Technical Officer, Surveillance for Vaccine Preventable Diseases

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This is a requisition for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Special Program on Comprehensive Immunizations (CIM) is responsible for the promotion and coordination of technical cooperation and alliances to support Member States in achieving a sustainable and equitable reduction of morbidity, mortality, and burden of disease from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) through prevention, control, and elimination strategies. CIM seeks to revitalize Member States’ immunization programs through the application of innovative approaches, strategies, and best practices.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Immunization, the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

a)Provide technical support to the Epidemiological Surveillance and Laboratory Directorate (DELR), the national public health laboratory (LNSP), the National Coordination Unit for VPDs (UNCPV) of the MSPP and the health departments in the detection, notification, reporting, investigation and analysis of surveillance data related to the routine vaccination program for Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs), including the:

–establishment of standard case definitions, notification procedures and reporting frequency and formats;

–analysis of immunization data and performance indicators;

–production of analyses, graphics, bulletins and other useful information for decision-making;

–identification of underlying causes for poor surveillance performance and implementation of corrective measures to improve it;

b)Provide technical support to the DELR and LNSP in the establishment and implementation of sentinel surveillance activities of diseases preventable by new vaccines, including the:

– definition of the objectives for sentinel surveillance of the new vaccines;

– design and planning of the sentinel surveillance system;

– establishment of sentinel surveillance sites;

– definition of standardized case definitions, data content, and reporting procedures;

c)Collaborate and provide support to the DELR in monitoring the performance of VPD surveillance at central and departmental levels;

d)Provide support to the MSPP for the planning, implementation and evaluation of the vaccination response in the event of VPD outbreaks;

e)Support the MSPP in the training of Surveillance staff on VPDs surveillance;

f)Support the MSPP in the planning and implementation of high quality supportive supervision of field teams;

g)Monitor the implementation of polio environmental surveillance;

h)Support the activities and information needs of the polio National Certification Committee;

i)Support and contribute tothe development of the statutory reports on the polio eradication and the sustainability of measles and rubella elimination;

j)Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health-related profession or in any other discipline related to the functions of the post, from an accredited institution.

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: Five years of national experience in VPD surveillance at district, regional or national levels.

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.

Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others. – Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues.

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.

Communication: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Write effectively/Listen/Shares knowledge – Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience. Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers. Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans). Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed.

Knowing and managing yourself: Manages stress/Invite feedback/Continuously learn – Remains productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self- awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance. Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps.

Producing Results: Deliver quality results/Take responsibility – Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own timelines effectively and efficiently. Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project’s expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary. Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.

Moving forward in a changing environment: Propose change/Adapt to change – Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise. Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

–Technical expertise in public health, epidemiology and/or vaccination.

–Ability to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate VPD surveillance-related activities.

–Technical expertise in the development and evaluation of disease surveillance systems in a public health setting.

–Proven expertise in the analysis of routine disease surveillance data.

–Demonstrated skills in capacity building, especially the training of health workers.

–Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of French with a working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Spanish 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 $31,939.00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Local Recruitment)

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

A written test may be used as a form of screening.

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 offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary (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.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

This is a locally recruited post and is only available for citizens of CARICOM Member States (Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago).Candidates must hold a permanent local working visa or be citizens of a country from CARICOM to apply.

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 organizational purposes.