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Technical Officer, Neglected Infectious Diseases

Washington D.C.

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Washington D.C.
  • Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • 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 Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health Department (CDE) promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities directed toward the surveillance, prevention, control, and elimination of communicable diseases and zoonosis that are technically sound and appropriate for the political and socio-cultural context in which they are implemented. It strives to achieve a sustainable impact on health by providing normative guidance, furthering the implementation of evidence-based interventions, and fostering alliances that strengthen country capacity, improve the effectiveness of inter-country collaboration, and facilitate policy and decision-making processes through improved health information coverage, analysis, and quality at all levels.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health (CDE), and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Neglected, Tropical and Vector Vector-borne diseases (CDE/VT), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

  1. Provide technical support to strengthen the capacity of Member States to implement the WHO and PAHO policies, plans, and technical recommendations to eliminate neglected infectious diseases (NIDs) including WHO´s Neglected Tropical Diseases Roadmap 2021–2030 and PAHO´s Disease Elimination Initiative: a policy for an integrated sustainable approach to communicable diseases in the Americas;
  2. Provide technical support and actively contribute to the development and implementation of plans, guidelines, protocols, and documents to reinforce countries’ capacities for the elimination of trachoma in an integrated manner with other NIDs in Latin American and Caribbean countries;
  3. Provide technical support to Member States for the implementation of trachoma and other NID surveillance actions (sentinel surveillance, rapid assessments, and baseline, impact, surveillance/validation surveys) that are key to documenting the elimination of trachoma and NID;
  4. Provide technical support to Member States to implement integrated packages of actions to eliminate trachoma and other NID such as SAFE (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement) and MMDP (Morbidity Management and Disabilities Prevention);
  5. Provide technical support to Member States to intensify cross-cutting approaches to eliminate trachoma and other NID including WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). Coordinate within PAHO to provide technical cooperation on intercultural and gender equality approaches to eliminate trachoma and other NIDs according to PAHO’s policies and plans in both areas;
  6. Lead annual planning, implementation, and evaluation of grants supporting PAHO in the elimination of trachoma, actively involving PAHO country offices and Member States. This includes preparing annual implementation plans by country, follow-up and monitoring the implementation of activities and funding, preparing and completing reports;
  7. Coordinate the collection, analysis, and dissemination of technical and scientific knowledge in the region on the elimination of trachoma and other NIDs. Provide technical support to Member States to strengthen health information systems to allow collection, analysis, and utilization of disaggregated data by age, sex, place of residence, and ethnicity to monitor changes and support decision-making on the elimination of trachoma and NID;
  8. Coordinate and collaborate with PAHO’s interprogrammatic teams and Member States in the implementation of intercultural dialogues with local stakeholders and communities, creating spaces for women to partake in the transformation of local health systems, including where possible, the regulatory and policy environment as a key component for reinforcing institutional capacities and sustain actions during and after implementation of integrated interventions for the elimination of trachoma and other NID;
  9. Coordinate with the Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health Department (CDE) communications team regarding the activities to produce communication materials (country profiles, website content, social media content, fact sheets, videos, audio messages, and documents, among others) on the actions implemented in the Region for the elimination of trachoma and other NID;
  10. Provide technical support to Member States on the reporting, dissemination, and use of data using PAHO and WHO forms and procedures, including WHO Joint Action Packages for the report of data and Drug Donation Applications for the Member States, the Trachoma Elimination Monitoring Forms, among others, and support the development and use of the Virtual Collaboration Spaces created for the regional team of NID to reinforce countries capacities on analysis and use of information to support evidence-based decision-making;
  11. Provide technical support to Member States to compile the necessary information on the elimination of trachoma and other NID (compilation of dossiers) based on the established procedures of PAHO and WHO for the elimination of these diseases (e.g., validation, certification, etc.);
  12. Plan, organize, and assist in the implementation of training workshops, and seminars, among others, held in-person or through virtual platforms. Includes collaborating for planning, implementation, and evaluation of regional forums (meetings) for trachoma and other NID as debate spaces with counterparts, partners, and experts to generate knowledge and information for making decisions according to the regional epidemiological profile. Includes participating in international and regional meetings and forums on trachoma and other NID as needed representing the Organization;
  13. Work with WHO’s Collaborating Centers, US CDC, USAID, DFATD, and other bilateral agencies, foundations, NGOs (including those in the International Coalition for Trachoma Control), and other partners and collaborators to support regional efforts on the elimination of trachoma and other NID;
  14. Prepare annual and periodic progress reports, situation analyses of trachoma and other NID, and other documents with strategic information for dissemination at the regional level in order to document and systematize information in the framework of the WHO and PAHO’s Resolutions and the progress of countries towards global and regional control and elimination targets;
  15. Participate and provide technical content for the writing of public health protocols and research proposals on trachoma and other NIDs; coordinate and ensure their submittal to bioethics committees;
  16. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health science related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master’s degree in communicable diseases, public health, epidemiology or related field, would 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 epidemiology and public health and in the implementation of public health projects; at least four years of the experience should include practical experience in the prevention, control, and elimination of communicable diseases.

Desirable: Experience in trachoma surveillance, prevention, control, and elimination in Latin America and the Caribbean 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 a 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:

  • Theoretical knowledge and technical expertise in the control and elimination of communicable diseases from the programmatic perspective, with an emphasis on trachoma or other neglected infectious diseases.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of public health approaches to control and eliminate neglected infectious diseases.
  • Proven project management skills and experience in preparing funding proposals, implementing projects, monitoring project activities and products, preparing project reports, managing projects with tight timelines, and adapting to changing and challenging project implementation conditions.
  • 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; ability to prepare reports, 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. IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint are considered essential. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as SAS, SPSS, Epidat, Epinfo, Stata, or Tableau, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and computational tools and software for the analysis of qualitative data would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

Monthly Salary: (Net of taxes)

US$5,343.42 (Salary is non-negotiable)

Post Adjustment:

US$3,393.07 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
This vacancy is now closed.
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