Disaster operations specialist

The objective of the program is to reduce the impact of disaster on the health of people through disaster preparedness mitigation and a timely and coordinated response.

Description of duties:

Under the direct supervision of the Program Support Specialist and the general supervision of the Advisor, Disaster Reduction, Partnership & Information Management , (PED/DI), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

- Analyze needs and alternatives and propose the most appropriate solutions to PED Manager and staff region-wide to facilitate implementation of PED projects and activities in an effective and timely manner, in accordance with administrative rules, practices, and procedures;
- Collaborate in the strategic planning and allocation of the Area's financial, human and physical resources and the timely execution and disbursement of project funds in accordance with donor agreements;
- Oversee and implement the Area's planning and financial management systems (AMPES/OMIS, etc.) ensuring that controls and reporting structures are established and functional; prepare budgetary forecasts; monitor commitments and ensure the processing of obligating documents adheres to operational plans. Develop reports to highlight and clarify changes in resource utilization plans;
- Participate in the administrative planning, formulation, negotiation and consultation of project proposals for regular or extra-budgetary funding; review them to ensure soundness and that they meet the Organization's administrative and financial standards; participate in on-site missions as required;
- Ensure logistic support to all PED field offices, response teams and emergency operating centers and liaise with administration at PAHO Headquarters and WHO on all issues related to Standard Operating Procedures;
- Review all financial issues included in all project proposals before submission to PAHO Administration or donors;
- Ensure proper implementation and financial reporting of all administrative and logistic activities and recommend alternate action plans in case of difficulties in program or project implementation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education:
A university degree from an accredited university in business, public administration, finance, economics, logistics, or a related field.

Skills:
Key Behavioral Competencies -

- 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.

- 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.

- Service Orientation: Makes concrete attempts to add value to the client, to make things better for the client in some way. Is always aware of the client's need (internal and/or external clients). Feeling of urgency.

- External Action: Deliverables are on time. Keeps establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial productive relations and partnerships with counterparts in other institutions and sectors.

- Devising the Budget for Interventions Cost Optimization: Searches for and furnishes relevant information about resource allocation and deadlines, potential critical points, risks and benefits, and other related aspects of available options to provide support for the technical cooperation teams.

Technical Expertise

- Sound knowledge of office management: administration, human resources, finance/accounting and budget.
- In-depth knowledge of modern management principles and practices with specific emphasis on project management.
- Knowledge of project management.
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
- Strong professional oral and writing skills and ability to synthesize information and prepare reports.

IT Skills

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

Experience:

Essential: Five years of combined national and international experience in administration, financial/budget operations or human resources. Experience should include providing direct administrative or logistic support services to field projects or large institutions.

Desirable: Field experience in international organizations or the public sector would be an asset.

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

All applicants mus apply on-line to be considered for this post.