Title: Advisor,
Health-related Legislation
Vacancy Notice No:
PAHO/13/FT485
Grade: P4
Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment
Duration of contract: Two years, first year probationary
period.
Application Deadline: 5 December 2013
Duty Station:
Washington, D.C., United States of America
Organization unit: AM Americas (AM)
Legal Counsel, Office of the Legal
Counsel (LEG)
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :
Provides advice and legal counsel to
PAHO/WHO's Governing Bodies, Executive Management, PAHO/WHO Representations
(PWRs), Centers, and Country Offices in all legal matters, including the
application of national and international law to the Organization's programs
and activities as well as constitutional, administrative, and procedural
matters. Drafts, reviews, and/or negotiates contracts, treaties, agreements,
resolutions, and any other type of instrument which has legal implications for
the Organization. Represents and defends the Organization before the internal
appeals process as well as the Administrative Tribunal of the International
Labor Organization and other national or international judicial and
quasi-judicial fora, as appropriate.
Description of duties:
Under the direct supervision of the
Legal Counsel, Office of Legal Counsel (LEG), the incumbent is responsible, but
not necessarily limited to the following assigned duties:
a) Lead PAHO's technical cooperation
efforts in the field of legislation, at the national and regional levels, in
all areas that impact health, including trade, intellectual property,
investment, and the environment. Design, develop and execute innovative
national/regional strategies to enhance PAHO's influence, image and standing as
a leader on health and safety legislative issues in the Americas;
b) Coordinate PAHO's advocacy and
outreach efforts on legislation, exploiting political/legislative/regulatory
opportunities, and leveraging PAHO/WHO's resources to advance the health
priorities established by PAHO's Governing Bodies;
c) Plan, implement and monitor
PAHO's legislative strategy, following legislative priorities established by
Member States, formulating and recommending legislation and co-sponsorships,
and soliciting and considering input from relevant Departments and Offices
within the Organization on the impact of proposed legislation;
d) Design, adapt and promote the
application of theoretical and conceptual plans, policies and methodologies to
guide Member States in the adoption of health-related legislation, identifying
the appropriate legal instrument by which this can be most effectively be
accomplished by each Member State.
e) Provide technical cooperation for
the development of legislative frameworks that facilitate the development and implementation
of legislation at national, supra-national and local levels and corresponding
legal instruments by which this can most effectively be accomplished by each
Member State.
f) Provide technical cooperation on
legislation as it relates to health. Promote, implement and support the
analysis and formulation of legislation alternatives for the health sector.
Cooperate with other staff in the formulation and implementation of
comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches to health policy analysis and development
by providing advice and recommendations from the legal and juridical sciences
perspective. Analyze the relationship between current/proposed legislation and
the situation/context of the country(ies) of the Region in which it applies.
Prepare written summaries of legislation and provide interpretation of legal
instruments, such as constitutions, statutes, treaties, agreements,
resolutions, regulations or other legal materials relevant to the development
of legislation of Member States.
g) Create legislative plans and
initiatives, draft proposals, and laws. Develop legislation recommendations
through research, evaluation, comparative analysis, and stakeholder forums.
Plan, organize, manage and direct PAHO sponsored legislation through the
respective legislative process. Ensure full implementation at the national or
regional levels of WHO and regional treaties such as the FCTC and IHR.
Collaborate with WHO Headquarters and other Regional Offices in matters related
to legislation.
h) Develop needs assessments.
Identify gaps with regard to best practices and prioritize legislation advice
areas. Initiate, formulate, plan, organize, execute and coordinate research and
analysis on legislation issues. Present and defend research, analytical results
and legislation options. Provides in-depth analyses of specific issues which
affect legislation passing/adoption. Assess how proposed changes would impact
on other related legislations/policies. Compile information about the impact of
legislation through research and discussion with stake holders and other
groups. May conduct original research on high visibility and potentially
controversial legislation issues.
i) Stay abreast of developments and
issues relating to legislation in Member Countries. Research and analyze local
legislation and monitor new legislative proposals and regional trends, keeping
PAHO leadership updated. Report on significant legislative policy developments
of interest to PAHO. Identify global legislation and models for application in
Member States. Prepare, recommend and communicate PAHO's position on different
legislative matters. Coordinate a communications strategy, including the
drafting of talking points, press releases, speeches, briefs, reports, fact
sheets and any other necessary materials for a wide-range of audiences.
j) Formulate and draft comprehensive
analytical reports, papers, research documents, and other written material for
internal use or publication. Develop and maintain organizational spreadsheets
and databases on legislation to monitor progress, track growth and capacity
needs.
k) Organize, conduct and/or
participate in workshops, education sessions and conferences. Represent the
Organization at meetings and participate as technical expert on legislation in
public forums. Provides expert reviews to staff in the production of
educational information and advocacy materials representing PAHO's policy
positions. Provide technical assistance and tools (such as guidelines and model
laws) to aid Member States in national health reform, along with creating or
enhancing legal capacities.
l) Identify, engage, cultivate and
manage strategic relationships and partnerships with intergovernmental
organizations, NGOs, trade associations, advocacy groups, government officials,
and other influential players. Promote and develop collaborative activities
with academic institutions aimed at disseminating and advancing the development
of comprehensive and integrated legislations.
m) Perform other related duties, as
assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: A
university degree in Law from a recognized university and license to practice
law in a PAHO Member State.
Desirable:
Master's degree in public health or in a relevant specialized area of the law,
such as international law.
Skills:
Annual salary:
(Net of tax)
US$ 67,483.00 at single rate
US$ 72,467.00 with primary
dependants Post Adjustment:
50.6 % 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.
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