  Knows how to manage difficult team situations and promotes consensus building.  Takes responsibility for the team’s successes and failures. 
• Knowledge management\: Shares knowledge and information appropriately and participates in activities to facilitate sharing.  Develops tools and protocols for creation, integration and dissemination of knowledge.  Researches opportunities, methods and approaches for delivering value through improved knowledge. 
• 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.
• 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.
• Resource Mobilization\:  Works in an objective manner to obtain and apportion resources (financial and non-financial) according to need. Supports and advises technical areas to enable best use of resources are aligned with the mission and vision of the Organization. Is able to work in a multicultural environment. Is flexible and has the ability to work well under pressure.  Is able to give feedback to partners within and outside the organization about the use of the resources and the results acquired.

• Theoretical and practical expertise level in all aspects related to surveillance, prevention and control of Noncommunicable diseases, and the promotion of health, as well as a thorough knowledge of epidemiology, prevention, and control methods.
• Knowledge of health services policies and administration within the framework of the model of family and community health.
• Knowledge and skills in project planning, management and evaluation, including resource mobilization and grant management.
• Knowledge and skills in the formulation of technical cooperation interventions and in the development of criteria for evaluating program interventions
• Ability to analyze factors, trends, and forecast scenarios based on current surveillance systems and possesses the capability to develop and plan innovative and appropriate solutions for their improvement.
• 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 recommendation on key political and technical issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills, 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.

Essential\:  Very good knowledge of Spanish and a working knowledge of English.  Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

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 would be an asset.

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.

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 personal history form to be considered for this post. 

Candidates must hold a permanent local working visa (citizenship or permanent resident card) of Nicaragua.

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.