Specialist, advocacy and information management

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 general supervision of the Deputy Director (DD), and the direct supervision of the Manager, Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief (PED) , the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Conceptualize and develop a coordinated advocacy and information strategy of all disaster management activities using all accessible technologies and traditional channels; promote priority health sector disaster preparedness and risk reduction activities and initiatives;
2. Coordinate the production of multimedia and printed technical materials for the health sector, provide technical advice, review the quality of work of staff under supervision, as well as of freelance writers, editors and translators;
3. Support promotional campaigns to increase awareness of health vulnerability reduction and disaster preparedness at national, regional and global level;
4. Plan and implement operational activities and strategies on information management in emergencies and disasters; support the development of technical capacities at national and regional level in the areas of communication and information management in emergencies; support the development of the roster of experts for the Organization's Regional Response Team;
5. Facilitate access of national authorities to local and global disaster and health information systems by strengthening disaster information services and centers in the Region (including the Regional Disaster Information Center (CRID);
6. Develop, maintain and coordinate external partnerships to strengthen and support health sector disaster management initiatives with the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR), National Library of Medicine (NLM), etc.;
7. Review the quality content of the Organization's information on disaster response, preparedness, mitigation and prevention that is disseminated electronically, through the web, and other electronic and social media services;
8. Assist the Entity in the in mobilization of resources through the formulation of projects and visibility to the topic and results obtained by the health sector;
9. Supervise staff assigned, including financial execution, develop work programs; establish clear work objectives for assigned staff, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback; review the quality of work of staff under supervision, as well as of freelance writers, editors and translators;
10. Optimize efficiency and effectiveness of outsourcing operations;
11. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education:
- Essential: A bachelor's degree in a health, information, social science or related field from a recognized university.
- Desirable: A master's degree in an information related science would be an asset.

Skills:
- Intra-institutional 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: Processes and analyzes the data objectively, presenting it clearly and equitably. Leads the effort to acquire relevant and selected information that facilitates the achievement of organizational results. Evaluates/leads the evaluation of information systems on the basis of its advantages/disadvantages for processing information relevant to the area of work.
- 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.
- Teamwork: Promotes team work and leads one's area to finish tasks and accept responsibility. Creates a positive environment within the area of work. Makes everyone feel like they are part of the team as well as welcomes and appreciates everyone's ideas and suggestions. Able to see the positive aspects of working as a team, shares the team's enthusiasm for achieving mutual goals.
- 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.
- Resource Mobilization: Establishes partnerships and alliances with a variety of institutions and organizations as well as internal partnerships to obtain financial and non-financial resources. Is able to relate with all types of people and at all levels in order to obtain resources that are needed. Is able to present and disseminate information in a clear manner. Executes resources according to the agreements previously established with partnerships.

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.

Languages:
- Very good knowledge of Spanish or English with working knowledge of the other language.
- Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

Experience

- Essential: Seven years of combined national and international experience in disaster management, information and knowledge management activities; design and management activities and programs for advocacy and communication; production and marketing of publications and other information/technical materials.
- Desirable: Experience directly related to health information promotion and the impact of disasters on the health and welfare of populations with international organizations, United Nations, and/or Red Cross Movement would be an asset.