Advisor, Quality in Health Systems and Services

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Department of Health Systems and Services (HSS) is responsible for promoting, coordinating, and implementing the Organization’s technical cooperation in health systems and services development to achieve Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage (Universal Health), based on the Primary Health Care approach. HSS promotes evidence-based policies, strategies and plans to transform national health systems to improve equity and resilience, as health systems move towards the achievement of Universal Health, strengthening governance and stewardship, increasing and improving health financing and social protection, and supporting the development of integrated networks of health services based on a highly resolutive first level of care. HSS strengthens national capacity in the organization of people-centered health services, integrating the healthy life course approach, ensuring quality of care and patient safety, and the effective deployment and management of human resources.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Health Systems and Services (HSS), and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Primary Health Care and Integrated Services Delivery (HSS/PH), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

a)Provide technical, strategic advice and programmatic direction for the implementation of the program of work for improving the quality of health systems and services, within the context of the Regional Strategy for Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage;

b)Develop technical cooperation programs/activities in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of interventions to foster a culture of quality in health systems and services;

c)Develop, implement and monitor the technical cooperation program of work to promote quality in health systems and services, using a systems perspective of quality of care that is people and community centered, and focuses on core health systems outcomes (equity, safety, effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness);

d)Provide technical advice and support to Member States in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of interventions to strengthen the stewardship of the National Health Authority to regulate, direct and ensure accountability of stakeholders (including providers) of the health system to guarantee quality in healthcare services (including but not limited to, patient safety);

e)Collaborate with Member States in building capacity for the implementation of Quality Centered Health Systems Performance Assessments (measuring of the health systems performance to achieve established objectives and quality standards);

f)Collaborate with other technical departments, in the provision of integrated technical support for the development of strategies promoting financial incentives and regulation to promote quality of care, as well as in the reorganization of processes and consolidation of high performing teams to ensure quality people centered services;

g)Promote innovation in health services systems by collaborating with stakeholders to design and implement new models of care that prioritize patient -centered and equitable services.

h)Design and implement innovative telehealth and digital health solutions to address healthcare disparities in remote and vulnerable communities, increasing access to quality healthcare and improving health outcomes.

i)Lead capacity building initiatives to promote leadership in quality of health systems and services, promoting the development of skills and competencies in areas including the strategic planning for quality, managing organizational change and continuous performance improvements for the provision of quality health services;

j)Develop, implement and monitor the technical cooperation program of work for the development of quality systems for people centered health services delivery, based on the best available scientific knowledge, including clinical protocols, diagnostics and therapeutic algorithms and datasheets, ensuring that service delivery system arrangements and organizational principles are in place for supervision and feedback on performance; work closely with priority programs (i.e. NCDs, HIV, MCH, etc.) to ensure synergies and complementarity;

k)Provide technical advice to Member States in the development and/or adaptation of norms, standards and tools for promoting quality in health systems;

l)Develop knowledge management and operations research initiatives related to quality in health systems and services; develop and support regional alliances to support quality in health systems and services;

m)Establish expert and knowledge management networks in support of Quality Health Systems, including the exchange of experiences among countries and inter-country cooperation;

n)Disseminate appropriate and relevant scientific and evidence-based technical information in support of Quality Health Systems and Services;

o)Promote the mobilization of national and international resources in support of the Project’s programs and/or projects;

p)Participate in the preparation of the Project’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP), budget and technical evaluation reports;

q)When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities;

r)Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A university degree in one of the health, social, or management sciences and a master’s degree in health care quality improvement, public health, health systems/services administration, management or other field related to public health from an accredited institution.

Desirable: A PhD in health care quality improvement, health systems/services administration or other field related 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.PAHO, only considers official degrees 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: Nine years of combined national and international experience in areas related to health systems development, health services organization, management and delivery, programs to improve quality of health systems and services, organizational change, systems for standardization of care, health systems performance. Experience should include direct involvement in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national policies and programs for quality in health systems.

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.

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.

Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others – Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve and build rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the team’s successes and shortcomings.

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 – Monitors own and others’ work in a systematic and effective way, ensuring required resources and outputs. Aligns projects with Organization’s mission and objectives. Consistently solves own and team’s problems effectively as needed. Proactively engages in projects and initiatives, accepting demanding goals, in line with Organizational Strategies and Program of Work. Demonstrates accountability for work of team and sets an example, while explicitly articulating lessons learnt for own and team’s benefit.

Ensuring effective use of resources: Strategize and set clear objectives/Monitor progress and use resources well – Sets specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely objectives for own team and/or the Organization; systematically analyses and anticipates priority projects for own team and allocates necessary resources to achieve them; identifies the cross-Organizational resources needed for large- scale projects in line with key Organizational objectives. Anticipates foreseeable changes and adapts own and team’s projects in the face of unforeseen circumstances and/ or challenges; creates measures and criteria to monitor progress of overall projects against key Organizational objectives; creates cost-effective solutions for the Organization.

Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond: Develop networks and partnerships and encourage collaboration –

Builds and negotiates strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of key stakeholders to ensure Organizational results and success. Creates innovative opportunities for promoting synergies inside and outside the Organization to improve Organizational success.

Technical Expertise:

–Expert knowledge in the organization, management and implementation of programs to improve quality of health systems and services; management of organizational change for improving performance; establishment and managing of systems for standardization of care;

–In-depth knowledge in health care services operations research including approaches for improving performance and quality.

–In-depth knowledge and practical expertise in applying the concept of people-centered services; core health systems functions, primary health care and universal access to health and universal health coverage.

–Knowledge and skills in the formulation of technical cooperation interventions and in the development of criteria for evaluating program interventions for quality in health systems and services.

–Managerial skills for the development, implementation, and analysis of technical cooperation programs and activities, including budget programming and control.

–Expertise in developing and managing strategic alliances and networks; formulating project proposals for external financing; strategic thinking, political and stakeholder analysis, negotiation methods, leadership development, health system performance.

–Strong professional oral and writing skills including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish and working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and /or Portuguese.

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.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

USD $77,326.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment:70.2% 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.

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 an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

PAHO/WHO also promotes 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 abusive conduct.

PAHO/WHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.

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.