Technical Officer

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Description

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• Provide technical support to national authorities in, and coordinate selected aspects of, the PAHO Health Emergencies (PHE) program at country level, to enhance national capability in preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases, outbreaks, and health emergencies from all hazards;
• Provide technical support for the concerted approach of PAHO in the areas of emergency risk management, country preparedness and International Health Regulations (IHR), risk & situation assessments, and infectious hazards management;
• Utilize national insights to collaborate with and support relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work for emergency preparedness and management, and support the development/revision of national strategies and a national multi-hazard, health emergency preparedness and response plans, as well as specific or contingency plans for prioritized events;
• 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;
• Provide support for the preparation and implementation of the Work Plan for the health emergency program (PHE) in the country office, as well as the response actions to current and potential pandemic (influenza, COVID-19);
• Perform intersectoral work in emergency health operations, including the management of information tools, generation of reports and strategic documents, including support to the National Emergency Operating Centre (EOC);
• Identify 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;
• Advocate for priorities in the health sector, including protection for health workers and health facilities and the highest possible integration of the health-related activities in the humanitarian country agenda;
• Support 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 (2005), including to manage identified risks, effectively monitor and evaluate processes, outcomes and the impact of response and recovery interventions;
• Collaborate in providing support to the national health authorities and partners in the identification and addressing of gaps needed to establish or strengthen emergency health care systems to ensure the provision of a range of critical emergency health care services;
• Represent PAHO in UN and other inter-agency meetings and external forums related to PAHO epidemics and emergency preparedness and response as designated.
• Facilitate partner coordination and involvement in health and other related sectors including nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), planning, information, interventions, monitoring and quality assurance, and regularly report on health services delivered to the affected populations;
• Collaborate in 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;
• Participate in inter-programmatic and decentralized work at the different levels of the Organization in order to achieve the maximum levels of efficiency and effectiveness;
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree in a health, social, or environmental science related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

• Seven years of national professional experience in the areas of disaster management and control of emergencies, disaster risk reduction, including experience in outbreak response.

• Theoretical and practical expertise in all aspects related to disaster management, emergency preparedness and response, as well as a thorough knowledge of epidemiology, prevention, and control methods.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge in establishing and managing emergency operations, including formulation of strategies, plans of action, project proposals, budgets and reports; familiarity with the international actors in emergency preparedness and humanitarian assistance.
• Ability to identify priorities and develop strategies and activities to bring together all stakeholders to promote disaster response and preparedness.
• Seasoned expertise in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of event-based data.
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation related to epidemics/pandemics.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources.
• Knowledge and skills in project planning, management and evaluation, including resource mobilization and grant management.
• Strong public health and strategic thinking background showing resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive areas; demonstrated ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendation on key political and technical issues.
• Ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment and to re-prioritize actions on short notice.

• Very good knowledge of Spanish with a working knowledge of English.

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