Infection Prevention and Control Policy Analyst – **Reissue – deadline extended**

Objectives of the Department

The objective of the Health Emergencies Department (PHE) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is to increase health sector resilience to emergencies and disasters. PHE assists Member States to strengthen the health sector’s capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man-made, biological, chemical, radiological and others) and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. PHE is responsible for ensuring the implementation and updating of the PAHO/WHO Institutional Emergency and Disaster Response Policy.

Organizational context

The incumbent is a member of PHE’s Infectious Hazards Management Unit. He/She will support the Advisor, Clinical Management of Infectious Hazards, in assessing implementation of infection prevention and control programs at the national and facility levels, as well as support development of evidence-based documents on various aspects of infection prevention and control.

Responsibilities:

Under the general supervision of the Unit Chief, Infectious Hazards Management, and under the direct supervision of the Advisor, Clinical Management of Infectious Hazards, the incumbent is responsible for, but not limited to, the following assigned duties:

a) Provide technical assistance to Member States remotely, as requested, for revision of their national policies of infection prevention and control programs.

b) Adapt or review existing guidelines, documents, policies, and standard operation procedures of infection prevention and control for use of national health authorities, medical personnel, and pertinent stakeholders.

c) Document the implementation of infection prevention and control activities in selected Member States.

d) Review current scientific evidence on aspects related to infection prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging the clinical management of emerging and re-emerging pathogens, including the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Location:

Due to travel restrictions, all activities will be performed remotely, in the country of origin of the selected candidate.**

Education requirements (Qualifications)

Essential: A university degree in medicine, postgraduate degree at a master’s level in public health, or a related field from a recognized institution**

Desirable: A post-doctoral degree in health-related field. **

Experience requirements

Essential: Nine or more years of combined national and/or international work experience in activities related to public health, evidence-informed policy and health system development, management of primary health care programs, research (clinical, epidemiological, systematic reviews, health technology assessment, health system research, priority settings exercises, monitoring and evaluation of programs), and health situation analysis.

Desirable: Experience in conducting qualitative reviews of policies implementation**

Languages

Expert knowledge of official UN languages, including English and Spanish. Knowledge of Portuguese or French would be an asset.

Additional skills

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, SharePoint, etc. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as Workday, Visio and Project would be an asset.