Advisor, Immunization Data Quality

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Qualifications

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 Special Program on Comprehensive Immunizations (CIM) is responsible for the promotion and coordination of technical cooperation and alliances to support Member States in achieving a sustainable and equitable reduction of morbidity, mortality, and burden of disease from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) through prevention, control, and elimination strategies. CIM seeks to revitalize Member States’ immunization programs through the application of innovative approaches, strategies, and best practices.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Manager, Special Program on Comprehensive Immunizations (CIM), and the general supervision of the Executive Manager, Special Program on Comprehensive Immunizations (CIM), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1.    Provide technical advice and guidance while assisting in the collection and analysis of vaccination data through the implementation of tools such as Ejrf; ensure the quality and utilization of data obtained from these sources;

2.    Provide advice and guidance, and promote the creation, organization, analysis, distribution, and application of immunization information to monitor the global, regional, and country-level immunization status. This involves analyzing data and key program indicators;

3.    Collaborate on the development of mechanisms and formulation of strategies to address the public health challenges in immunization and follow up on related interventions implemented by Member States;

4.    Develop standardized regional tools and strategies for strengthening and building capacities at national and subnational level to improve and sustain the work of national immunization programs and for more effective use of quality immunization data for decision making and improved program performance;

5.    Advise the countries on the digital transformation of immunization through the adoption of electronic immunization registries and implementation of data quality and analysis methods and other digital tools such as vaccination certificates;

6.    Promote the strengthening of vaccination information systems, both for routine and COVID-19 vaccination;

7.    Provide support in the technical, financial and administrative management of the resources associated with immunization information systems;

8.    Provide technical advice to Member States in all aspects related to quality and use of immunization data required;

9.    Monitor the Regional Immunization Plan of Action based on the PAHO strategic document and aligned with the WHO policy documents;

10. Promote the analysis of immunization equity data to monitor the immunization situation and contribute to universal health and equity;

11. Propose the design and execution of the plans for evaluating technical cooperation interventions on immunization. Promote studies and research in the Organization to be carried out jointly with the member countries, creating opportunities for interaction among different actors and countries;

12. Prepare and contribute to written reports and scientific articles for publication;

13. Participate in technical and scientific meetings, evaluations and other activities related to vaccines and immunization;

14. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A university degree in a health-related profession and a master's degree in epidemiology, public health or in a field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized 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.  PAHO, considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in one of the following databases:

World Higher Education Database (WHED), 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/ 

Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp

College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/ college navigator to support the validation process.

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

Experience:

Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in disease control programs, with emphasis on the design, implementation and evaluation of immunization programs. Experience should include participation in technical cooperation programs and activities in disease control or in immunization programs in a health related program or institution.

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:

·       Extensive knowledge and expertise in public health of vaccine-preventable diseases; use of principles and methods to resolve problems related to vaccine-preventable diseases.

·       Excellent knowledge of public health programs data management

·       Demonstrated ability in the application of techniques and procedures for analyzing the magnitude of vaccine preventable diseases or Demonstrated conditions affecting the health of the population, determining factors which influence the magnitude of these diseases or conditions; applying and evaluating selected interventions designed to reduce the magnitude of these diseases.

·       Broad knowledge of organization and implementation of public health programs and public health administration.

·       Broad knowledge and skills in the formulation of technical cooperation interventions and in the development of criteria and instruments for evaluating programs intervention.

·       Knowledge and skills in project planning and management, including resource mobilization and grant management.

·       Demonstrated ability to negotiate and coordinate activities with all relevant sectors of government, international agencies, the private sector and organized community groups.

·       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.