Emergency Information Specialist, P-2. PAHO. Open until 22 October 2010

Vacancy Notice No: PAHO/10/FT437

Title: Emergency Information Specialist

Grade: P2

Contract type: Fixed-term appointment

Duration of contract: Two years, first year probationary period.

Date: 9 September 2010

Application Deadline: 22 October 2010
(35 day(s) until closing deadline)
Currently accepting applications

Duty Station: Washington, D.C. United States of America

Organization unit: AM Americas (AM)
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief (PED)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :
The objective of the Area on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief is to reduce the impact of disasters on the health of the population of the Americas through disaster preparedness, mitigation and a timely and coordinated response.
Description of duties:
Under the direct supervision of the Advisor, Emergency Operations on a day-to-day basis, the Advisor, Communications and Information during an emergency phase, and the general supervision of the Manager, Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief (PED), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

a) Provide technical support to the Advisor, Emergency Operations to formulate plans, communications, bulletins, etc. to respond to health emergencies/crises which may require the Organization's assistance, and the need to manage and provide pertinent information;
b) Provide technical support all aspects of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) communications and information management, to include monitor the EOC's email inbox; draft situation reports; publish information on the Internet and Intranet; produce customized reports and provide other timely information;
c) Serve as the EOC's information resource for the collection and analysis of data and information for processing and/or dissemination to stakeholders-both internal and external-at all levels, particularly at the decision-making level. Collaborate with technical and other organizational entities to produce highly analytical/technical level situation reports, bulletins, and web-sites;
d) Monitor the media in collaboration with Knowledge Management and Communication, and other pertinent sources of information, including the International Health Regulations (IHR); collaborate in disseminating public health information; and ensure key stakeholders are kept abreast of information in a timely manner;
e) Manage emergency Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to information management; ensure that procedures are up-to-date and correctly implemented;
f) Contribute to the planning, design, development and maintenance of information tools, including databases, for proper monitoring, alert and response of the EOC, including mapping;
g) Collaborate with all parties concerned to ensure that selected donors and the international community are kept up-to-date with information related to health emergencies/crises;
h) Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: A bachelor's degree in information sciences, information management, communications or related field from a recognized university.
Desirable: Specialized training in health disaster preparedness and/or public health response would be an asset.
Skills:
-- Intrainstitutional Action: Operates in a fair, consistent and equitable manner, and displays such behavior by example. Ensures that the mission and the values of the Organization as well as the setting in which projects will be carried out are the drivers in one's technical work. Understands the results required and performs to that standard. Behaves consistently in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Organization.
-- Communication: Actively engages in conversation with the key players in a multicultural environment both within and outside the organization. Develops a network of appropriate contacts inside and outside PAHO to gain information or to build an alliance. Takes into consideration the multicultural differences within the organization.
-- Information Management: Takes initiative to improve systems for the presentation and dissemination of information. Supports, through competent use of the available systems and technologies, the development of data presentations.
-- Analysis, Synthesis, and Forecasting: Takes or organizes individual and collective action after analyzing situations on the basis of the available evidence and knowledge. Continuously analyzes the evolution of situations in an area of work and makes suggestions to adjust or confirm the decisions necessary to implement required actions. Is capable of anticipating the implications of an analyzed situation between six months to one year ahead.
-- Teamwork: Encourages team members, adds significant contribution when participating in internal and external work teams, and leads through personal example the virtues of team success--collaboration, trust, transparency and joint responsibilities. Builds and maintains mutually beneficial productive interpersonal relations based on trust, inside and outside the Organization. Keeps every team member informed as well as shares relevant and useful information.
-- Thinking, planning and the strategic management of technical cooperation interventions: Identifies the risks and benefits of options for future health initiatives based on the analysis of institutional and political trends. Applies a broad approach to work in the health field.
-- Knowledge Management: Seeks and proposes better resources to access, process, use and share information with a variety of actors in different environments. Produces and participates in studies as well as research that meet the publication requirements of media accepted by the scientific community.

Technical Expertise:
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of timely information management, organization, distribution, dissemination, collaboration and refinement of information.
- Ability to develop and disseminate information, using database systems and information technologies.
- Strong research and problem-solving skills, and be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to work collaboratively on multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment with high levels of delivery, and adaptability to high-stress situations.
- Ability to communicate with key players in a multicultural environment at all levels and to meet client/customer/partner/stakeholder needs while working in a disaster environment.
- Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents-quickly and under stressful conditions-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, SharePoint and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as Visio and Project will be an asset.
Experience:
Essential: Five years of combined national and international experience in the public or private health sector working in communication projects related to public health, disaster response, or situation/incident room communications.
Desirable: Experience with a UN common system organization, or other international public health organization would be an asset.
Languages:
Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a sound working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.
Additional Information:
A WRITTEN TEST AND/OR INTERVIEW MAY BE HELD FOR THIS POST. CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED ONLY IF THEY ARE UNDER SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. ALL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AN ON-LINE PERSONAL HISTORY FORM. THE POST DESCRIPTION IS THE OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION FOR ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSES.
Annual salary: (Net of tax)
US $46,037. at single rate
US $49,082. with primary dependants Post Adjustment: 42.6 % 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.

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All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

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Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.