Specialist, Emergency Health Information, Washington (P-2) World Health Organization (WHO) Closing date: Wednesday, 21 June 2017


Specialist, Emergency Health Information, 
Washington 
(P-2)  
World Health Organization (WHO) 
Closing date: Wednesday, 21 June 2017

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Specialist, Emergency Health Information - (1701424)  
Grade: P2
Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-Term Appointment
Contract duration: Two years, first year probationary period. Post of Limited Duration.

Job Posting

: May 24, 2017, 10:28:16 PM

Closing Date

: Jun 21, 2017, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location

: United States-Washington, D.C.

Organization

: PAHO Health Emergencies

Schedule

: Full-time  
.

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT
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 sector’s 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 direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Health Emergency Information & Risk Assessment (HIM), and the general supervision of the Director, PAHO Health Emergencies Department (PHE), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:
  1. Provide technical support to develop plans, communication products, and bulletins for response to health emergencies/crises which may require the Organization’s assistance, and  management and provision of pertinent information;
  2. Serve as the Emergency Operation Center’s (EOC) resource for the collection and analysis of emergency data and information for processing and/or dissemination to stakeholders—both internal and external—at all levels, particularly at the decision-making level. Collaborate with other organizational entities to produce highly analytical/ situation reports, bulletins, and web-sites;
  3. Support the timely collection, analyses, production and dissemination of emergency data/information. This includes incident specific information (what, where, who, how many, how quickly, current status), internal and external situation reports (SitReps), bulletins, health risk assessments, health needs overviews (HNO), and strategic response plans (SRP);
  4. Support the reinforcement and strengthening of relevant networks for information management in emergencies and disasters, including Country Offices, Ministries of Health, and health partners;
  5. Contribute to the planning, design, development and maintenance of information tools, including databases, for proper monitoring, alert and response of the EOC, including mapping;
  6. Develop and participate in training activities, systems testing and related support activities for information management on emergency situations;
  7. Support backstop activities by [a] conducting regular and ad hoc data analysis to meet departmental needs, preparing presentations and related materials such as graphics and maps for use at departmental meetings; [b] participating in capacity building and training to support to Country Offices in harmonizing and strengthening data management, information products and systems as part of the implementation of best practices;
  8. Collaborate with all parties concerned to ensure that selected donors and the international community are kept up-to-date with information related to health emergencies/crises;
  9. Collaborate and contribute to the development and implementation of  GIS tools for use in emergencies and disasters;
  10. Perform other related duties, as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health-related science, information management, data management or a related field from a recognized university.
Desirable: A master’s degree in a health-related science, information management, data management and /or studies or specialization in database management or epidemiology 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: Five years of combined national and international experience in information management, database programming and data management including, information systems for public health or epidemiology. 
Desirable: Experience in data management related to health data and epidemiology.  Work experience within an international or multinational organization preferably in UN agencies would be an asset.
SKILLS:
PAHO Competencies:
  • Intrainstitutional Action: Operates in a fair, consistent and equitable manner, and displays such behavior by example. Ensures that the mission and the values of the Organization as well as the setting in which projects will be carried out are the drivers in one's technical work. Understands the results required and performs to that standard. Behaves consistently in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Organization.
  • Teamwork: Promotes team work and leads one's area to finish tasks and accept responsibility. Creates a positive environment within the area of work. Makes everyone feel like they are part of the team as well as welcomes and appreciates everyone's ideas and suggestions.  Able to see the positive aspects of working as a team, shares the team's enthusiasm for achieving mutual goals.
  • Communication: Actively engages in conversation with the key players in a multicultural environment both within and outside the organization.  Develops a network of appropriate contacts inside and outside PAHO to gain information or to build an alliance.  Takes into consideration the multicultural differences within the organization.
  • Analysis, Synthesis, and Forecasting: Takes or organizes individual and collective action after analyzing situations on the basis of the available evidence and knowledge.  Continuously analyzes the evolution of situations in an area of work and makes suggestions to adjust or confirm the decisions necessary to implement required actions. Is capable of anticipating the implications of an analyzed situation between six months to one year ahead.
  • Thinking, planning and the strategic management of technical cooperation interventions: Identifies the risks and benefits of options for future health initiatives based on the analysis of institutional and political trends. Applies a broad approach to work in the health field.
  • Evaluation of technical cooperation interventions: Proposes criteria for evaluating interventions at the process, management, and outcome level, in addition to plans for evaluating technical cooperation, in keeping with the PAHO’s strategic direction.
  • Resource Mobilization: Is capable of ordering and presenting the information for resource mobilization appropriately. Is able to adapt information in an objective manner and can analyze data. Is able to interpret and cover all the main aspects of the data.
Technical Expertise:
  • Theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in communicable diseases epidemiology.
  • Excellent skills in Geographical Information Systems and Geographical Databases.
  • Demonstrated ability in the design of methods and strategies to produce, analyze data, use and share information with a variety of actors in different environments.
  • Demonstrated skills in all aspects of the development and operation of information systems complemented by the ability to design, analyze and produce information system applications and databases for epidemiology, surveillance and GIS.
  • Ability to analyze trends to identify the risks and benefits of different options for data collection and validation.
  • Organizational and analytical skills to assist managing projects and in filtering epidemiologic data.
  • Ability to analyze technical information and synthesize input from multiple sources.
  • 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, Outlook, Microsoft SharePoint, SPSS, Epi-info, SAS, Arc View, Tableau and Health Mapper.  Sound knowledge of database and data management software and tools.
REMUNERATION
Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)
US $46,026.00
Post Adjustment: 45.7% of the above figure(s).  This percentage 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.
PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance).  Other benefits include:  30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme.  Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy.
Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.