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Technical Officer Epidemic Alert and Response

Join us and help strengthen epidemic intelligence and emergency response capacity across the Region of the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking a committed analytical and missiondriven Technical Officer Epidemic Alert and Response to support global and regional mechanisms for detection verification and risk assessment of public health events. This role contributes directly to protecting population health by strengthening surveillance information management and rapid response capacities across PAHO Member States.

Under the general supervision of the Unit Chief Health Emergency Information and Risk Assessment (PHE/HIM) and the direct supervision of the Advisor Detection Verification and Risk Assessment the selected candidate will:

Conduct systematic review for detection verification and risk assessment of public health events of potential international concern in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR2005).
Maintain and update the WHO Event Management System (EMS) ensuring timely registration and verification of potential public health emergencies.
Collaborate with PAHO/WHO Country Offices and National IHR Focal Points to collect and assess epidemic intelligence.
Develop and monitor competencybased training programs related to detection verification risk assessment epidemic alert and response.
Conduct statistical analyses of EMS information and prepare disease risk profiles and routine epidemiological reports.
Develop and deliver training on the Information System for Event Management (SIME) application.
Prepare and disseminate information on acute public health events and recommendations to PAHO/WHO Representatives national authorities and the public.
Participate in the duty officer system to ensure 24/7 coverage of urgent communications.
Support emergency and disaster response operations as needed.

For a complete list of functions please see the Post Description.

What is required for this position

Education

Essential: A bachelors degree in a healthrelated science or any other field related to functions of the post from a recognized university.
Desirable: A masters degree in communicable diseases public health or related field would be an asset.

Experience

Essential: Seven years of combined national and international experience working in epidemiology communicable diseases and public health. Demonstrated experience in epidemiology and surveillance of infectious diseases complemented by experience in collection and verification of epidemic intelligence and international risk assessment.
Desirable: Experience in or sound knowledge of PAHO and WHO processes for epidemic alert and response and IHR. Knowledge of statistical methods e.g. disease modeling for risk analyses would be an asset.

Languages

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Other IT skills and knowledge of programs such as Microsoft Excel Outlook OneDrive PowerPoint Teams SharePoint and Word are considered essential.

Competencies and Skills

For a complete list of competencies and skills please refer to the post description.

The skills required are:

• Knowledge and skills in the application of International Health Regulations principles as they relate to epidemic alert and response.

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of communicable disease epidemiology.

• Excellent data management and webbased application skills.

• Strong organizational and analytical capacity to filter epidemic intelligence for relevance and credibility.

• Ability to exercise tact discretion mature judgment and take initiative in gathering intelligence.

• Ability to produce results under crisis conditions.

• Strong oral and writing skills for reports presentations and highlevel documents.

• Ability to assess analyze synthesize and provide recommendations on technical and managerial issues.

Duration of Contract

This isan initial6-month assignment with thepossibilityof 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.