Advisor (Health Systems & Services) - WHO (Apply by: October 22, 2015)

Vacancy Notice No: PAHO/15/FT504 Title: Advisor, Health Systems and Services Grade: P4 Contract type: Fixed-term Appointment Duration of contract:  Two years, first year probationary period.	Date: 25 September 2015 Application Deadline: 22 October 2015 (22 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  Bogota, Colombia   Organization unit: AM Americas (AM) / AMCO Countries (AM_ACO) PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR/COL)/Health Systems and Services (HSS)
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : The primary objective of the Department of Health Systems and Services is to strengthen health systems based on Primary Health Care, supporting universal health coverage. Its work encompasses the following areas: strengthening of health systems governance for social protection in health; strengthening of regulatory frameworks and financial protection for progressive realization of the right to health; organizing people-centered, integrated health service delivery; promoting access to and rational use of quality, safe, and effective health technologies; strengthening national health research systems, and promoting the integration of scientific knowledge into health care, health policies, and technical cooperation; and developing human resources for health.
Description of duties: Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), and the technical guidance of the Director, Health Systems and Services (HSS), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to the following assigned duties: a) Advise and collaborate on the development, implementation, and evaluation of technical cooperation programs in the areas of health systems development, and health services organization and management; b) Promote and support the establishment of policies, norms and standards for the design, organization and functional programming and operation of health systems, integrated health services networks including hospital and other health facilities and services, and public health infrastructure and services; c) Provide technical cooperation for the development of health services, with emphasis on the primary health care and the structure and operation of local health systems that provide a setting for the joint participation of the public sector social security systems, the private sector, and government agencies; d) Support the strengthening of institutional capabilities for the adequate performance of the Steering Role of the National Health Authority, promoting the formulation and establishment of standards for the programming, operation, monitoring and evaluation of national health programs and facilities and Public Health Essential functions and services; e) Support the development of social protection systems and other institutional and nongovernmental sectors, in the context of national health policies and plans, as part of the development and strengthening of the steering role of the sector and health care systems; f) Collaborate in the organization and management of health systems and services, and their units with an emphasis on the reorganization and reorientation of the health sector and central and local health systems, including the following activities: - Implement, monitor, and evaluate sectoral projects aimed at achieving efficiency, effectiveness, improved quality, and sustainability of national health services and systems. - Advise on decision-making processes regarding collective options for, and implementation of, programs for universal access to quality care and to improve locative efficiencies and ensure Universal Coverage and Social Protection in Health. - Support the implementation of plans to strengthen national health information systems and participates in health systems and services research to inform policy and decision-making, while facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and information. - Collaborate in the development and implementation of programs to strengthen the steering role of the ministries of health in all its dimensions. - Contribute to the identification and targeting of health inequities and the inclusion of vulnerable groups to ensure equitable access to quality health services. g) Contribute to the development, planning, and training of Human Resources in Health aimed at increasing the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of the workforce, and organizes, conducts, or facilitates capacity-building activities; collaborating with the academic sector in promoting and strengthening the formation of human resources required to develop access and coverage of health services with equity; h) Provide advice and technical support to every component related to quality of care and the health services infrastructure (nursing, drugs, and medicine, support and logistic services, diagnostic and therapeutic, health information system including vital statistics and medical record) and priority programs based on family and community approach; i) Coordinate the development of projects in the areas of oral health, ocular health, rehabilitation, essential medicines and health technologies, emergency healthcare services, and emergency and disaster preparedness; j) Disseminate up-to-date knowledge and findings in the various areas of specialization; advise on the introduction and transfer of experiences and technologies through capacity-building processes and inter-country collaboration; k) Support the development and consolidation of the information system to assist in the decision-making processes and provide the necessary information on the health situation and trends in order to contribute to the consolidation of the strategic administration processes and the effective and efficient management of health services; l) Cooperate with WHO, regional and country offices, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centres, international cooperation agencies, inter-governmental and Non-governmental organizations, private sector and other relevant stakeholders, in order to develop alliances and networks that promote access to quality primary care services, particularly for those most in need; m) Collaborate in the preparation of the Representation´s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities; n) Collaborate with the mobilization of resources at national and subnational levels with diverse partners according to PAHO/WHO policies. o) Contribute to the coordination of delivery of the Organization's technical cooperation and financial assistance, working as part of the team of consultants assigned to the Representative Office; p) When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities; q) Perform other related duties, as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A university degree in one of the health, social or management sciences with a master's degree in public health, health systems and services administration or management from a recognized university. 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/
Skills:  -- Intrainstitutional Action: Leads team efforts toward full understanding of the policies the organization must operate within as well as the Standard of Conduct for the International Civil Service. Leads employees and co-workers toward operating in a fair, consistent and equitable manner, and displays such behavior by example. Behaves consistently in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Organization. -- Analysis, Synthesis, and Forecasting: After analyzing situations on the basis of the available evidence and knowledge, leads one's area of responsibility toward individual and collective actions. Encourages the importance of continual analysis. Verifies and promotes that action is taken in situations that will require future intervention, based on ongoing analysis. Leads others in decisions needed to implement required actions. Is capable of anticipating the implications of analyzed situations between one and two years ahead. -- Teamwork: Embraces and leads consensual decision-making, that is, leading the fulfillment of team decisions, even when they may not fully coincide with one's own opinions or proposals. Knows how to manage difficult team situations and promotes consensus building. Takes responsibility for the team's successes and failures. -- Devising the budget for interventions and cost optimization: Demonstrates initiative and managerial capacity in obtaining alternative sources of financing and in mobilizing extrabudgetary resources for interventions. Acquires adequate funding, based upon the resources allocated in intervention plans. -- Thinking, planning and the strategic management of technical cooperation interventions: Selects priority ideas for executing the interventions after anticipating their potential problems and solutions. Participates in the preparation of strategic plans, providing input about their impact, quality, critical points, and risks. -- Leadership: Uses complex strategies to promote team morale and productivity. Obtains needed personnel resources and information for the team. Makes sure the practical needs of the team are met. -- Knowledge Management: Supports and develops networked and community working. Identifies, develops and nurtures networks and communities. Identifies and builds on working networks that enable knowledge and information flow. Designs and implements knowledge and information services. Enables utilization of knowledge and information sources. Delivers relevant knowledge and information in most appropriate form. Participates in and learns from networked and community approaches. -- Resource Mobilization: Works in an objective manner to obtain and apportion resources (financial and non-financial) according to need. Supports and advises technical areas to enable best use of resources are aligned with the mission and vision of the Organization. Is able to work in a multicultural environment. Is flexible and has the ability to work well under pressure. Is able to give feedback to partners within and outside the organization about the use of the resources and the results acquired. Technical Expertise - Possess knowledge and skills in the areas of organization, management (including planning, financing, organization, staffing, directing and controlling) and provision of health care services (including primary, secondary, and tertiary care and public health services), and in strengthening primary health care-based health systems. Competencies in regulation, financing and public health functions, extension of health care services to underserved populations/areas, equity in access to health care services, quality of health services, and strategies to overcome barriers to accessing health care services. - Knowledge and ability for management of health systems/services research, as well as competencies development in the area of public health. - Knowledge and skills in the formulation of technical cooperation interventions and in the development of criteria and instruments for evaluating program interventions - Knowledge and skills in policy analysis and project formulation, leadership and regulatory functions, financing and extension of social protection in health, public health functions and services, purchasing of services, educational development, human resources management, and operations research in primary health care services. - 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. IT Skills Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as Visio, Microsoft SharePoint and Project would be an asset.
Experience: Nine years of combined national and international experience in areas related to health systems development, health services delivery, extension of health care services to underserved populations/areas, and developing strategies to overcome barriers to accessing health care services. Experience should also include management of health care services at either the facility or systems levels.
Languages: Very good knowledge of Spanish or English, with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.
Additional Information: PAHO OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE COMPENSATION PACKAGE INCLUDING AN ANNUAL NET SALARY AND POST ADJUSTMENT, WHICH REFLECTS THE COST OF LIVING IN A PARTICULAR DUTY STATION AND EXCHANGE RATES (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. BENEFITS FOR INTERNATIONALLY RECRUITED STAFF MAY INCLUDE HOME LEAVE, TRAVEL AND REMOVAL EXPENSES ON APPOINTMENT AND SEPARATION, EDUCATION GRANT FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN, ASSIGNMENT GRANT AND RENTAL SUBSIDY. CANDIDATES APPOINTED TO AN INTERNATIONAL POST WITH PAHO ARE SUBJECT TO MOBILITY AND MAY BE ASSIGNED TO ANY ACTIVITY OR DUTY STATION OF THE ORGANIZATION THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. 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.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) US $68,294.00 at single rate US $73,338.00 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 36.7 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
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