JOB DESCRIPTION

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This is a requisition for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

Contractual Agreement:

Non-Staff – International PAHO Consultant

Job Posting:

September 3, 2025

Closing Date:

September 9, 2025, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Off Site

Organization:

HIM Health Emergencies Information and Risk Assessment

Schedule:

Full time

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

Objectives of the Department
The objective of the Health Emergencies Department (PHE) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is to increase health sector resilience to emergencies and disasters. PHE assists Member States to strengthen the health sector”s capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man-made, biological, chemical, radiological and others) and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. PHE is responsible for ensuring the implementation and updating of the PAHO/WHO Institutional Emergency and Disaster Response Policy.

Objective of the Unit
Within PHE, the Health Emergency Information & Risk Assessment (HIM) Unit focuses on data collection, verification, database management, data analysis and risk assessment. The information gathered through HIM helps in PHE”s response to natural disaster events and epidemic disease events of potential public health concern.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Summary of responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Advisor, Detection, Verification & Risk Assessment (HIM/DVA) and the general guidance of the Unit Chief, Health Emergency Information & Risk Assessment (PHE/HIM), the incumbent is responsible for the following assigned duties:

a) Provide technical support for the implementation of activities included in the entity”s program of work, the project PROTECT funded by the Pandemic Funds and for the application of the International Health Regulations (IHR);

b) Collaborate and perform duties related to the management of acute events and emergencies;

c) Carry out the Rapid Risk Assessments on reported acute public health events which constitute a public health emergency of international concern, ensuring internal and external dissemination;

d) Participate in the Organization”s emergency and disaster response operations and serve as a member of the Regional Disaster Response Team;

Deliverables

Product 1

• Report on simulation exercises to test established communication protocols among human health, animal health and environmental sector in Chile and Colombia, including the revision and consolidation of inputs from observers, technical areas and Member States. This product is related to the implementation of the PROTECT project.
• Due date: 30 September 2025
• Amount: 1,505.00

Product 2

• Development of the new generic Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) guide for IHR National Focal Points, including validation with at least two NFPs.
• Due Date: 31 October 2025
• Amount: 4,945.00

Product 3

• Developed a route map outlining proposed actions agreed upon by participating countries of the Bioceanic Corridor, to be carried out during 2026 with PAHO’s support.
• Due Date: 28 November 2025
• Amount: 4,300.00

Product 4

• Preparation of Epidemiological Alerts on events and outbreaks occurring or with potential public health implications in the Region, covering the period from September to December 2025.
• Due Date: 31 December 2025
• Amount: 4,945.00

Education requirements (Qualifications)

Essential: A bachelor”s degree in epidemiology, demography, statistics, health sciences, or a related discipline that includes quantitative methods.

Desirable: A master”s degree in epidemiology, public health, or related discipline would be an asset.

Experience requirements

Essential: Five years of combined national and/or international experience in surveillance and event management.

Languages

Essential: Very good knowledge of Spanish o English.

Asset: A working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

Location

The incumbent will be expected to perform this position”s duties and responsibilities remotely.

Expected contract duration

Upon signature of the contract until 31 December 2025. This consultancy is expected to entail a full-time commitment.

Remuneration

Band A / Daily Rate $215.00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently may be selected for consultancy assignments falling in this area of work or for similar requirements/tasks/deliverables. Inclusion in the Roster does not guarantee selection for a consultant contract. There is no commitment on either side.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this consultancy. For assessment of your application, please ensure that your profile in the PAHO Career page is updated; all experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time. Kindly note that CV/PHFs inserted via LinkedIn are no accessible.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. PAHO/WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO/WHO Regulations, and e-Manual.
• For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org
• PAHO/WHO is committed to providing a respectful and supportive workplace for all personnel .
• PAHO is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.
• PAHO also promotes 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 abusive conduct.
• PAHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoings will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.
• PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between PAHO and the Consultant.
• PAHO/WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by PAHO/WHO.

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