Project Management Advisor – Pandemic Fund Projects – P4

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device’s system settings. 

 

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 direct supervision of the Director, PAHO Health Emergencies (PHE), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties: 

1)    Provide advice, strategic direction, and technical oversight for the implementation of selected pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response projects; manage the day-to-day operations guided by project documents; provide any necessary amendments to ensure efficient execution of the projects; 
2)    Prepare terms of reference and specifications for key inputs including personnel, contracts, training and procurement, in coordination with relevant entities, as necessary; ensure that the monitoring and administration of terms and awards are included; ensure all appropriate approvals are received in accordance with established protocols;
3)    Advise and guide the negotiation and finalization of all agreements with partners and beneficiaries of PAHO letters of agreement, ensuring that all applicable rules are observed; ensure implementation in accordance with project objectives and targets;
4)    Update the project implementation plan on a regular basis; include schedule of activities and deliverables, procurement and logistics; revise project activities with key PAHO stakeholders to ensure an updated and shared understanding of the logical framework and information needs; 
5)    Monitor the parameters established in the project’s Monitoring  and Evaluation Framework (M&E); monitor work plans and budgets; conduct financial management reviews to ensure proper use of grant funds as per defined indicators; coordinate and review the preparation of progress and technical reports and other outputs of the project; process payments for approval; regularly interact with corresponding regional and country entities to ensure that anticipated activities are in line with agreed timelines;
6)    Oversee the effective implementation of project components, facilitating in-depth technical analysis of progress, identifying potential roadblocks and recommending adjustments to interventions as needed to ensure achievement of agreed-upon outcomes; 
7)    Support the financial management and administration of the project, including the preparation of the annual progress and financial reports to the donor;
8)    Establish and maintain close working relationships with  counterparts from PAHO Country Offices, Ministries of Health, project stakeholders, and WHO  in order to establish a shared vision of the project and achieve objectives; act as principal liaison with the regional and country focal points and PAHO/WHO Representatives (PWRs) in order to keep all stakeholders informed on the progress, challenges, successes, financial implementation and overall administrative activities of the Project;
9)    Provide leadership, guidance and monitoring of supervised staff by setting clear work objectives, ensuring timely and effective use of performance reviews and feedback mechanisms, engaging in regular communication, and solving interpersonal or technical conflicts;
10)    Work in close collaboration and coordination with the PHE regional and Country Office Administrative teams in order to ensure compliance with the Organization’s policies, rules and regulations;
11)    Facilitate implementation team meetings, driving progress and collaboration while maintaining transparent communication with senior management to ensure they are fully informed of project milestones, achievements and any challenges;
12)    Perform other related duties, as assigned.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health or social science or a field related to the functions of the post, and a master’s degree in project management, public health or related field from a recognized university.
Desirable: Specialized training in project management 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.  PAHO, considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in one of the following databases:
World Higher Education Database (WHED), 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/  
Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp 
College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/ college navigator to support the validation process.
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
 

Experience:
Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in project and/or program management, including at least 3 years of management experience with direct responsibility for managing financial resources.
Desirable: Proven experience in program management, and/or immunization projects 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.
•    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.
•    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: Share knowledge – 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.
•    Creating an empowering and motivating environment: Provide direction – Manages individual and group projects and ensures that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clearly defined, understood and accepted; delegates work appropriately to achieve best results.
•    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:
•    Expert knowledge and skills in public health administration, immunization, project planning and results-based management, including grant and financial management.
•        Strong professional oral and writing skills, including demonstrated advanced capacity for writing in English; demonstrated proficiency in the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization. 
•    Excellent analytical skills to develop and propose practical solutions in the planning, monitoring, and general management of voluntary contribution funded projects.
•    Knowledge and understanding of the work of multilateral and bilateral cooperation (health) agencies, and in the field of international public health with a focus on immunization and vaccines, including the collection, analysis and dissemination of information. 
•    Theoretical and practical knowledge in managing projects in the international emergency or development arena, including formulation of strategies, plans of actions, budget, and reporting; proven strong project and operations management and coordination skills.
•        Ability to identify priorities and develop strategies and activities to bring together all stakeholders to promote the achievement of planned results.
•        Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and tact to effectively communicate with senior level officials, multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds; capacity to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, at all levels. 
•       Knowledge of business and management principles involved in planning, resource allocation, leadership, and the coordination of people and resources.

Languages:
Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other. Knowledge of French 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 Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Drive, Teams and Outlook.  Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as Visio, Microsoft SharePoint and Project would be an asset.

 

REMUNERATION
Monthly Salary: (Net of taxes)
$6,443.83 (Salary is non-negotiable)
Post Adjustment:
$4,523.57  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 to fill other similar short-term professional positions, at the same grade level.
•    PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including a monthly 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 may include: 2.5 days annual leave per month, generous telework policy, parental leave, sick leave, pension plan, and health insurance scheme.  Other benefits for internationally recruited staff may include travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, settling-in grant and rental subsidy.
•    Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this position as a form of screening.
•    The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.
•    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 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 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 misconduct.
•    PAHO 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 a smoke-free environment.
•    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.

 

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

• Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you’re preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
• For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.