JOB DESCRIPTION

Grade:

P-4

7,056.00 USD

Post Adjustment – Monthly:

3,598.56 USD

Contractual Agreement:

Staff – Professional Non-post

Job Posting:

August 6, 2025

Closing Date:

September 4, 2025, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Port-au-Prince (POD), Haiti

Organization:

HTI Haiti

Schedule:

Full time

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The incumbent is a member of the PAHO Health Emergency Team in Haiti, supporting technical activities included in the Biennial Work Plan (BWP). As an Epidemiologist, he/she is responsible for providing guidance and advice to national authorities on developing plans and implementing strategies to strengthen preparedness and response capacities using a multi-hazard, multisectoral approach which is aligned to international frameworks including the International Health Regulations (IHR), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and Interagency Standing Committee (IASC) guidance and protocols. The incumbent is expected to develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with all relevant stakeholders at national and sub-national levels, other UN agencies, NGOs, etc. He/she is expected to interpret and adapt guidelines in dealing with unusual or complex situations, and lead preparedness and response work for epidemic and pandemic infectious hazards. During the response to an acute event, the incumbent may be appointed as the event’s Incident Manager, in which case he/she will also have responsibility for managing the emergency response including provision of strategic leadership to the health sector/cluster in support of national and local health authorities, in accordance with PAHO’s rules and regulations. This requires extensive and ongoing contacts with officials and representatives from health cluster partners and other cluster leads and coordinators, policy staff and technical staff in partner agencies (both within and outside the UN system), senior staff in the ministry of health (MOH) and related ministries to successfully influence national strategies. The incumbent will be deployed to emergency operations in other countries when required.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general guidance of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR) and the direct supervision of the Senior Advisor, Health Emergencies (PHE/HTI), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

a) Advise, plan, develop, coordinate, and implement the programmatic workplan related to epidemiological surveillance, laboratory surveillance of epidemic- and pandemic-prone diseases, as well as outbreak investigation at national level in Haiti;
b) Provide technical recommendations for the implementation of prevention and control measures for diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential, particularly regarding surveillance and response, and in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR);
c) Provide technical cooperation related to the development of core capacities in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005), including the implementation of the recommendations related to the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) conducted in 2019;
d) Support the annual self-assessment of core capacities related to the IHR-2005;
e) Advise and support the institutional strengthening of epidemiologic surveillance, including the National Public Health Laboratory (LNSP), to provide timely and accurate information on diseases with epidemic potential including influenza and other severe acute respiratory diseases as well as those preventable by vaccination;
f) Provide technical advice and guidance to the Ministry of Health (MSPP) for the development and implementation of national strategies for the prevention and response to epidemics (e.g. cholera);
g) Collaborate on the implementation and management of projects aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality from diseases with epidemic potential, as well as prepare project proposals to mobilize financial resources from international partner agencies;
h) Strengthen the Ministry of Health’s Department of Epidemiology (DELR)’s alert and response system, both at central and departmental level, to detect, characterize, deploy laboratory surveillance tools, and respond to epidemics;
i) Support national authorities to develop and disseminate contingency plans for the response to various epidemics in the country and any that should arise;
j) Manage the production and timely dissemination of high-quality relevant data and information, including internal and external situation reports (SitReps), the bulletins, health risk assessments and health contributions to the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) and the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP);
k) Act as first-line emergency responder in case of an epidemic in line with the PAHO Policy and procedures for Institutional Response to Emergencies and Disasters and serve as deputy incident manager, as needed, and support the Incident Manager in the country in case of a graded emergency;
l) Coordinate and collaborate with the Incident Manager and/or PHE Senior Advisor in the planning, development, and implementation of binational plans of action for health emergencies, as required;
m) Coordinate laboratory and epidemiological surveillance response activities countrywide in case of an epidemic in line with the Government counterpart and PAHO response plan;
n) Ensure the effective supervision, guidance and capacity strengthening of human resources, including, when required, establishing clear work objectives, conducting timely performance appraisals, participating in any needed recruitment of personnel (consultants and staff), providing coaching and feedback, maintaining staff morale, and supporting staff development opportunities;
o) Contribute to the preparation and management of the Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and associated budgets; oversee and monitor budget planning and execution; and ensure the implementation, compliance and follow-up of administrative, logistical and operational procedures, in accordance with organizational rules and standards;
p) Facilitate coordination among Country Office (CO) programs; provide functional and hierarchical reporting; and strengthen communication and collaboration with partners, with a focus on those engaged through the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) at country level;
q) Perform other related duties, as assigned.

KEY BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
• Respecting and valuing individual differences: Treats everyone with dignity and respect, fostering positive relationships with everyone. Reflects on personal behavior to avoid stereotypes and considers situations from the perspective of others.
• Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others – Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve and build rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the team’s successes and shortcomings.
• Communication: Write effectively/Share knowledge – Writes down ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible way; drafts and supports the development of guidelines, policies and procedures. Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization.
• Producing Results: Work efficiently and independently/Deliver quality results – Monitors own and others’ work in a systematic and effective way, ensuring required resources and outputs. Aligns projects with Organization’s mission and objectives. Consistently solves own and team’s problems effectively as needed. Proactively engages in projects and initiatives, accepting demanding goals, in line with Organizational Strategies and Program of Work. Demonstrates accountability for work of team and sets an example, while explicitly articulating lessons learnt for own and team’s benefit.
• Ensuring effective use of resources: Strategize and set clear objectives/Monitor progress and use resources well – Sets specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely objectives for own team and/or the Organization; systematically analyses and anticipates priority projects for own team and allocates necessary resources to achieve them; identifies the cross-Organizational resources needed for large- scale projects in line with key Organizational objectives. Anticipates foreseeable changes and adapts own and team’s projects in the face of unforeseen circumstances and/ or challenges; creates measures and criteria to monitor progress of overall projects against key Organizational objectives; creates cost-effective solutions for the Organization.
• Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond: Develop networks and partnerships and encourage collaboration – Builds and negotiates strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of key stakeholders to ensure Organizational results and success. Creates innovative opportunities for promoting synergies inside and outside the Organization to improve Organizational success.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

• Theoretical and practical expertise at the highest level in all public health aspects related to prevention and control of diseases with epidemic potential, with a focus on outbreaks and response strategies.
• Ability to analyze surveillance systems and to develop and plan appropriate improvement measures.
• Ability to think strategically and to demonstrate initiative, leadership qualities, and skill in dealing with difficult situations; proven ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesize, and make recommendations on technical issues.
• Managerial skills for the development, implementation, and analysis of the program and technical cooperation activities, including budget planning and execution as well as supervision of personnel.
• Ability to analyze and manage complex situations including the prioritization and planning of short and long term actions.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment in a country with a complex situation.
• Strong inter-personnel skills, diplomacy, and tact to communicate effectively with senior officials, multiple stakeholders, and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Strong professional oral and writing skills, including development of reports and oral presentations.

EDUCATION
Education: A bachelor’s degree in a public health-related field or disaster management and a master’s degree in epidemiology or any other field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized institution.

EXPERIENCE
Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience working in the field of epidemic-prone diseases and practical experience in the implementation of prevention and control programs, including surveillance at national and/or international levels. Experience in project management; field experience in public health and response to epidemics in developing countries, including coordination of large-scale public health emergencies. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience working in a country classified as a Grade 3 (G3) emergency by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) is required.
Desirable: Experience in the UN System with knowledge of inter-agency mechanisms in the area of health emergencies would be an asset.

LANGUAGES
Very good knowledge of French with a working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Haitian Creole and / or Spanish would be an asset.

IT SKILLS
Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential.

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

Until 31 March 2026, with possible extensions, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

DISCLAIMER

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade and level.

• All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

• Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the official degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. PAHO, considers official higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in one of the following databases:

– World Higher Education Database (WHED), list updated by the International Association of Universities

(IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The list can be assessed through the link: http://whed.net/

– Council for Higher Education Accreditation chea.org

– College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics,

nces.gov to support the validation process.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

PAHO/WHO is committed to:

• PAHO supports an environment of mutual respect and dignity for all applicants. All interested individuals who meet the requirements of this position are encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. To do so, email us at: [email protected]

• Maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

• Promoting a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of misconduct.

• Providing a smoke-free environment.

• Protecting the people in the communities we serve. Therefore, we have zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.

Level of Education: Master”s Degree (preferred for health positions)

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 24 (health sector experience preferred)

Health Focus: PAHO works to improve health outcomes across the Americas