Advisor, Health Emergencies (CPCP)

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR)and the general supervision of the Director, Health Emergencies (PHE), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:
• Lead and provide specialist technical guidance to national authorities in, and coordinate all aspects of, the PAHO Health Emergencies (PHE) program, at the country level, to enhance the national capability in preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases, outbreaks, and health emergencies from all hazards;
• Ensure the concerted approach of PAHO in the areas of emergency risk management, country preparedness and International Health Regulations (IHR), risk and situation assessments and infectious hazards management;
• Collaborate with and guide relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work for emergency preparedness and management and to develop/revise national strategies and a national multi-hazard, health emergency preparedness and response plan;
• Prepare a national risk profile, assessing and mapping existing and emerging national health risks as well as populations vulnerable to, or affected by, prioritized risks, their coping capacities and health needs;
• Coordinate the identification of resource needs and funding gaps for health-sector risk reduction, preparedness, and response for vulnerable / affected populations, advocating with and mobilizing required resources from partners and donors;
• Manage the assessment of capacities and national, competency development systems, and recommend, plan and facilitate the implementation of appropriate measures and training for strengthening core capacities under International Health Regulations including to manage identified risks; effectively monitor and evaluate processes, outcomes and the impact of response and recovery interventions;
• Guide the national health authorities and partners in the establishment or strengthening of emergency health care systems to ensure the provision of a range of critical emergency health care services;
• Guide the work of the country office and national- and state-level governmental authorities on policy formulation and the building of core capacities for early detection, verification and rapid response to epidemics and other public health events of international concern, as required in the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005;
• Enhance national capacities in forecasting and detection systems during emergencies, including laboratory surveillance;
• Promote PAHO’s position and influence national health authorities to develop infection prevention and control programs in health care facilities, particularly focusing on health facilities preparedness and response to epidemics and pandemics;
• Participate and build country office capacity in the organization-wide, event-management system and PAHO’s disaster risk reduction and response operations through risk assessment and response activities for unusual health events;
• Manage the knowledge capture from policy, strategic and field interventions, and ensure its dissemination;
• Represent PAHO in inter-agency meetings and external forums related to WHO epidemics and emergency preparedness and response;
• Act as first-line emergency responder in case of a country emergency in line with the PAHO Policy and procedures for Institutional Response to Emergencies and Disasters and serve as/or support the Incident Manager in the country in case of a graded emergency. Collaborate with other UN agencies and provide health expertise and required information, Support UN emergency teams, where relevant and in close collaboration with the Regional Office; Serve as a member of Regional Health Disaster Response Team;
• Participate in the formulation and negotiation of, and consultation on, project proposals funded by external agencies; collaborate in the implementation, monitoring and reporting of those projects; contribute to the preparation of the Representation´s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities;
• 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;
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Essential:  A university degree in a health, social, or environmental science and a master’s degree in a health science, public health, or in a discipline related to emergency and disaster management from a recognized institution.
• Desirable:  A degree in medicine or specialized training in emergency and outbreak management or specific training in humanitarian response, disaster preparedness, or risk reduction would be an asset.

Experience:

• Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in a managerial position in public health, social services, or disaster management (prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery).
• Desirable:  Experience in the UN System with knowledge of inter-agency mechanisms in the area of national and international preparedness for and response to health emergencies would be an asset. Field experience in public health programs or emergency management programs in developing countries, including coordination of large-scale public health projects, would be an asset.