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Qualifications

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 of health systems governance for social protection in health; strengthening of regulatory frameworks and financial protection for 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 Unit Chief, Human Resources for Health (HSS/HR), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

 

1.    Promote and provide advice and guidance for the development of policies, norms, and standards related to health professionals’ education and lifelong learning. Support and advance governance mechanisms that guide the development, implementation and monitoring of such policies to secure a coordinated, sufficient and competent health workforce;

 

2.    Develop and support the assessment of institutional, national, and regional health education frameworks to ensure the development of sufficient and appropriately trained human resources for health for the region. Support country and regional efforts to elevate, amplify, and update the competencies and resiliency of the health workforce to strengthen health systems and meet the population’s needs;

 

3.    Promote intersectoral actions, involving Ministries of Health, Education and Labor, academia, and professional bodies amongst others, to improve dialogue and joint action in areas of planning, implementation, regulation, financing (including incentives), advocating and accreditation of education for human resources for health, to respond to the needs of countries moving towards Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage;

 

4.    Promote cooperation and convergence within and between countries and educational institutions in curricula development based on international and national standards to respond to the population needs based on the Primary Health Care approach, promoting interprofessional education, while supporting career pathways and continuity within the health professions;

 

5.    Collaborate and provide technical advice and guidance for the development of norms, standards and strategies for continuing and in-service education of health professionals, regulation and oversight of continuing education, and the roles of health professional associations;

 

6.    Provide guidance to countries on national, regional and international accreditation, certification and re-certification of institutions, careers and courses involved in the education and development of human resources for health;

 

7.    Promote and support educational and capacity development strategies with public health schools and other public health institutions to improve the educational processes, in particular related to the essential public health functions;

 

8.    Collaborate and promote the development of educational theories, methods, and technologies in support of in-service training for health professionals, prioritizing interprofessional education and teamwork;

 

9.    Develop innovative approaches for enhancing information technology-facilitated education: knowledge management, pedagogic changes, distance and outreach, simulation and artificial intelligence. Provide technical support in the development and implementation of virtual education systems in health, especially through e-learning platforms, aligned with the objectives and priorities of the PAHO Virtual Campus for Public Health;

 

10. Systematize and manage knowledge and information on health education through information management and dissemination;

 

11. Promote and support research actions in human resources development and education;

 

12. Lead and coordinate, in close coordination with Country Offices and HSS focal points, the formulation, execution and evaluation of program and budget plans for the biennium; participate and develop common strategies with other professionals of the country offices on all aspects related to health education, competency and capacity development;

 

13. Collaborate on global and regional alliances and networks in support of the strengthening of the first level of care, including the exchange of best practices and experiences among countries; promote the development of regional networks building the necessary expertise and knowledge in the field of work, and promote and manage collaborating centers in this area;

 

14. Mobilize resources, financial, technical and human, for the strengthening of healthcare service delivery in Member States, through the development of projects and initiatives that promote improved access to health care services; liaise and coordinate with international financing institutes and agencies in the development and implementation of joint projects;

 

15. Participate in the preparation of the Project’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP), budget and technical evaluation reports;

 

16. 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;

 

17. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education:

 

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in education, social sciences, psychology or a health science and a master’s degree in education and/or a social science related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

 

Desirable: Specialization in educational and social sciences in general as related to public health 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: Nine years of combined national and international experience in the field of human resources development for health with emphasis on health education, at the graduate or postgraduate level, continuing education or in-service training.

 

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.

 

·       Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity – Relates well to diversity in others and capitalizes 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.

 

·       Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others – Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve and build rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the team’s successes and shortcomings.

 

·       Communication: Write effectively/Share knowledge – Writes down ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible way; drafts and supports the development of guidelines, policies and procedures. Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization.

 

·       Producing Results: Work efficiently and independently/Deliver quality results – Monitors own and others’ work in a systematic and effective way, ensuring required resources and outputs. Aligns projects with Organization’s mission and objectives. Consistently solves own and team’s problems effectively as needed. Proactively engages in projects and initiatives, accepting demanding goals, in line with Organizational Strategies and Program of Work. Demonstrates accountability for work of team and sets an example, while explicitly articulating lessons learnt for own and team’s benefit.

 

·       Ensuring effective use of resources: Strategize and set clear objectives/Monitor progress and use resources well – Sets specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely objectives for own team and/or the Organization; systematically analyses and anticipates priority projects for own team and allocates necessary resources to achieve them; identifies the cross-Organizational resources needed for large- scale projects in line with key Organizational objectives. Anticipates foreseeable changes and adapts own and team’s projects in the face of unforeseen circumstances and/ or challenges; creates measures and criteria to monitor progress of overall projects against key Organizational objectives; creates cost-effective solutions for the Organization.

 

·       Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond: Develop networks and partnerships and encourage collaboration – Builds and negotiates strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of key stakeholders to ensure Organizational results and success. Creates innovative opportunities for promoting synergies inside and outside the Organization to improve Organizational success.

 

Technical Expertise:

 

·       Strong theoretical knowledge and technical expertise in educational planning, development and research; evaluation of educational programs; coordination with planning, regulation, and management of human resources.

 

·       In-depth understanding of the link between health systems and education at international, national, and local levels.

 

·       Strong skills and thorough knowledge of educational planning, educational psychology, adult education, and teaching.

 

·       Strong public health and strategic thinking background showing resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities, skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive areas; demonstrated ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendations on key political and technical issues.

 

·       Ability to establish and maintain results-oriented productive relationships with key actors, ensuring product delivery and reporting.

 

·       Strong professional oral and writing skills including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical 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 current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential.

 

REMUNERATION

 

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

 

USD $77,326.00 post adjustment

 

Post Adjustment: 63.5% 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.

 

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 an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

 

PAHO/WHO also promotes a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of abusive conduct.

 

PAHO/WHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.

 

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.