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Technical Officer, Health Logistics

Panama

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Panama
  • Grade: Junior level - P-2, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Public Health and Health Service
    • Logistics
    • Supply Chain
    • PAHO Health Emergencies
  • Closing Date: Closed

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is 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 Unit Chief, Emergency Operations (PHE/EMO), the direct supervision of the Advisor, Emergency Operations Center (PHE/EMO) and the administrative 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 logistics operations and in developing health logistics plans and tools; provide support for the operations and maintenance of the Pan-American Logistic network and other networks, before, during and after emergencies;
  2. Participate in the development of operational emergency processes including providing technical and operational guidance and recommendations with respect to design, strategy, policies and training; coordinate and ensure efficient collaboration mechanisms between Operational Support & Logistics (OSL) units and Subregional and Country Offices as well as external partners;
  3. Provide support to health authorities in countries affected by health emergencies to guide their logistics plans in the health sector;
  4. Carry out effective and efficient supply chain activities for emergency responses by supporting the coordination activities across Regional, Sub Regional and Country Offices;
  5. Develop needs definition and specifications for requisition of logistics services from service providers and perform end-to-end follow-up of requisitions;
  6. Develop terms of reference for roster of suppliers in a logistics database, to be available to all offices in the event of emergencies; proactively submit list of services required to support countries and respond to emergencies for sourcing and/or long term agreements with suppliers; participate in the standardization of services needed and specific requirements on emergencies;
  7. Support the coordination of the work of the logistical teams for management of humanitarian supplies and health equipment and the pool of experts in health logistics as part of the Pan American Regional Health Emergency Response Team;
  8. Manage the inventory of medicines, equipment and other supplies needed for emergencies and participate in the elaboration of the logistics training plan for the health logistic network in the region;
  9. Maintain updated inventory of PAHO supplies located in the United Nations Humanitarian Regional Depot in Panama and ensure the appropriate and timely handling and shipping as required;
  10. Provide support in estimating the basic stockpiles needed to respond to emergencies in the Americas;
  11. Coordinate with the Health Logistics Specialist to maintain frequent contact with the Country Offices to ensure training in health logistics is in place and support establishment and maintenance of a reliable network among local authorities and customs officials within the Americas;
  12. Prepare and submit regular reports on logistics emergency response activities to HQ management, donors and other stakeholders as necessary;
  13. Ensure that an evaluation of the health logistics supplies is undertaken after the use of their services;
  14. Disseminate the documentation for field solutions for health logistical management processes;
  15. Ensure monitoring and evaluating processes and procedures are updated and refined to address ever-changing events;
  16. Support the Health Logistics Specialist, to identify staffing needs and gaps to be addressed by the Unit Chief;
  17. Participate in the implementation of PAHO response activities during disasters and public health emergencies, as required;
  18. Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in logistics management, public or business administration, engineering or in any other field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized university. Certification in information management systems including training in logistics, transport or supply management and monitoring.

Desirable: Professional procurement certification in areas such as supply chain management (CSCP) or Supply Management (CPSM) 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 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 the field of health logistics operations and supply chain management in emergency, humanitarian or military actions, disaster management, logistics, administration or related field.

Desirable: Experience or knowledge of import/export and customs administration. Experience working in UN organizations/agencies, international institutions or NGOs. Experience working in an emergency context, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, 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 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: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - 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: 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 - 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 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. 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:

  • Very good knowledge of new technologies, methodologies and software for inventory control, logistics and supply chain management.
  • Highly organized and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment paying attention to details.
  • Mature judgment, strong technical, analytical and conceptual skills; demonstrated ability to assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendations on key technical issues.
  • Ability to integrate managerial and technical inputs into recommendations for decision-making processes; ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment.
  • Excellent organizational and analytical 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 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 Workday, Visio and Project would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

USD $ 48,805.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment: 38.7% 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.

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.

Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post. The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.

This vacancy is now closed.
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