Technical Officer, Tuberculosis and Leprosy

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Salary - Monthly (non-negotiable):

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OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

PAHO Country Offices are responsible for ensuring that the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) country program of technical cooperation and its country presence provides adequate support to the national health development process and, at the same time, enables the countries to shape the subregional, regional and global health agendas. The PAHO/WHO Country Office is the basic organizational unit for technical cooperation with the country/ies, drawing on PAHO/WHO resources from all levels and all parts of the Organization.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The incumbent participates as a member of a multidisciplinary team providing technical cooperation to the Country in the area of TB and Leprosy alongside the Communicable Diseases, Prevention, Control and Elimination Department supporting technical cooperation activities included in the Unit’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP). As part of the CDE Unit, the incumbent provides technical support to Member States for the implementation of the program of work for the prevention, control and, where appropriate, elimination of TB and Leprosy. The incumbent is specifically tasked to focus his/her technical work on implementation of the End TB Strategy, the commitments of the United Nations High Level Meeting on TB, and development of innovative initiatives for TB prevention and control in the Region. The incumbent is expected to exercise technical competence, sound judgment, and initiative in collaborating with the Unit Chief, CDE/HT, Advisor, TB Prevention, Control and Elimination, national counterparts, and other technical areas within the Organization.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR/BRA), and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Health Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control (CDE), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

a) Support the technical implementation of the   TB and Leprosy strategies, providing technical support to Member States, contributing to the development of strategies and initiatives aimed at addressing vulnerable populations;

b) Provide technical support for TB co-infections and co-morbidities, including TB/HIV and other relevant co-morbidities, fostering inter-programmatic collaboration between TB and other technical programs;

c) Support the PAHO Elimination  initiative framework,  providing technical support to implement the Strategy for Communicable Diseases with focus on TB and Leprosy;

d) Collaborate with national and sub national authorities, supporting PAHO/WHO technical cooperation actions with the Ministry of Health of Brazil, and contributing to the development and implementation of public policies on Tuberculosis and Leprosy;

e) Support knowledge management and strategic information analysis, through monitoring and systematizing scientific evidence, analyzing strategic information, and contributing to the development of knowledge management initiatives;

f) Provide technical support on knowledge management for areas of work assigned, using all the available means for the dissemination of relevant scientific and technical information, sharing of successful practices and results achieved within the scope of technical cooperation, while contributing to position PAHO’s technical leadership in health and preserve the institutional memory;

g) Support the publication and dissemination of technical information by participating in the production and dissemination of technical publications, and contributing to the preparation and revision of scientific journal articles and other publications;

h) Participate in meetings, events, and activities related to TB and Leprosy, contributing  to the organization’s technical expertise and representation in relevant scenarios;

i) Support the development and implementation of   new Terms of Cooperation Projects with  States and Municipalities on  Tuberculosis and Leprosy, ensuring alignment with WHO´s and PAHO´s recommendations, compliance with standards and deadlines, and providing support for information requests and technical cooperation evaluation;

j) Support the promotion of community engagement and civil society involvement in national TB and Leprosy programs, facilitating dialogue between civil society, programs and affected communities, and collaborating on the development of e-health and training materials;  

k) Contribute to resource mobilization and project development for TB and Leprosy initiatives, including   the development of regional projects and proposals to secure  financial resources, and participation in resource mobilization efforts;

l) Support staff development and supervision through direct oversight, establishing clear work objectives, and providing coaching and feedback;

m) Promote horizontal, south-south and/or triangular cooperation for health development and innovation for strategic advancement of the areas of responsibility, through exchange of resources, technology, experience and knowledge; including the promotion and use of WHO Collaborating Centers (WCC) and the identification of potential new WCC in Brazil;

n) 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 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 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 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

– Theoretical and practical knowledge of infectious diseases epidemiology, prevention, control and public health interventions, with focus on tuberculosis and Leprosy.

– Strong knowledge of project development, epidemiology analysis, technical support, and monitoring, and evaluation skills.

– Professional expertise on TB and Leprosy public health interventions at national and international levels.

– Practical knowledge and skills in planning, implementation, and monitoring of program activities; demonstrated ability to organize meetings, workshops or events.

– Strong research and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to work collaboratively on multi-disciplinary teams with tight schedules.

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

EDUCATION (Qualifications)

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health science or in any other field related to the functions of the position, from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master’s degree in health sciences, public health or epidemiology would be an asset.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Five years of national experience working in infectious diseases epidemiology and public health and practical experience in the surveillance, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and control of TB and Leprosy. Evidence of experience with Global and Regional TB and Leprosy Programs, incorporating ethnically sensitive and human rights approaches to the delivery of health services for TB and Leprosy and dealing with vulnerable populations.

Desirable: At least three years of experience providing direct technical support to TB and Leprosy programs at national or subnational levels.

LANGUAGES

Very good knowledge of Portuguese, with a working knowledge of English and Spanish.  

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.

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: http://whed.net/

                - Council for Higher Education Accreditation chea.org

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

                  nces.gov 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: pahorecruitment@paho.org

• 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 serve.  Therefore, we have zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.