Technical Officer, Strategic Fund

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 primary objective of the Department of Health Systems and Services (HSS) is to strengthen health systems based on Primary Health Care, supporting universal health coverage. Its work encompasses the following areas: strengthening health systems governance for social protection in health; strengthening regulatory frameworks and financial protection mechanisms to promote the progressive realization of the right to health; organizing people-centered, integrated health service delivery; promoting access to and rational use of quality, safe, and effective health technologies; strengthening national health research systems, and promoting the integration of scientific knowledge into health care, health policies, and technical cooperation; and developing human resources for health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Health Systems and Services (HSS), and the direct supervision of the Chief, Strategic Fund Management (HSS/SF), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

a) Provide support for the implementation of activities included in the Strategic Fund’s programs and special projects;

b) Collect, synthesize, analyze, digitize and visualize data related to the Strategic Fund programs and projects; prepare and submit reports, as directed;

c) Provide support and collaborate actively in the digitization and continuous improvement projects; assist in improving strategies to collect, revise, aggregate, and disseminate information related to the projects;

d) Collaborate and provide inputs to support operational and strategic planning for the entity’s projects;

e) Collaborate in the review and analysis of issues and trends relating to the project’s technical matters;

f) Provide support for the preparation of technical documents for meetings;

g) Provide support and follow up on the implementation of activities for the assigned projects/programs; prepare and present periodic reports on project status; contribute to the preparation of final reports and project evaluation;

h) Participate actively in relevant working groups, meetings and forums;

i) Maintain effective partnerships with all project stakeholders to exchange critical and technical information and resolve program/project implementation issues to ensure results are achieved as planned;

j) Provide technical support for planning, implementation and evaluation of assigned Projects/programs, activities and initiatives;

k) Review and analyze progress on technical matters, elaboration and implementation of inter-programmatic and inter-sectoral activities; compile reports and present analyses on programmatic issues;

l) Conduct research as directed; acquire and share information on project-related issues;

m) Support the preparation of various written outputs, e.g., technical and financial reports, concept notes, draft background papers, research protocols, sections of reports and studies and other inputs to technical publications and for donors;

n) Collaborate with all relevant technical areas and departments to facilitate coordination of activities, for project implementation targets and timeframes;

o) Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health science, supply chain management, business administration, information technology and systems, public administration, economics, or any other field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized institution.

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 project management, monitoring and evaluation, data management, managing cross-functional process improvement, and/or supply chain management.

Desirable: Demonstrated experience in information collection, analysis and visualization of data would be an asset. Experience working in an international agency would be an asset.

SKILLS:

PAHO Competencies:

Key Behavioral 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.

Technical Expertise:

– Demonstrated ability to produce, analyze data, use, and share information with a variety of actors in different environments. Experience in ability to collect, integrate, structure, and visualize data transforming them into relevant intelligence for the unit.

– Strong research and problem-solving skills; able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to work collaboratively on multidisciplinary teams with tight schedules.

– 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.

– Practical knowledge of results-based management concepts and tools and their applications; especially related to outcome formulation and indicator development;

– Demonstrated ability to facilitate process mapping, apply process improvement, project and change management methodologies; Demonstrated experience in utilizing Enterprise Resource Systems (ERP), advance knowledge of Excel and other analytical tools

– Demonstrated experience in utilizing continuous improvement and supply chain methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA and SCOR-M

– Mature judgment, strong technical, analytical and conceptual skills; demonstrated ability to assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendation on key technical issue;

– Ability to integrate managerial and technical inputs into recommendations for decision-making process; ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment;

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with working knowledge of the other languages. 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 software programs such as Visio, MS Project, ERP systems, database, data visualization and optimization tools, and those described above would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

Monthly Salary: (Net of taxes)

USD$4,067.08 (Salary non-negotiable)

Post Adjustment:

US$2,017.27 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 identify candidates for other similar short-term positions at the same 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 encouraged.
• All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.
• The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.