This document is a resume for Priscilla Rivas-Loria, who has over 20 years of experience in international public health. Some of her roles include Senior Advisor at PAHO focusing on country cooperation and resource mobilization, Manager of External Relations at PAHO, and PAHO/WHO Representative in El Salvador. She has extensive experience developing strategies, building partnerships, securing funds, and providing technical assistance across Latin America and the Caribbean. Her education includes a Ph.D. in International Health Planning from Cornell University and a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
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Priscilla Rivas Loria - RESUME FINAL - Jan 2016
1. PRISCILLA RIVAS-LORIA, PH.D. 3915 Wilcoxson Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
1 (202) 609.0054 (C) 1 (571) 224.6599 (C) Pr232@cornell.edu
For more than 20 years, recognized as a leader in providing technical cooperation in health at the national and international level
that empowers country nationals with the expertise, tools and knowledge to successfully deliver critical health infrastructure
financing. More than 10 years of experience each in: Advocacy & Partnership Building, Human Resources Management, Policy
Analysis & Development, Public Health Administration, and Resource Mobilization. In-country experience in Argentina,
Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada,
Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname and Venezuela.
Expert at identifying funding needs, securing grants and distributing funds in the most efficient manner to support the overall
mission, public message, organizational compliance and operational structural integrity.
A storied academic career including research, analysis, and teaching at the post-graduate level; recognized by earning highly
prestigious and competitive research grants (see addendum).
Poised to continue a career built upon creativity, compassion, and a history of proven accomplishments in complicated,
evolving, and frequently intractable environments. Fluency in English and Spanish; proficiency in French; basic Portuguese.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
HEALTH SECTOR REFORM
HEALTH SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING
PUBLIC POLICY/FUNDING
ANALYSIS
GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITY
LIAISON
E D U C A TI O N
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION
COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIPS
NEGOTIATION/CONFLICT
RESOLUTION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BUDGET DEVELOPMENT &
OVERSIGHT
LARGE DATA SET MANAGEMENT
OPERATION PLANS & FORECASTS
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
INFORMATION SHARING
Post- Doctoral Research Fellow in International Health and Comparative Studies in Health (1991)
Center for International and Comparative Studies/Department of Preventive Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Ph.D. in International Health Planning (1988), Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
Major in International Health and minor in Development Economics.
B.Sc. in Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics (1976), magna cum laude, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
P R OF ES S IO N A L H I S T OR Y
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH CONSULTANT, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES/HEALTH INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS UNIT (CHA/HA)
|| 11/2015 present
Developed a Concept Note and a generic grant proposal template on Health Information Systems. Currently working on the
publication Health in the Americas which is published every five years by PAHO/WHO.
SENIOR ADVISOR, COUNTRY FOCUS POLICY, COUNTRY AND SUBREGIONAL COORDINATION (CSC) || 2/2013 5/2015
Collaborated in the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the policy on Country Cooperation for Health
Development (CCHD); identification of good practices in countries, sharing of their experiences and achievements, and
opportunities for technical cooperation among countries (TCC), South- South cooperation (SSC), and triangular cooperation (TrC);
and support the review of CCHD proposals. Developed a Resource Mobilization Strategy for the country offices.
Collaborated in developing the "Strengthening Country Focus Project II", including its development, implementation,
monitoring, and evaluation.
Drafted a communication strategy for CSC in collaboration with the Communications Unit (CU).
Spearheaded an analysis of current health, political and socioeconomic data of the North American Sub-Region; and
provide Executive Management (EXM) strategic information in a timely fashion.
INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH LEADER
2. PRISCILLA RIVAS-LORIA, Ph.D. - 1 (202) 609.0054 (c) 1 (571) 224.6599 (c) Pr232@cornell.edu
Developed and updated a thorough analysis of current health, political and socioeconomic data of Haiti and provide
strategic information in a timely fashion to the heads of office at the country level and for Executive Management.
MANAGER A.I., EXTERNAL RELATIONS, RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND PARTNERSHIPS (ERP) || 8/2012 1/2013
Established an open and honest dialogue with PAHOs main partners (AECID, USAID and CIDA) and with the Organization of
American States (OAS) to determine level of and improve satisfaction with existent partnerships. Coordinated the analysis of
the UN system policy/managerial issues (UN reform and Uruguay pilot) to identify opportunities and anticipate possible
implications for PAHO.
Guided a comprehensive ERP assessment that identified historically reactive instead of proactive work styles, recognized a
the lack of an ERP strategy, and revealed shoddy management style leading to siloed actions and ill-defined
responsibilitiesresulted in a staff retreat that successfully led to consensus on a realignment of priorities, tasks and
strategies.
Developed methodological guidelines for the elaboration of Resource Mobilization Plans for PAHO country offices in
coordination with the Planning and Budget Unit (PBU).
Ensured PAHOs health resource mobilization and management priorities being positioned at the global level, resulting
from appointment as PAHO representative to the "WHO Task Force on Resource Mobilization and Resource
Management"; and selection as a member of the Task Force Secretariat to draft the WHO Resource Mobilization and
Resource Management Strategy.
Developed a robust set of Development Partners Profiles, as part of a broad mapping exercise to identify current and build
a new, more diversified network of partners for PAHO.
Improved policy dialogue among PAHOs main development partners and opened dialogue and cooperation with Faith
Based Organizations working in health at country level (Guatemala).
SENIOR ADVISOR, EXTERNAL RELATIONS, RESOURCES MOBILIZATION, AND PARTNERSHIPS || 1/2010 7/2012
Set-up and coordinated a team to complete a thorough and detailed study of PAHO's Voluntary Contributions (VCs) including
flows, allocation, and implementation rate by (1) funder/partner, (2) sub-region, (3) country, and (4) thematic area; resulted in
completion of 38 country profiles, 3 subregional analysis, and a regional analysis. Efforts led to becoming a member of PAHO's
Speakers Bureau delivering presentations to four external groups on PAHOs history, role in international health, achievements,
and challenges. Served as ERP's focal point and TAG member for gender, ethnicity, and human rights. Managed PAHOs
relationship with CIDA from 2010-2011, which led to the CIDA Grant 2011-2013 Programmatic Support to PAHO.
Established partnership with The World Bank and secured $1M un-earmarked grant from World Bank to aid Haiti in the
aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. With Family and Community Health (FCH), PWR Haiti, and World Bank Haiti Task
Manager, the team drafted a work plan that included backstopping support to Haiti from HQ.
Prepared ERP performance analysis document for 2010-2011 biennium. Drafted Situation Analysis, Interventions, Strategies,
Implementation Plan, draft Budget for ERP 2012-2013 BPB in coordination with ERP staff.
Developed and organized the "Strategic Policy Dialogue with PAHOs Main Partners" meeting (USAID, CIDA, AECID).
Authored the Background Paper and Proceedings; led to the establishment of quarterly meetings among PAHOs three
main development partners.
As ERPs focal point to the PAHO Resource Mobilization Strategy Work Group, worked with an inter-programmatic team
and helped reach consensus that enabled the drafting of the PAHO Resource Mobilization Strategy.
Guided the establishment of the Strategic Policy Dialogue with development partners mechanism; resulted in 38 Voluntary
Contributions to PAHO analytical documents.
PAHO/WHO REPRESENTATIVE (PWR) IN EL SALVADOR, CENTRAL AMERICA || 4/2007 01/2010
Represented PAHO and WHO before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic Corps, Multilateral Agencies, and the press, to
present PAHO/WHO's mission and general guidelines of work determined by PAHO/WHO Governing Bodies, promoting
PAHO/WHO leadership. Led definition of PAHO/WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) to have a strategic framework for
cooperation from all the levels and parts of the Organization with the country. Promoted the appropriation on the part of the
health authorities of the process of coordination of International Technical Cooperation, the harmonization of the cooperating
in health seeking the alignment with the policies and plans for national health development, leading the country team to
discharge the function of "honest broker."
Mobilized, directed, and administered the financial and human resources for the fulfillment of the Country Office BWP,
approved by the Executive Management and in accordance with the regulations of the Organization; led the formulation
of the Biennial Work Plan 2010-2011.
Designed an improved performance assessment function within the framework of the Country Office. Coordinated and
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3. PRISCILLA RIVAS-LORIA, Ph.D. - 1 (202) 609.0054 (c) 1 (571) 224.6599 (c) Pr232@cornell.edu
supported the preparation of the participation of the national authorities in the Governing Bodies of PAHO and WHO.
Promoted the application of the strategy of Technical Cooperation among Countries (TCC) in subjects of importance for
the priorities of the country, within the framework of the Biennial Work Plan.
Managed the PAHO/WHO response to the nationwide floods emergency (10/2009) .
In a period of 2 years and 9 months mobilized approximately US$7.5M for El Salvador.
REGIONAL ADVISOR IN HEALTH SECTOR REFORM || 12 / 2002 3/ 2007
Managed the implementation of the USAID-funded Latin American Countries Health Sector Reform Initiative (LACHSR).
Collaborated at the regional and sub-regional levels with country governments to formulate health policies with the final aim of
universal health coverage. Monitored the execution of the LACHSR approved work plan including oversight of related
activity/component budgets; liaised with relevant personnel in USAID/Washington, PAHO and the other USAID-funded partners
of the Initiative. Led the development of a number of analytical methodologies including: Health Sector Analysis (HSA);
Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Sector Reform; Monitoring the Steering Role Function of the National Health Authority.
Coordinated the application of the aforementioned methodologies in 40 countries and territories of the Americas.
Introduced the concept of Extension of Social Protection in Health (ESPH) into the Health Sector Reform Initiative
counterparts in USAID and its Partners (i.e. Management Science for Health, PHRPlus, and Quality Assurance Project).
Contributed to make USAID aware of the strategic importance of incorporating ESPH into the health sector reforms
processes to obtain a higher degree of sustainability.
Persuaded USAID to allow PAHO/WHO to develop an ESPH section (funded by the Swedish International Development
Agency) in the Health Sector Reform Initiative website.
Organized and participated as panelist in the Forum on Health Sector Reform for the Region of the Americas,
Guatemala, July 2004.
Persuaded USAID to include Strengthening the Essential Public Health Functions, the Development of Human
Resources for Public Healt, and the Steering Role of the National Health Authorit as the centerpiece of the Health
Sector Reform component of the USAID Umbrella Grant to PAHO.
Advised and trained national health authorities on partnership-building and negotiation with donors and international
financing institutions.
Organized and participated as panelist in The Health Systems Conundrum: How do Essential Public Health Functions fit
into the Puzzle?, National Press Club, Washington DC, 2007.
Organized and participated as panelist in The Steering Role Function of the National Health Authority training workshop,
Washington DC, 2007.
Increased USAID financial contribution to PAHO/WHO over a four year period from US$5M to US$20M.
CONSULTANT, HEALTH SYSTEMS AND HEALTH SECTOR REFORM || 10/1999 12/2002
Formulated the Methodological Guidelines for the elaboration of Health Systems and Services Profiles; Methodological
Guidelines for the elaboration of Health Sector Analysis. Provided Technical Review and Dissemination of Health Systems and
Services Profiles for all countries of the Region of the Americas. Formulated the Sub-Regional Analyses on Heath Sector
Reform for the Central American Region, the Andean Region, the English-Speaking Caribbean, and for the Region of the
Americas. Coordinated all PAHO/WHO activities related to Health Systems Performance Assessment.
Completed 100% of Health Systems and Services Profiles in 2nd
edition for the LAC Region countries, USA and Canada.
Completed three Sub-Regional Analyses on Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Sector Reform.
CONSULTANT, STRENGTHENING THE STEERING ROLE OF NATIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES || 6/1998 2/1999
Designed and implemented an evaluation of the Child Development/ Nutrition Program for Costa Rica to target infants, children
under six years of age, and women at risk.
Formulated a Child Development/Nutrition Policy aimed at strengthening the Ministry of Health institutional capacity in the
mother and child health sector; resulted in evidence based data on impact and financial sustainability.
CONSULTANT, HEALTH SECTOR REFORM AND NUTRITION || 10/1997 5/1998
Researched, documented and analyzed the results the Program for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in Costa Rica.
Coordinated the preparation of the 1999 issue of the UNICEF journal, "Our Right to Nutrition and Health in Costa Rica."
Designed and implemented a monitoring and evaluation intrument for a micronutrients intervention project.
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4. PRISCILLA RIVAS-LORIA, Ph.D. - 1 (202) 609.0054 (c) 1 (571) 224.6599 (c) Pr232@cornell.edu
HEALTH AND NUTRITION SECTOR SPECIALIST || 3/1994 2/1997
In coordination with the Inter-American Development Bank, The World Bank, and UNDP, coordinated and managed the Pan
American Health Organization technical cooperation activities in Central America regarding the identification of public health
and nutrition needs for health sector reform project formulation resulting in 3 PAHO World Bank and 1 PAHO Inter American
Development Bank joint projects.
Participated in the formulation of the 1996 HIV/AIDS Action Plan for Honduras in close coordination with The World Bank.
Collaborated in the development of a viable long-term Nutrition Policy to coincide with Honduras national health policy.
PROJECT MANAGER, WOMEN, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH IN CENTRAL AMERICA || 1/1990 6/1992
Designed the project on Promotion of Women, Health and Development research in Central America, a joint project between
PAHO/WHO and The University of Iowa. Initiated and facilitated dialogue, exchange of technical expertise, and coordination
among governmental and non-governmental health development organizations, research institutes, universities, and
international financial institutions in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Spearheaded the development of an expertise and research funding data bank for Central America.
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