Background
The Health Emergencies Department (PHE) is one of PAHO's five core technical cooperation departments. Its main priority is to deliver rapid, predictable, and comprehensive support to the Member States in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery as they prepare for, respond to, or recover from emergencies caused by any hazard to human health, whether disease outbreaks, natural or man-made disasters or conflicts.
Within PHE, the Country Health Emergency Preparedness and IHR Unit (CPI) works to enhance the capacity of National Health Systems in Emergency Preparedness.
The Internship
Under PAHO/WHO regulations, no remuneration is offered to Interns or Volunteers. Also, such individuals cannot be relatives of staff members of PAHO or WHO. Internships are normally for a specific period ranging from 8 weeks to 6 months, and individuals can only participate once as an Intern. Volunteer assignments can be for longer periods, and there is no "one-time" restriction.
PAHO offers students an opportunity to use their writing, research, and organizational skills to work on special technical projects that are related to international health issues and to know about international technical cooperation in health. In addition to these projects, PAHO offers the students a variety of training and professional development opportunities.
Internships in the health profession, specifically in public health, are a valuable opportunity for students to acquire new skills, as well as implement their recently acquired academic knowledge. The internship experience represents the culmination of formal academic training in the Public Health Profession. It is the opportunity interns have to assume the role of professional health personnel and to provide academic knowledge applying to international health issues, under appropriate supervision.
Intern responsibilities
Provide support to the CPI unit in critical functions such as supporting the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Plan of Action on Disaster Risk Reduction 2016-2021 (PoA for DRR). During Emergency Situations, Interns may be required to work extended hours, including weekends and holidays.
The following activities are proposed:
a) Support the implementation of the PoA for DRR:
1. Recognizing disaster risk in the health sector
2. Governance of disaster risk management in the health sector
3. Safe, smart hospitals
4. Health sector capacity for emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
5. Cross cutting themes activities
b) Support the development and implementation of the biannual planning for the Indigenous Knowledge and Disaster Risk Reduction Network
c) Others required by the Supervisor.
Candidate characteristics
• Student or holder of a post-degree in public health, disaster risk management or related, interested in learning about emergency preparedness and health disaster risk reduction and Indigenous Disaster Risk Reduction.
• Ability to synthesize information and create summaries, concept notes, etc.
• Skills on data management is desirable.
• Familiarity with internet searches and the use of Microsoft Office software.
• Able to work during dynamic situations, including emergencies.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of Evidence-based practice will be an asset.
Supervision
The Intern will be supervised by Dr. Alex Camacho (PHE/CPI), Regional Advisor on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Risk Reduction.
Length of Internship:
6 months
Hours per week:
20
Payment:
No payment is offered
How to apply
Please send your CV and Cover letter to: tabordakar@paho.org until July 1st, 2021.