Washington, United States
Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization
Advisor, Vector-borne Diseases Prevention and Control
( 1905579 )
Grade : P4
Contractual Arrangement : Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4
Contract duration : 11 months (extension is subject to availability of funds & satisfactory performance)
Job Posting: Dec 9, 2019, 4:07:36 PM
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 Heath 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 sociocultural 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 Borne Diseases (CDE/VT), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:
- Provide strategic, technical and programmatic advice and collaborate in the delivery of technical cooperation to Ministries of Health and other institutions within national health systems for the development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of surveillance, prevention and control of arbovirus and other vector-borne diseases;
- Provide advice and guidance to public health authorities, decision makers, international and national stakeholders and professionals within the public health sector and other government areas by providing technical cooperation for the development and implementation of the new strategies for arbovirus control, integrating entomological and epidemiological surveillance and supporting and facilitating the work (as PAHO Secretariat) developed by the Technical Advisory Group on public health entomology and vector control and the International Group of experts in arbovirus, in accordance with PAHO’s role;
- Organize and facilitate the analysis and consistent integrated use of WHO and PAHO recommendations on prevention and control of arboviral diseases and public health entomology and vector control, including recommendations made by the WHO Vector control advisory group (VCAG);
- Collaborate with the Entomology and Arbovirus Programs to mobilize resources when possible through technical engagements with potential donors and governments interested in fighting VBD of public health concern;
- Represent the Organization in professional and official meetings mainly centered on review of knowledge and information regarding the prevention, control and elimination of VBD and management and control of Arboviral diseases;
- Develop activities to support the implementation of the Integrated vector management strategy in the Region including those under the scope of Strategy for arboviral disease prevention and control; promote inter-sectoral participation and collaboration among different institutions, scientific communities, and decision makers for the strengthening of the strategy and better vector control programs in countries;
- Provide technical support to surveillance, vector control and prevention national programs, and provide in-country assistance as required, for strategy development, planning, implementation and evaluation of vector control and prevention programs in accordance with the principles of an integrated vector management and Strategy for arboviral disease prevention and control as recommended by WHO and PAHO;
- Provide technical strategic advice to the Public health entomology and vector control program on epidemiology, surveillance and vector control mainly oriented for the main vector-borne diseases in the Region; contributing to the strengthening of relevant regional databases, data collection and analysis and provision of support for the reporting of data in compliance with the PAHO’s Directing Council Resolutions;
- Ensure development and dissemination of up-to-date, evidence-based information and guidance, including literature reviews, epidemiologic summaries, update of guidance materials, and maintaining dissemination of information regarding vector control and arbovirus surveillance;
- Provide technical advice and support focal points in countries, the Ministries of Health, scientific communities and other partners for the development and implementation of new approaches and technologies for surveillance and control of Aedes spp.;
- Provide technical expert advice in the development of strategies and partnerships for the prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging arboviral diseases, including outbreak preparedness and response;
- Collaborate with the Public health entomology and vector control and Arbovirus programs on the planning and organization of national and regional meetings, conferences and strategic events; prepare technical contents, presentations and agendas;
- Monitor transmission and severity of emerging arbovirus epidemics and provide technical support to countries regarding the integration of surveillance systems, for the monitoring, prevention, and management of emerging arboviral diseases (mainly those transmitted by Aedes spp.) directly or through technical partners;
- Collaborate with the Public health entomology and vector control and Arbovirus programs in the preparation and evaluation of research and financial proposals on epidemiological, vector surveillance and control programs;
- Collaborate with Member States in strengthening national capacities and formation of human resources in epidemiology and vector surveillance;
- Represent the Organization at expert /scientific meetings, training workshops, forums, and seminars when required;
- Participate in team-based project development and execution of the program of work and the preparation of the biennial work plan (BWP) and related budgets, work plans, progress reports, periodic analytical reports to donors, and briefing books;
- Analyze periodically the results obtained from the national and sub-national programs and prepare draft reports of these results for publication in appropriate scientific media;
- When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities;
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- Perform other related duties, as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: A university degree in a health-related profession and a master’s degree in public health, vector-borne diseases, tropical medicine, entomology or a related field, from a recognized institution.
Desirable: A doctoral degree in tropical medicine, entomology, vector control and/or vector-borne diseases, 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: Nine years of combined national and international experience in prevention and control of arbovirus or other vector-borne diseases, with at least five years of experience in surveillance, prevention control and elimination of communicable diseases of public health importance.
Desirable: Experience working in the Americas, hands-on experience in public health programs, applied epidemiology, integrated vector management and/or community-based entomology 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: Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ 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 promoting individual and cultural differences: 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: 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.
- Creating an empowering and motivating environment: Manages individual and group projects and ensures that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clearly defined, understood and accepted; delegates work appropriately to achieve best results. Encourages others to take responsibility for their performance; promotes ownership, responsibility and accountability for desired results at all levels. Acknowledges own performance in achieving objectives and motivates staff to continuously develop their potential in order to achieve set goals and objectives.
- Producing 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. Challenges self and team to deliver high quality results, in line with Organizational goals. 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.
- Setting an example: Works ethically to achieve individual work objectives under ‘PAHO Regulations and Rules and the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service. Maintains confidentiality and treats sensitive information with discretion; ensures that policies and procedures are followed in accordance with the Organization’s professional, ethical and legal standards. When others behave in an unprofessional or unethical way, promotes appropriate standards and provides feedback in order to remedy the situation; escalates as necessary. Stands by own decisions and actions and accepts responsibility for them.
Technical Expertise:
- Theoretical and practical expertise at the highest level in all aspects related to epidemiology, public health entomology and vector-borne disease prevention and control.
- Excellent data base management and reporting skills, including epidemiological analysis and information interpretation.
- Expertise and skills in providing technical support for the development and implementation of public health programs, plans and projects.
- Theoretical and practical expertise in prevention of Vector Borne Diseases and/or Neglected Infectious Diseases, Entomology and Vector control; and proven proficiency in epidemiological research.
- Theoretical and practical expertise at the highest level in all aspects related to prevention and control of vectors, including chemical and non-chemical approaches, and vector-borne communicable disease prevention and control.
- Knowledge and skills in project planning, management and evaluation, including resource mobilization and grant management.
- Ability to analyze current entomological and surveillance systems and demonstrated capability to develop, propose and plan innovative and appropriate solutions for their improvement.
- Strong public health and strategic thinking background, showing resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive areas; demonstrated ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendations on key political and technical issues.
- 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 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 a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as SPSS, Epi-Info, Tableau, and Project would be an asset.
REMUNERATION
Monthly Salary: (Net of taxes)
US$6,053.08 (Salary non-negotiable)
Post Adjustment:
US$2,881.27 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 fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
A written test may be used as a form of screening.
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/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 particularly encouraged.
All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.
More Information
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