Advisor, Program Management and Administration

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 direct supervision of the Director, PHE, and the general guidance of the Director, Planning, Budget and Evaluation, (PBE) the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

• Provide overall coordination of the Management and Administration (MGA) area of the Health Emergencies Department (PHE); plan, recommend, and implement systems, norms and procedures for the administration of human, financial and material resources of the PHE department, as well as for the control and evaluation of such processes; provide guidance and technical support for PHE’s activities in the Region, covering a variety of interrelated budgetary, planning, security, human resources and other related issues;
• Provide expertise and guidance to the PHE Director, Deputy Director, and Unit Chiefs, PAHO Representatives, Regional Advisors, Administrative Officers and senior-level technical staff on policies and procedures covering all aspects of planning, program management and administration related to the Organization’s work in emergencies;
• Ensure close collaborative working arrangements with the WHO Health Emergencies’ (WHE) Management and Administration department and units, at global and regional levels;
• Provide guidance on the implementation and development of the Organization’s technical cooperation projects and activities by planning and monitoring all financial and administrative services required;
• Guide the development, review and approval of workplans and budgets; oversee the work of the planning, budget and finance teams in establishing standardized emergency programme work plans and budgets, monitoring the status of funding available and projected and resulting funding gaps, and ensuring rapid availability of funding for immediate needs, with sustainable, predictable financing;
• Provide guidance to formulate general and specific budgetary estimates for regular and voluntary contribution proposals; oversee the administration, control, and disbursement of funds within the approved budgetary allocation in accordance with established regulations and procedures and within the authority delegated;
• Coordinate and ensure the provision of high quality, predictable human resources, security and staff wellbeing services; support the Unit Chief, Emergency Operations Unit to manage sourcing of human resources for events, including development and maintenance of rosters and candidates for rapid deployment of resources during emergencies; provide advice on security and well-being of all staff, particularly during deployments;
• Provide guidance on Grant Management and oversee the work of the team in tracking and managing grants and other reporting requirements;
• Oversee the development, monitoring and implementation of guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for PAHO’s work in emergencies, leading to continuous improvement and business process excellence;
• Oversee the Departments’ strategic and operational planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes and collaborate in the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities;
• Contribute to and provide support for resource mobilization activities;
• Provide coordination, guidance and management, and evaluate the performance of staff; establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities;
• Serve as member of Regional Health Emergency Response Team regarding emergency program management and administration;
• Represent the Organization at official meetings as required;
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Essential: A university degree in a health or social science and a master’s degree in management, public health, health administration, economics or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
• Desirable: Specialized training in leadership or management and/or in emergency /humanitarian response would be an asset.

Experience:

• Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in management and administration of public health programs, including at least 3 years of management experience in positions with direct responsibility for managing both human and financial resources.
• Desirable: Relevant work experience in the United Nations or other multilateral institution, non-governmental or humanitarian organizations. Field experience in public health programs or emergency response programs would be an asset.

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.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2406625