Advisor, Detection, Verification and Risk Assessment

Grade:

P-4Step I - 86,027.00 USD45,852.39 USD

Contractual Agreement:

Staff - Professional Post

Job Posting:

February 20, 2026

Closing Date:

March 13, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Washington, D.C.

Organization:

HIM Health Emergencies Information and Risk Assessment

Schedule:

Full time

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Advisor, Detection, Verification and Risk Assessment

• Join us and help strengthen epidemic intelligence and health emergency preparedness across the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a highly qualified and strategic Advisor, Detection, Verification and Risk Assessment to provide technical leadership in epidemic intelligence and risk assessment, supporting Member States and the Organization in the prevention, detection, and response to public health emergencies.

Under the general supervision of the Director of the Health Emergencies Department, and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Health Emergency Information and Risk Assessment (PHE/HIM), the selected candidate will:

• Provide technical guidance to Member States on strategies, policies, and guidelines for epidemic intelligence, including detection, verification, risk assessment, and reporting of public health events.
• Lead and coordinate the systematic detection, verification, risk assessment, and reporting of events with potential international public health implications, including public health emergencies of international concern.
• Oversee and strengthen internal epidemic intelligence processes, including the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures and event management systems.
• Coordinate capacity-building initiatives and provide technical support to Member States, national focal points, and partners in epidemic intelligence and information management.
• Promote multisectoral collaboration and partnerships across technical areas, country offices, WHO Headquarters, and external stakeholders.
• Represent the Organization in international and regional meetings and support emergency and disaster response operations, including deployment when required.

For a complete list of functions, please refer to the post description.

What is required for this position?

Education

A university degree in a health-related profession and a master's degree in epidemiology, public health or infectious diseases from a recognized institution.

Experience

Nine years of combined national and international experience working in epidemiology and disease prevention and control programs and in the administration of health services related to communicable diseases.

Languages

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with working knowledge of the other language.

IT Skills

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

Competencies and Skills

For a complete list of competencies and skills, please refer to the post description.

The skills required are:

• Advanced expertise in epidemic intelligence, communicable disease epidemiology, surveillance, and outbreak response.
• Strong analytical and risk assessment skills to support evidence-based decision-making during public health emergencies.
• In-depth knowledge of the International Health Regulations and their application at national and international levels.
• Ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams and complex technical processes.
• Strong strategic thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills in sensitive and high-pressure environments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the preparation of technical reports and presentations.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across sectors and cultures.

Duration of Contract

Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment. One-year, first-year probationary period. Post of Limited Duration.

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: pahorecruitment@paho.org

• 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.