Technical Officer (Strategic Fund)

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) The primary objective of the Department of Health Systems and Services (HSS) is to strengthen health systems based on Primary Health Care, supporting universal health coverage. Its work encompasses the following areas: strengthening health systems governance for social protection in health; strengthening regulatory frameworks and financial protection mechanisms to promote the 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 general supervision of the Director, Health Systems and Services (HSS), and the direct supervision of the Chief, Strategic Fund Management (HSS/SF), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Provide technical support and coordinate administrative and technical areas to promote the Strategic Fund to Member States; guide and support countries in the use of the Fund mechanism;
2. Support the strengthening of Member States’ capacity to perform quantification, forecasting of future demands and improve efficiencies in the entire procurement cycle for products procured through the Strategic Fund;
3. Support operations of the Strategic Fund in the review of product lists, pooling demand between participating countries and ensuring liaison with countries in programming and forecasting of procurement;
4. Provide support through national and subregional workshops on the operational and technical framework of the PAHO Strategic Fund;
5. Develop and review administrative procedures governing operations of the Strategic Fund;
6. Support the development of technical documents in procurement and supply management, and participate in the biennial review of the Strategic Fund Operating Principles;
7. Support technical programs of work in procurement and supply management in the Region of the Americas through the Strategic Fund and monitor their implementation;
8. Coordinate new interactions between the Strategic Fund and bilateral and multilateral agencies, non-governmental organizations, subregional integration mechanisms and other partners to advance the interests and objectives of the Strategic Fund;
9. Support the development of communication tools to improve the availability of information for stakeholders in the Strategic Fund;
10. Support the continuous assessment and evaluation of the impact of the Strategic Fund, results achieved, and processes developed;
11. Participate in the assessment of current practices within technical and administrative entities in Headquarters and Country Offices to improve efficiencies and improve service to Member States; develop recommendations and plans of actions for process enhancement;
12. Work collaboratively and innovatively with member states and cross-functional teams to support member states with supply issues related to Strategic Fund related products;
13. Participate in market analysis (e.g. potential suppliers, product pipeline, global demand trends and procurement approaches) for medicines and public health supplies procured through the Strategic Fund for Member States;
14. Participate in the preparation of the Unit’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP), budget and technical evaluation reports;
15. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education: Essential: A bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical science, logistics, supply chain management or in any other field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized institution. Desirable: A master’s degree in a health science, pharmaceutical science, health economics, health policy or public finance management would be an asset. 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/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process. Experience: Essential: Seven years of combined national and international experience in the administration of programs and projects related to pharmaceutical and other health technologies, health policy, procurement and supply management of health commodities and/or health technology service delivery. Desirable: Knowledge of health systems and/or pharmaceutical/health technology market dynamics in Latin America and the Caribbean would be an asset. SKILLS: PAHO 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/Deal effectively with conflict - Creates team spirit; promotes collaboration and open communication in the team; proactively supports others; welcomes team responsibilities and drives team results; promotes knowledge sharing in the team. Proactively identifies conflicts and facilitates their resolution in a respectful manner; tactfully resolves conflicts between or with others and takes action to reduce any possible tension; effectively builds a rapport with individuals and teams, establishing good personal and professional relationships, as well as minimizing risk of potential conflict.
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
• Communication: Write effectively/Share knowledge - Writes down ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible way; drafts and supports the development of guidelines, policies and procedures. Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization.
• Producing Results: Work efficiently and independently/Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Prioritizes work, monitors own progress against objectives and adapts plans as required; communicates adjustments as necessary. Acts proactively and stimulates action as needed; handles problems effectively and constructively. Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own time lines 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 - Actively supports Organizational change initiatives and demonstrates personal commitment to them, including when faced with new demands; proposes workable solutions to challenging situations. Engages in positive responses to a changing environment and promotes workable solutions to achieve own and team’s results. Welcomes, and actively seeks to apply, new ideas, approaches and working methods and technologies in order to improve own and/or team’s work processes and results; demonstrates commitment to Organizational change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical policy and regulations and procurement and supply management;
• Knowledge of current quality norms and standards in pharmaceutical procurement, prequalification of medicines and prequalification of quality control laboratories;
• Ability to apply quality assurance normative standards in pharmaceutical manufacturer/supplier evaluation and inspection, development of operational quality management systems in pharmaceutical supply management, quality control of pharmaceuticals and development of regulatory capacity.
• Strong knowledge and expertise on consolidation of demand, direct negotiations and other strategies to improve access to medicines and other health technologies
• Ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment to re-prioritize actions on short notice.
• Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents.

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. 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. REMUNERATION Annual Salary: (Net of taxes) $62,120.00 post adjustment Post Adjustment: 49.6% 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. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. A written test may be used as a form of screening. Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual. For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity. PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco. PAHO/WHO 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. 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. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post. The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.