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.
Objective of the consultancy
Under the general supervision of the Unit Chief, Infectious Hazards Management Unit, and the direct supervision of the Lead on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), COVID-19 Incident Management System, the incumbent will generally be responsible to support Member States in Latin America and the Caribbean in preparedness and response activities related to respiratory protection programs. Specifically, she/he will design, develop and implement material for training and supervision of health care workers to safeguard them from exposure to emerging and re-emerging pathogens transmitted via the respiratory route, including COVID-19.
Responsibilities
In close collaboration with the WHO Collaborating Centre on Occupational Health at the University of Maryland, USA, the incumbent will:
1. Review and adapt the draft manual “Implementation of respiratory protection program for containment of infectious hazards threats at the national and facility levels” in the context of Latin America and the Caribbean countries.
2. Support the validation of the previous manual with an expert group from the Latin America and Caribbean countries.
3. Develop a syllabus and material for the training of infection preventionists and occupational health staff in health care facilities focused on the key components of a respiratory protection program as well as its implementation and evaluation, in both Spanish and English.
4. Provide virtual or presential on-the-job training and supportive supervision for at least ten countries to develop in-country capacities to implement and rollout the respiratory protection program in a health care setting.
5. Develop and present general training in respiratory protection program for all health care workers through a virtual format.
6. Perform other related tasks as assigned
Deliverables
a) Finalized manual “Implementation of respiratory protection program for containment of infectious hazards threats at the national and facility levels”
b) Virtual training program for infection prevention and occupational health staff for the use and implementation of a respiratory protection program in health care facilities.
c) Syllabus and materials for inclusion of the training on-the-job.
d) Training program for health care workers on respiratory protection devices, including when and how to properly don and doff respiratory devices.
Education requirements (qualifications)
Essential: A university degree in the health field (medicine, nursing, or other health-related discipline) or hospital engineering.
Desirable: A postgraduate degree at a master’s level in public health, infectious diseases, or a related field from a recognized institution.
Experience requirements
Essential: At least seven years of combined national and international work experience in activities related to respiratory protection programs, occupational health or IPC programs in health care settings.
Desirable: Experience in designing and implementing educational or training programs for health care workers.
Languages
Expert knowledge of English and working knowledge of Spanish.
Location
The incumbent will be expected to perform this position’s duties and responsibilities remotely, with availability to travel and undertake missions within the Region.
Expected contract duration
12 months upon signature of the contract
The application must include
• Cover letter and most up to date CV
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter and most up to date CV which reflects work experience related to these terms of reference by 23:59 EST on 20 March 2022 to munozros@paho.org.