This is a requisition 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 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 general supervision of the Director, Health Emergencies (PHE), and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Health Emergencies (Central America), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:
Provide support for the implementation of the PHE Strategic Plan throughout Central America, including but not limited to disaster risk reduction, country preparedness, emergency operations, health information and risk assessment;
Provide technical support for the establishment and/or strengthening of national disaster reduction and preparedness programs within the health sector;
Provide technical support to national authorities and assist in the design and implementation of the subregional plan to prevent, mitigate, prepare or respond to national emergencies caused by all types of hazards including: natural, technological, biological, chemical and radiological hazards, as well as those resulting from social conflicts including displacement, or from pandemic influenza;
Organize and participate in training activities related to disaster management, and health services capacity building in member states at the national, regional and subregional level, to effectively respond to emergencies and disasters;
Support partner coordination and involvement in health emergencies, including nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), planning, information, interventions, monitoring and quality assurance, and regularly report on health services delivered to the affected populations;
Provide technical support to countries in reviewing and updating health disaster preparedness plans; support the systematic literature reviews of all guidelines, methodologies and tools developed by PHE and for assessing and improving the level of preparedness of health facilities in response to disasters and emergencies;
Collaborate in the development, implementation and monitoring of the PHE’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) as well as provide support to PAHO COs in the subregion to develop and monitor health emergency components of their BWPs;
Support the elaboration, implementation, and reporting on health emergency projects, including to mobilize resources for emergency and disaster response;
Participate in the Regional Response Team in case of disasters; collaborate in rapid needs assessment for the health sector; information management, and support the identification and mobilization of experts to support a disaster response, as necessary;
Support PAHO Country Offices in leading the Health Cluster Coordination when the UN Cluster mechanism is activated in countries in the Region;
Assist in the review and analysis of issues and trends relating to the Department’s technical matters in which he/she can add value. Support the preparation of various written outputs, e.g., draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies and other inputs to technical publications. Provide assistance to the preparation of technical documents for Governing Body meetings
Perform other related duties, as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health, environmental or social science related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.
Desirable: Postgraduate studies in public health or related field and/or specialized training in disaster preparedness and risk reduction 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).
Experience:
Essential: Five years of national professional experience in public health, social services or disaster management (prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery)
Desirable: Experience in disaster, emergency preparedness and management, outbreak response and working with UN organizations would be an asset. Experience in humanitarian coordination (including but not limited to intersectoral and interagency coordination).
Languages:
Essential: Very good knowledge of Spanish with a working knowledge of English.
