Technical Officer, Strengthening Suicide Prevention

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ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is working to strengthen mental health systems and prevent suicide in the region of the Americas. Within this framework the incumbent will support the implementation of actions aimed at strengthening Suicide Prevention in Mexico in collaboration with national authorities partners and stakeholders.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

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

a) Coordinate facilitate and monitor the activities towards strengthening Suicide Prevention in Mexico under the guidance of the Advisor NMH;
b) Maintain an updated record of the activities carried out documents produced and contribute to the preparation of periodic reports on the development of the activities for the review of the Advisor NMH;
c) Identify challenges and opportunities in the development of the project and propose corresponding actions for the oversight of the Advisor NMH;
d) Participate in the corresponding project monitoring meetings at the local national and regional levels;
e) Facilitate coordination with the guidance of the Advisor NMH between the different institutions participating in the project;
f) Support all matters related to the implementation of the suicide prevention strengthening Project as part of the Regional Initiative in coordination with federal authorities and in the states that are defined with the guidance of the Advisor NMH;
g) Support the PWR in all tasks related to the area of noncommunicable diseases and mental health and in other activities that the Representative designates;
h) Perform other related duties as assigned.

KEY BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organizations 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 valuing individual differences: - Treats everyone with dignity and respect fostering positive relationships with everyone. Reflects on personal behavior to avoid stereotypes and considers situations from the perspective of others.

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 projects expected results. Make 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 the areas of noncommunicable diseases and mental health with experience in technical cooperation project development and implementation in country settings.
• Ability to develop implement and analyze technical cooperation programs and activities including budget programming and control.
• Ability to identify priorities and support strategy development of activities to bring together all stakeholders to promote the project.
• Analytical skills and abilities demonstrated in performing analyses on a wide range of factors requirements priorities for the assessment and implementation of activities in multi-sectoral and multi-cultural environments.
• Ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment to re-prioritize actions on short notice.

EDUCATION

Essential: A bachelors degree in the area of health sciences psychology or field related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

Desirable: A postgraduate degree or masters degree in public health epidemiology or another area of health.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Three years of national work experience in mental health suicide prevention and/or public health programs.

Desirable: More than 2 years of work experience in International Organizations would be an asset.

LANGUAGES

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

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.

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT
This is an initial 11-month assignment with the possibility of extensions subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

DISCLAIMER

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

• 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.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview you will be required to provide in advance a scanned copy of the official degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. PAHO considers official 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 assessed through the link: Council for Higher Education Accreditation

- College Navigator found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics

to support the validation process.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations Staff Rules and e-Manual.

PAHO/WHO is committed to:

• PAHO supports an environment of mutual respect and dignity for all applicants. All interested individuals who meet the requirements of this position are encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. To do so email us at:

• Maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

• Promoting 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.

• Providing a smoke-free environment.

• Protecting the people in the communities we we have zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.