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Qualifications
OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE
The Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Department promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities, directed at the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and related risk factors, mental, neurological and substance use disorders and disabilities, promotion of optimal nutrition and road safety, and violence prevention, that are evidence-based and appropriate for the political and sociocultural context in which they are implemented. It raises political and public awareness and understanding of the burden of the most common NCDs and mental disorders, related risk factors and conditions and leads multi-sector and multi-stakeholder strategic and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Member States' capacity to promote and protect health through public policies, programs, and services. This will reduce risks and disease burden and contribute to improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of the population.
The incumbent is responsible for providing technical support to the country in the area of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) prevention and control and the promotion of mental health, in close collaboration with the NCD and Mental Health Advisor. The incumbent will assist with the development and implementation of work programs and projects of national, subnational, regional and subregional nature, to be implemented at the country level. In performing his/her duties, the incumbent, in collaboration with the Advisor will follow the guidelines of PAHO/WHOโs General Program of Work; the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), PAHOโs Strategic Plan and its Biennial Work Plan (BWP); policy orientations; mandates of the Governing Bodies; manuals, strategies and other directives regarding technical cooperation. The incumbent, alongside the Advisor, will collaborate with the Global, Regional and Country Offices of the Organization and develop and maintain strategic alliances in Brazil with key stakeholders. Some relevant external stakeholders include governments (at all levels of government); private sector; NGOs; community/user representatives; academic institutions; professional associations; multilateral and bilateral agencies; donors/foundations; amongst others. These responsibilities require an incumbent with a good understanding of technical concepts and strong communication skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.ย
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the general supervision of the PAHO Representative, and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention and Determinants of Health, the incumbent is responsible for, but not limited to, the following assigned duties:
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- Provide technical support and contribute to the development and implementation of the technical cooperation program of work for the prevention and control of NCDs and their risk factors, and the promotion of mental health, working closely with regional and global teams; following a multidisciplinary integrated approach, in collaboration with the regional/global levels of the organization
- Provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and other institutions of the national and subnational level for the diagnosis of health problems related to NCDs, risk factors and mental health, and help identify effective prevention and control strategies within the framework of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and its governance structure
- Contribute to developing evidence-based, cost-effective policies, strategies and plans to address NCDs, risk factors and mental health within the SUS, including functions related to the community level, social participation, integrated programs, local health systems, and local intersectoral collaborations
- Provide support for the design, implementation and evaluation of inter-sectoral public policies and legislation, regulations or similar measures for the prevention of NCD risk factors
- Collaborate in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of prevention programs and health services for the control of NCDs and mental health, with emphasis on strengthening of the integration, continuity and quality of the health services, expanding access to essential medicines and technologies, and leveraging innovation and digital transformation
- Provide technical support on how to integrate mental health and psychosocial support and improved management of NCDs during emergencies
- Promote and support in collaboration with the Advisor, the development of relevant networks, alliances, and multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaborations needed to successfully address NCDs, risk factors and mental health
- Provide technical support to adapt and adopt norms, standards and technical guidelines and facilitate the formulation and translation of evidence-based policies into action plans
- Contribute to the strengthening of relevant national and subnational institutions related to the areas of responsibility, including their organizational, human and technical development
- Promote and strengthen public health research by assisting in identifying research priorities and institutions in the field of public health and promoting multi-disciplinary studies
- Provide technical support in collaboration with the Advisor, , for the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Special Projects and Terms of Cooperation (TC),ย Terms of Adjustment (TA), with the Ministry of Health, other Ministries and federal agencies/institutions, States and Municipalities, and with implementing partners; including, but not limiting, to preparing and maintaining all documents and progress/final reports for the projects/TC/TA
- Contribute to the organizationโs representation in technical and political scenarios, following indications from the area coordinator and/or the PWR, to ensure the proper negotiation, implementation and M&E of projects/TCs/TAs
- Cooperate and collaborate in providing integrated technical support with other teams and projects of the CO, in line with the Country Cooperation Strategy
- Contribute with the guidance of the Advisor, to the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Representationโs Biennial Work Plan (BWP), and participate in resource mobilization, both financial and non-financial; including assisting national and subregional authorities in the preparation of project proposals and plans to bilateral and multilateral donors
- Promote horizontal, south-south and/or triangular cooperation for health development and innovation for strategic advancement of the areas of responsibility, through exchange of resources, technology, experience and knowledge; including the promotion and use of WHO Collaborating Centers (WCC) and the identification of potential new WCC in Brazil
- Provide technical support on knowledge management for areas of work assigned, using all the available means for the dissemination of relevant scientific and technical information, sharing of successful practices and results achieved within the scope of technical cooperation, while contributing to position PAHOโs technical leadership in health and preserving the institutional memory
- Other related duties
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: A bachelorโs degree in a health or social science related to the functions of the post, from a recognized university.
Desirable: A masterโs degree in public health, public policy, international affairs, international law, or a field related to the functions of the position from a recognized university would be an asset.
If 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.ย PAHOย only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the WHED database, a list updated by the IAU / UNESCO.ย The list can be accessed through the link:ย http://www.whed.net/.ย 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: Five years of national experience in the fields of NCDs, risk factors, mental health, public health, public policy or socio-economic development or functions related to the post.
Desirable: Practical experience working in public health projects at the international level in Latin America and the Caribbean. Experience working in an international organization 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 Organizationโs 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 teamsโ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts timely 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., PowerPoint 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 - Remains 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 - Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clientsโ 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 relating to projectโs expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes 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 - Suggests and articulates 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
Theoretical knowledge and technical expertise in NCDs, risk factors, mental health, public policy, international affairs, global health and public health
Ability to contribute technical input into recommendations for decision-making processes; ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment
Ability to create and advocate innovative approaches to facilitate and enhance project management capacity, as well as monitoring of these processes
ย Organizational and analytical skills to manage knowledge and information on public policies, health policies, fiscal policies for health, NCDs risk factors and/or tobacco controlย
Ability to develop and maintain partnerships for coordinated execution of projects.
Ability to support and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to contribute and prepare funding proposals
Sound analytical skills and good judgement to assess and provide input on technical issues
Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and tact to effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds
Excellent organizational and analytic skills combined with 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
Languages:
Very good knowledge of Portuguese with working knowledge of English or Spanish.ย
IT Skills:
Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, in particular spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Visio and Project would be an asset.
REMUNERATION
Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)
R$292,731.00
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.ย 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 nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are encouraged. All applicants are required to complete an online profile to be considered for this post. Applicants must be nationals of Brazil or hold a permanent local work visa (permanent resident card).