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Technical Officer Respiratory Viruses Preparedness

Join us and help strengthen regional readiness for influenza COVID19 and other respiratory threats

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Technical Officer Respiratory Viruses Preparedness to support Member States in strengthening surveillance preparedness and response capacities for seasonal and pandemic influenza COVID19 and other respiratory viruses.

As part of the Infectious Hazards Management Unit within the Health Emergencies Department the selected candidate will contribute to the implementation of the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Initiative working closely with national counterparts regional networks and internal technical teams.

Under the direct supervision of the Advisor Epidemicprone Diseases Epidemiology the selected candidate will:

• Provide technical support for reviewing and developing national preparedness and response plans for influenza COVID19 and other respiratory viruses.

• Support countries in disseminating and implementing frameworks and programs related to respiratory virus preparedness.

• Coordinate technical cooperation on public health and social measures during epidemic and pandemic events.

• Participate in action reviews simulation exercises and capacitybuilding activities at the country level.

• Develop update and organize training materials and educational courses on respiratory virus preparedness and response.

• Contribute to regional surveillance networks (e.g. SARInet) and support data collection management analysis and dissemination.

• Conduct monitoring and evaluation of national and local surveillance systems including onsite assessments.

• Deliver targeted training and technical support for surveillance and preparedness activities.

• Serve as focal point for risk communication and community engagement related to respiratory viruses.

• Participate in emergency and disaster response operations and provide backstopping 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 public health epidemiology or a field related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

Desirable: An advanced degree in any of the following fields: medicine veterinary medicine or epidemiology would be an asset. It would also be desirable to have completed a field epidemiology training program.

Experience

Essential: Seven years of combined national and international experience working in surveillance of communicable diseases including surveillance of influenza and other respiratory diseases. Desirable: Experience in pandemic preparedness or working within the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) would be an asset.

Languages

Very good knowledge of English and/or Spanish with a 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 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.

Competencies and Skills

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

The skills required are:

• Technical expertise in communicable diseases epidemiology and disease burden studies.

• Strong organizational and analytical skills for filtering and managing epidemiological data.

• Ability to analyze technical information and synthesize inputs from multiple sources.

• Ability to integrate managerial and administrative inputs into decisionmaking recommendations.

• Excellent database management and reporting skills.

• Strong oral and written communication skills including preparation of reports presentations and technical documents.

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

This is an initial 6-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.