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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 objective of the Health Emergencies Department (PHE) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is to increase health sector resilience to emergencies and disasters. PHE assists Member States to strengthen the health sectorโs capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man-made, biological, chemical, radiological and others) and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. PHE is responsible for ensuring the implementation and updating of the PAHO/WHO Institutional Emergency and Disaster Response policy.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the general supervision of the Unit Chief, Health Emergency and Risk Assessment (PHE/HIM), and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Detection, Verification and Risk Assessment (PHE/HIM), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:
- Collaborate and provide technical support for data management, data products and analytics and conduct statistical analyses of epidemiological data gathered from public health emergencies.
- Collaborate and support risk assessment of public health events by using statistical analysis and geographic information system (GIS).
- Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and strategic policies for event reporting and information sharing under the International Health Regulations (IHR);
- Provide technical guidance on data management, GIS and other visualization tools, analytical methods and data sharing across all levels of the Organization;
- Promote the implementation of new approaches and innovative methods to communicate technical information to international public health professionals, with emphasis on building partnerships networks;
- Develop state-of-the-art processes for information sharing; enhance and encourage regional information sharing as a key component of promoting and nurturing a culture of multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting approaches within PAHO/WHO;
- Participate in epidemiological emergency response missions, as required;
- Develop and provide capacity building and training to colleagues within PAHO, and to partners, including Ministries of Health, with focus on enhancing epidemiology, information management, GIS, and reporting core competencies during emergencies or acute public health events.
- Collaborate with officials at the regional and national levels, to ensure a coordinated response using standardized, innovative information systems and tools.
- Support the Organizationโs emergency and disaster response operations and serve as a member of the Regional Disaster Response Team.
- Perform other related duties as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: A bachelorโs degree in a health or social science or in any other field related to the functions of the position 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.
Experience:
Essential: Seven years of combined national and international experience in epidemiology, surveillance and/or control of acute public health events.
Desirable: Experience in epidemiology, surveillance and/or control of acute public health events in countries with limited resources; experience working with event-based surveillance; experience in inter-agency collaboration would be an asset.
SKILLS:
PAHO Competencies:
- Overall attitude at work