Senior Advisor, Applications Development and Support

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

Information Technology Services (ITS) provides leadership and direction in the deployment of information and communication technologies and systems to support the Pan American Health Organization, Regional Office of the Americas of the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in carrying out its mandate.  Furthermore, ITS establishes and maintains strategies, policies, standards and procedures to ensure the effective and efficient provision of information and communication services in a geographically dispersed environment.

Under the general supervision of the Director, Administration (AM), and the direct supervision of the Director, Information Technology Services (ITS), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited, to the following duties\:

1. Provide technical, strategic and managerial advice to ensure that the information management systems of the Organization operate at optimal levels; collaborate in the implementation of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Strategy and other strategic Organizational change projects as they relate to Management Information Systems;
2. Manage the PASB Management Information System (PMIS) Support Team to ensure that new enhancements and updates are planned and coordinated with functional areas; that business owners’ requests are responded to in a timely manner and that adequate resources are available for this support; ensure that Tier 2 and 3 support is provided as applicable to the end users and functional areas, and that the Governance model is followed; collaborate with and support the Director, Information Technology Services in the preparation of the PMIS Advisory Committee meetings; 
3. Manage the Enterprise Portal Development and Support team; ensure that Business Owners and end user requirements are met, and that this platform meets the current and future collaborative platform needs of the Organization;
4. Manage the Data Management and Business Intelligence Team; ensure that corporate database application levels are up-to-date, that remaining legacy applications are migrated to a modern technology platform, preferably Workday, and lead the effort to move all applications to cloud services;
5. Coordinate with the ITS Director to support IT Governance and manage the portfolio of IT projects within the entity;
6. Perform project management activities related to the development and maintenance of large and complex information systems, including evaluating feasibility studies and alternatives, estimating and scheduling resources and ensuring that appropriate methodologies are followed;
7. Oversee the IT operations in the area of applications management, including service delivery and continuity; ensure effective application of IT best practices; advise and determine courses of action in cases of systems issue escalation;
8. Prepare and evaluate requests for proposals for various information system projects; collaborate in preparing the resulting contracts and manage them;
9. Analyze different technological alternatives and advocate appropriate use of technology and industry practices to solve complex information challenges of the Organization;
10. Set and manage internal client expectations; communicate effectively with internal clients and external partners to identify needs and evaluate alternative business solutions; provide recommendations for areas of improvement in business and operational processes and propose possible solutions;
11. Support the Organization’s efforts to align its systems with WHO’s information systems, as applicable;
12. Prepare reports for the Organization’s Governing Bodies and the Pan American Sanitary Bureau Executive Management;
13. Direct and participate in the development of policies and their implementation and provide authoritative advice in relation to policy and procedures under the areas of responsibility;
14. Support the preparation and execution of ITS’s Biennial Workplan (BWP); develop, define and establish the objectives, strategy, plan and budget of supervised teams; be accountable for the products and services of his/her project;                                                           
15. Formulate and recommend policies and strategies to improve the functions of the supervised teams; administer, allocate and monitor the Teams’ financial, logistical and staff resources; prepare, and justify program and budget proposals;
16. Provide leadership, guidance and monitoring of supervised staff by setting clear work objectives, ensuring timely and effective use of performance reviews and feedback mechanisms, engaging in regular communications, and solving interpersonal or technical conflicts; establish and support a learning environment, to include staff development in the Organization’s fundamentals, managerial competencies and technical expertise;
17. Promote a culture of ethical behavior and integrity in accordance with the Organization’s Code of Ethical Principles and Conduct in order to ensure a culture of respect, responsibility, accountability, and compliance;
18. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Essential\: A bachelor’s and master’s degree in information systems management, computer science, systems engineering, business administration, management or a related field, from a recognized university.

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.

Essential\: Thirteen years of progressively responsible combined national and international experience in information technology and the management of multiple teams across a portfolio of work. The experience should include the implementation, management, maintenance and operations of complex LAN, Web-based and cloud, multi-user information systems and in the support of end users of such complex applications.

• Intrainstitutional Action\:  Displays, through leadership and decisions, understanding of the political systems and underlying drivers. Plans and evaluates both unit and individual results to achieve the PAHO's mission. Requires that projects be grounded in scientific evidence and that they be consistent with PAHO's vision, mission and values, and appropriate for the setting in which they will be carried out.  Demonstrates a full commitment to the mission and values of the Organization by aligning the area of work with the strategic direction of the Organization. Behaves consistently in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Organization.
• Communication\:  Instills a culture that encourages effective communication in multicultural environments.  Models effective dialogue that seeks all opportunities of conversation with key players by displaying or underlying drivers.  Seeks to align the area of work with a strategic direction of the organization by displaying underlying values. 
• Teamwork\:  Develops a high performing team in one’s operational Entity and also encourages teamwork across the Organization.    Establishes and models the standard for teams and teamwork.  Provides significant contributions when participating in internal and external work teams.  Initiates and leads mutually beneficial productive interpersonal relationships based on trust, both inside and outside the Organization. 
• Information Management\:  Initiates, leads and participates in activities to improve systems for the presentation and dissemination of information. Verifies that information from the area of work is handled objectively and presented clearly and equitably.  Develops new strategic forms to be more effective and concordant with the dissemination of the information.
• Performance Management\: Evaluates the performance of subordinates in terms of the organizational strategy, provides feedback offering measurable suggestions and promotes their professional development. Develops and implements realistic and achievable work plans--including tasks, priorities, resources and schedules. Adjusts goals and courses of action to meet changing needs. In a systematic way develops people through demanding and challenging projects utilizing each employee's competencies. Effectively uses the Organization's official performance evaluation processes and systems. Provides constant and positive feedback to focus development efforts. 
• Knowledge Management\: Systematically seeks and disseminates knowledge that can serve as evidence, lessons learned, and good practices within a particular area and the Organization as a whole. Encourages a culture where more experienced professionals share their knowledge within the Organization, letting others learn, create the best criteria and reinforce their knowledge. 
• External Action\: Develops and maintains mutually beneficial working productive partnerships. In the Entity under one’s charge, monitors all activities, using transparency in the execution of all processes.  Verifies that the conditions and deadlines set for turning in the product are met and can objectively report on the results.  Leverages external actors to actors to accomplish strategic goals. 
• Service Orientation\:  Creates, maintains and encourages a client orientated culture.  Seeks information about the real, underlying needs of the client, beyond those expressed initially, and matches these to available (or customized) products or services.  Looks for long-term relationships with the client. 

• Managerial\:  Extensive knowledge and experience in program management and development of long-range Information Technology plans including defining budgetary needs, determining alternative strategies, performing cost/benefit studies, and addressing implementation and integration strategies related to information technology systems.
• Administrative\:  Skills or experience in resource mobilization and familiarity with financial management, and the creation and integration of administrative platforms for the delivery of the highest quality Finance, Budget, Human Resources, General Administrative and Infrastructure services.  Courtesy, tact, sensitivity to manage confidential information, and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different professional levels, discipline, nationalities, and cultural background.
• Technical\:  Demonstrated knowledge and ability to oversee and lead engineering solutions for the modern, reliable, and secure operation of end-to-end enterprise services.  Demonstrated experience in developing and leading customer-focused IT initiatives to re-engineer practices to better serve customers and improve processes, while ensuring product quality and conformance with customer specifications.

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with working knowledge of the other language.  Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

Demonstrated ability to effectively use varied and complex methodologies related to project management; systems analysis and application development; and technologies supporting collaborative work and modern web-based technologies.  

Post Adjustment\: 47.1% 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.

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

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 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.