Technical Officer, Health Promotion and Social Determinants of Health

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Technical Officer, Health Promotion, and Social Determinants of Health

Join us and be the driving force behind advancing health equity and well-being across communities in PAHO.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a dynamic, results-oriented, and collaborative Technical Officer, Health Promotion, and Social Determinants of Health to support the development and implementation of equity-based public health policies and programs that improve health outcomes and strengthen community resilience.

Under the technical guidance of the Director, Social and Environmental Determinants for Health Equity (DHE), and the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), the selected candidate will:

• Provide technical support and serve as country focal point for initiatives related to health promotion, social determinants of health, and health equity, including gender and ethnicity.

• Support research, planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of policies and strategies addressing social determinants of health, with a focus on local governance, intersectoral action, and community participation.

• Provide technical guidance on the development, review, and promotion of national policies and programs for health promotion, including healthy cities and healthy settings.

• Conduct capacity assessments and evidence reviews on health inequities using qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

• Develop and strengthen partnerships and networks to enhance multidisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration with institutional partners.

• Lead documentation of lessons learned and best practices to inform policy dialogue and scaling strategies.

• Provide technical and strategic support to integrate equity, gender equality, and ethnicity considerations into country office activities.

• Maintain records of implemented activities and progress achieved and support the implementation of country-level initiatives.

For a complete list of functions, please see the post description.

What is required for this position?

Education

Essential: A university degree in health or social science or in any other field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized institution.

Desirable: A postgraduate or master´s degree in public health or social sciences from a recognized institution, would be an asset.

Experience

Essential: Three years of national professional experience in technical cooperation programs and projects that address the determinants of health and heath equity, including gender and cultural diversity, or community-based solutions and policies in local and national social development programs.

Desirable: More than 5 years of work experience in managing complex international programs related to the social determinants of health and equity, or experience with International Organizations.

Languages

Fluency in Spanish and a working knowledge of English.

IT Skills

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential.

Competencies and Skills

For a complete list of competencies and skills, please refer to the post description.

The skills required are:

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of health promotion, social determinants of health, community participation, and intersectoral action.

• Knowledge of the country’s social, political, and health context and its impact on health outcomes.

• Ability to develop and implement strategies to engage diverse stakeholders and promote project objectives.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess, synthesize, and provide recommendations on complex issues.

• Research capabilities using quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and diplomacy skills to engage with diverse stakeholders and senior officials.

• Ability to prepare high-quality reports, presentations, and technical documents.

Duration of Contract

This is an initial 5-month assignment, with the possibility of extensions, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

DISCLAIMER 

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade and level. 

• 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. 

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the official degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. PAHO, considers official higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in one of the following databases: 

                - World Higher Education Database (WHED), list updated by the International Association of Universities

                   (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

                   The list can be assessed through the link: http://whed.net/

                - Council for Higher Education Accreditation chea.org

                 - College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics,

                  nces.gov to support the validation process. 

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

PAHO/WHO is committed to: 

• PAHO supports an environment of mutual respect and dignity for all applicants. All interested individuals who meet the requirements of this position are encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. To do so, email us at: pahorecruitment@paho.org

• Maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

• Promoting a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of misconduct.  

• Providing a smoke-free environment. 

• Protecting the people in the communities we serve.  Therefore, we have zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution. 

Additional Information

PAHO/WHO offers:

• Telework available to support work-life balance.

• An attractive compensation package that includes: 2.5 days annual leave per month, parental and sick leave, a defined benefit (DB) pension plan and international health insurance coverage

Other benefits for internationally recruited staff may include travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, settling-in grant and rental subsidy.

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