Technical Officer, Health Promotion and Social Determinants of Health

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Qualifications

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

The Social and Environmental Determinants for Health Equity (DHE) Department leads intersectoral, strategic and collaborative efforts at the regional, subregional and country levels, enabling  countries to reduce health inequities, promote health and well-being, address social determinants of health including its commercial, economic, political dimensions to integrate equity, human rights, gender and interculturality into the public health agenda, and to address the threats of climate change, to create healthy environments and to prevent disease by addressing environmental risk factors. 

Within the PAHO/WHO country office the incumbent will assist in supporting technical cooperation activities included in the entity’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP). He/she will collaborate and contribute to building and maintaining a network of experts across PAHO and external partners. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the Advisor, Family Health Promotion and Life Course (DHE), and the general supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1) Provide technical support in collaboration with the Advisor to national authorities and,     facilitate and monitor the local activities of the development of the social determinants of health in Mexico;

2) Maintain and update comprehensive records of activities implemented, documents produced and progress achieved;

3) Analyze project development challenges and opportunities, identify key risks and potential synergies and develop strategic recommendations for mitigation and optimization;

4) Participate in the corresponding project monitoring meetings at the local, national, regional and local levels;

5) Foster collaboration and facilitate coordination among diverse institutional partners (Ministry of Health – Mexico City, all municipalities in Mexico City, Federal Ministry of Health) ensuring seamless project implementation and    maximizing collective impact;

6) Support the urban health governance agenda by facilitating collaboration with UN agencies, international partners, and other stakeholders to promote coordination and collective progress;

7) Support the PWR in all tasks related to the area of social determinants of health ensuring timely and effective implementation of activities;

8) Perform other related duties as assigned. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in international relations, public health sciences, social sciences or a related field from a recognized institution.

Desirable: A postgraduate or master´s degree in public health, international relations or social sciences 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/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Three years of national work experience in socio-political and health reality programs of the city and its governance institutions.

Desirable: More than 5 years of work experience in urban governance or experience with International Organizations., 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. - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the team’s successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues. 

·         Respecting and valuing individual differences: Treats everyone with dignity and respect, fostering positive relationships with everyone. Reflects on personal behavior to avoid stereotypes and considers situations from the perspective of others. 

·         Communication: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Write effectively/Listen/Shares knowledge - Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience.  Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers.  Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans).  Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed. 

·         Knowing and managing yourself: Manages stress/Invite feedback/Continuously learn - Remain productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self-awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance.    Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps. 

·         Producing Results: Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Produce 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. Make proposals for improving processes as required and take responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary.   Demonstrates 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 - Suggest and articulate effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise.  Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

·         Knowledge of the country’s social-political and health context, including governance institutions and their impact on health outcomes.

·         Proven ability to prioritize, develop and implement effective strategies to support the engagement of diverse stakeholders and promote project objectives.

·         Knowledge of public health and strategic thinking, with demonstrated resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to navigate complex, sensitive and challenging situations.

·         Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesize and provide actionable recommendations on key technical and political issues.

·         Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize actions and adapt to changing circumstances in a fast paced, complex organizational environment. 

Languages:

Very good knowledge of Spanish with a working knowledge of English.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

MXN $875,956.00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Local Recruitment)

•    This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates to fill other similar short-term positions at the same grade level.

•    PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including a monthly net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance). Other benefits may include: 2.5 days annual leave per month, generous telework policy, parental leave, sick leave, pension plan, and health insurance scheme. 

•    Applicants 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 organizational 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 individual differences.

•    PAHO/WHO 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/WHO 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 misconduct.

•    PAHO/WHO 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 is a smoke-free environment.

•    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 for this post.

•    Applicants must be nationals of Mexico or hold a permanent local work visa (permanent resident card).