Management and Engineering Technologies International, Inc. (METI), in collaboration with the US Forest Service, as a part of the US Agency for International Development’s programs in Latin America and the Caribbean (USAID), may require the services of a Zika Regional Health Advisor to provide technical and strategic direction to the Zika response and support evidence-based Zika prevention and control interventions.
If the US Forest Service were to secure the services of an individual with these technical skills, the successful applicant would be hired through a contractor.
Background:
The US Forest Service and the LAC/RSD collaborate on a number of activities throughout the Latin America and Caribbean region. The Office of Regional Sustainable Development in the Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC/RSD) is responsible for providing technical leadership, regional expertise and advice to the Bureau and Agency in the areas of democracy and participation, economic growth, the environment, population/health, and education. The Zika Regional Health Advisor will join the Health Team in LAC/RSD. The Health Team is responsible for carrying out a regional health program whose primary functions are to: collaborate with the Global Health (GH) Bureau to advance Agency health priorities; provide technical support for USAID’s field-based health programs; manage regional health activities in maternal and child health and nutrition, family planning and reproductive health, infectious diseases, and health systems strengthening; facilitate productive communication among LAC field missions, the LAC/Front Office, desk officers, and other AID/Washington operating units; engage in cross-sectoral programming; and support the growth of regional health partnerships and institutions.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The Zika Regional Health Advisor will be based in the LAC/RSD Health Team in Washington, DC. S/he will provide technical and strategic direction to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and enable USAID Mission staff to support evidence-based Zika prevention and control interventions. S/he will coordinate within and outside of USAID on technical and programmatic Zika issues, to ensure the regional context is built into USAID technical programs. The Zika Regional Health Advisor will work closely with the GH and other Bureaus at USAID.
The primary responsibilities of the Zika Regional Health Advisor will include:
Managing and providing technical and strategic guidance:
- Provide technical and strategic direction to PAHO and USAID field missions to support evidence-based Zika prevention and control interventions.
- Coordinate with the Agreement Officer’s Representative to manage PAHO activities: oversee project budgeting, administration, record-keeping, reporting, monitoring and evaluation of performance.
- Promote synergies across partners and other stakeholders to leverage and maximize resources towards common goals.
- Serve as the primary Zika technical point of contact within the LAC Bureau.
- Stay abreast on best practices, the state of the art, and global guidance on Zika and use that knowledge when participating in the development of strategies, plans, and program guidance.
- Participate in key international meetings and conferences.
Coordinating between LAC and GH Bureau and other USAID and USG counterparts:
- Collaborate closely with colleagues from GH Bureau, USAID Field Missions, and other USG agencies on Zika issues fundamentally important to the LAC context, including participating in strategy and policy meetings.
- Coordinate with multilateral partners, host government officials, and others working to respond to Zika.
- Collaborate with LAC/RSD team members to identify and leverage areas where work to respond to Zika can contribute to or benefit from other LAC programs.
- Participate in consultations and working groups with colleagues from across USAID and the USG on new Zika activities, requests and initiatives that impact USAID missions in LAC.
- Coordinate with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, especially to avoid duplication of activities.
Working with Zika Regional Coordinator to:
- Streamline strategic planning, communication, and reporting within USAID.
- Develop briefers and/or other communication materials related to USAID’s Zika program in LAC.
- Assist in the development and presentation of LAC mission portfolio reviews for senior management.
- Assist in formulating responses to congressional inquiries or requests.
- Provide other support to LAC or GH Bureau as needed.
Other:
- Other tasks or responsibilities may be added based on (a) organizational and programing needs and/or (b) the Advisor’s own interest, including training and professional development.
- International Travel approximately 25-35%, especially to Zika-affected countries.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or higher in public health, international development, or related field.
- Superior technical skills with minimum 10 years of experience working on global health/development programs with at least 3 years of experience working on vector-borne or other infectious diseases preferred.
- Demonstrated broad technical knowledge and experience in program management and planning.
- Excellent interpersonal communication (including diplomacy), oral communication and writing skills.
- Ability to speak, read, write and make presentations in both Spanish and English required. Spanish fluency preferred.
- Ability to travel internationally required, especially to Zika-affected countries.
- Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills working on complex projects in a highly-sensitive, fast-paced environment where priorities can change rapidly.
- Ability to work within tight time constraints to produce high-quality work products.
- Experience with USAID programming, budgeting, and evaluation functions and procedures, both in USAID/Washington and in USAID Missions preferred.
- Understanding of programs and organizational aspects of major international donors, multilateral agencies, and NGOs supporting the social sector, preferably with a focus that includes vector-borne or other infectious diseases.
- Proven decision-making skills and sound judgment. Ability to analyze, develop and present work, and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs.
- Ability to manage and work successfully with diverse teams and individuals as well as independently.
- Ability to clearly and convincingly articulate an evidence-based vision, as well as USAID and USG policies regarding Zika and related topics to a variety of audiences, including host country experts, ministry staff, and other donors, and U.S. Government and USAID colleagues.
- Computer proficiency required. Experience with Google Products including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Sites and cloud technologies preferred. Willingness to learn new software and programs is required.
Period of Performance: This position is for one year but may be extended up to two additional years.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to the HR Department at METI toIPJOBS@meticorp.com with Zika Regional Health Advisor in the subject line; fax: 915-772-2253. METI is an Equal Opportunity Employer: M/F/V/D www.meticorp.com
