CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO WORK IN PUBLIC eHEALTH IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

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1. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO WORK IN PUBLIC eHEALTH IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN started by Phillip Baker Dear all, some may be interested in this opportunity. More information at: http://bit.ly/dJEyKn *DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 6 JUNE 2011* “*This will be the century of networks, connectivity and interdependency, which will allow us to overcome barriers of space and time and will open possibilities that were unimaginable to humankind. If we encourage those networks to exponentially multiply the available share capital in order to link people and institutions within a large supportive and inclusive mesh of all the inhabitants of the continent, we will have taken a fundamental step towards eliciting knowledge and experience in new ways of exchanging technical cooperation for sustainable human development”* Dr. Mirta Roses Periago PAHO Director, 2003 - What Is the Public eHealth Innovation and Equity in Latin America and the Caribbean (eSAC) Project? - Who Are the Young Professionals (YPs)? - What Are the Benefits of Becoming a YP? - Who Can Apply to Become a YP? - How Are YPs Selected? - How To Apply - Additional Information *What Is the Public eHealth Innovation and Equity In Latin America and the Caribbean (eSAC) Project?* Inequities in health are prevalent in and across many parts of Latin America and the Caribbean – they can be found between different social groups and are influenced by race, gender, and ethnicity, among other things. The eSAC project aims to improve the health of disadvantaged groups and contribute to the advancement of equity in health in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), by nurturing and promoting Public eHealth innovations. The regional project is jointly designed and implemented by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) (www.paho.org), Washington DC, and the People, Health Equity, and Innovation (PHI) Research Group (www.phi-group.org) at the University ofToronto, Toronto. The eSAC project is funded by the Ottawa-based International Development Research Centre (IDRC) (www.idrc.ca). Public eHealth is an inclusive term that encompasses all of the possible applications of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to public health and related disciplines. Public eHealth includes both traditional applications, such as management information systems, databases, and data sharing networks, and more recent and innovative ones, such as those supported by Web 2.0 solutions. The project seeks to unite and strengthen the principles of transparency, ethics, and equity through the innovative use of ICTs to enable better health care delivery and access, particularly among undeserved populations. The eSAC project integrated approach includes: - the introduction of various types of incentives to stimulate innovation; - support to communication and networking activities; - capacity development opportunities; - the evaluation of solutions based on information and communication technologies (ICTs) that address priority public health challenges in the region; and - activities aimed at informing and sensitizing policy makers. *Who Are the Young Professionals (YPs)?* YPs are highly educated and motivated individuals who will support the successful implementation of the eSAC project by catalyzing the development of Public eHealth and equity in health, working in a regional community of practice and contributing to various other project activities. To this end, YPs will receive training and ongoing support. *What Are the Benefits of Becoming a YP?* The eSAC project will offer YPs a unique opportunity to learn, gain field experience, and greatly expand their professional networks. Through their involvement in the project, YPs will become pioneers and leaders in a cutting-edge field that will dramatically impact the future practice of public health in the region. *Learning* YPs will expand and deepen their knowledge of ICTs, public health, health equity, effective mechanisms in stimulating innovation, and other substantive areas. They will also improve their critical thinking, reflection, analytical, team work, and leadership skills. YPs will receive ongoing training*.* They will be accompanied throughout the whole duration of the project by a small group of mentors-world-class specialists who will help them better understand the rules and mechanisms needed to effectively work as a virtual team*,* and how to make the most of technological tools for networking and other activities *Gaining Field Experience* By contributing to eSAC field activities, YPs will have the opportunity to understand the applied value of ICT-based solutions in public health. In addition, they will gain experience in research, knowledge translation and policy informing. The YPs will gain experience and influence matters of health equity through the following activities: - analyzing eHealth applications that have broad relevance to the improvement of Equity, efficacy, effectiveness, efficiency and quality of health services and systems. - evaluating quantitative and qualitative ehealth studies, thereby gaining experience in the development or application of appropriate research methods that justify confidence in the reliability and validity of the findings; and - studying eHealth issues and innovations that will add significantly to the enrichment of specific knowledge and/or changes in health services and/or health systems policies, organization or practices In addition, the YPs will gain experience in research, knowledge translation *,* and policy informing. *Expanding Professional Networks* Participating in the eSAC project will represent, for YPs, a truly unique opportunity to become central players in a region-wide professional network that includes multiple communities of stakeholders-from innovators and technical cooperation experts to policy-makers. Being part of such network will in itself represent a powerful building block in support of YPs’ future careers. The program will provide a monthly stipend and cover all travel expenses. Selected participants will be responsible for securing their own health insurance. *Who Can Apply to Become a YP?* Candidates must meet the following criteria: - be 25 to 35 years old; - be citizens of a LAC country, and currently residing in the region; - be available for the whole length of the project; - hold a university degree; - be fluent in English and in one or more of the following languages: Dutch*,* French*,* Portuguese*,* or Spanish; - have previous experience in one or more of the following areas: - application of ICTs to health and development; - health equity; - use of social media tools; - social entrepreneurship; and/or - social and organizational innovation. In addition, YPs should: - be able to work under minimal supervision; - be able to act at the same time as leaders and team players; - have excellent communication and facilitation skills; - be able to work across cultural boundaries; - be respectful of individual differences; - be creative thinkers;and - show flexibility, commitment and passion. The final selection of YPs will ensure representation of all major LAC subregions and all major Western languages. *How Are YPs Selected?* At the end of a multi-step selection process, ten applicants will be invited to attend a workshop with three main objectives: - to create an opportunity for selection committee members to work directly with the candidates and better assess their effectiveness, attitudes, and interaction styles; - to familiarize participants with the eSAC approach, objectives, and methods; and - to kick start the development of a detailed work plan. At the end of the workshop, five candidates will be chosen as YP's. The remaining applicants will be offered the opportunity to access the online training resources developed for the initiative and to participate, in various ways, in the selected project activities. *How to Apply* Applications are accepted online at the following address: *http://new.paho.org/cvesac* In addition to completing the online form, all candidates will be required to electronically submit the following documentation: - Cover letter explaining the reasons for the candidate’s interest in the initiative and his/her areas of professional experience and interest - Up-to-date curriculum vitae; and - Photocopies of all university degrees. *DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 6 JUNE 2011* ***Important Dates* June 6, 2011 Application deadline July 11, 2011 Letter sent to pre-selected candidates August 8-10, 2011 Workshop September 1, 2011 Commencement of activities January 31, 2013 Conclusion of activities *Contact Information* Email for information about the call: ruglucia@paho.org eSAC Project email : esacproject@gmail.com Twitter: @eSACproject @healthpaho Facebook: ESAC Project PAHO website:http://new.paho.org/ict4health/ eSAC project website: http:www.*esacproject* *.net*

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