PAHO

Advisor, Health Systems and Services

Quito, Ecuador Full time

Grade:

P-4

Salary - Annually:

Step I - 86,027.00 USD

Post Adjustment - Annually:

19,700.18 USD

Contractual Agreement:

Staff - Professional Post

Job Posting:

April 13, 2026

Closing Date:

May 4, 2026, 11:59 PM Ecuador Time

Primary Location:

Quito, Ecuador

Organization:

ECU Ecuador

Schedule:

Full time

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Advisor, Health Systems and Services

Join PAHO and help strengthen resilient, equitable health systems 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, results‑driven and strategic Advisor, Health Systems and Services to support countries in strengthening health systems based on Primary Health Care and advancing Universal Health Coverage and Universal Access to Health.

Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), and the technical guidance of the Director, Health Systems and Services (HSS), the selected candidate will:

• Advise and collaborate on the development, implementation, and evaluation of technical cooperation programs related to health systems governance, policy, and services organization.
• Support countries in strengthening resilient and integrated health systems capable of responding to public health emergencies.
• Promote policies, norms, and standards for primary health care–based health systems and integrated service delivery networks.
• Provide technical cooperation in health services development, health financing, regulation, medicines and health technologies, and human resources for health.
• Support health systems research, information systems strengthening, and evidence‑based decision making.
• Build and sustain partnerships with governments, academic institutions, international agencies, and other key stakeholders to advance national and regional health priorities.

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

What is required for this position?

Education

A bachelor’s degree in one of the health, social or management sciences with a master’s degree in public health, health systems and services administration or management, from a recognized university.

Experience

Nine years of combined national and international experience in areas related to health systems development, health services delivery, extension of health care services to underserved populations/areas and developing strategies to overcome barriers to accessing health care services. Experience should also include management of health care services at either the facility or systems levels.

Languages

Fluency in Spanish or English, with a working knowledge of the other language.

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.

Competencies and Skills

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

The skills required are:
• In‑depth knowledge of health systems organization, management, and primary health care–based service delivery.
• Ability to formulate, implement, and evaluate health policies, strategies, and technical cooperation interventions.
• Strong analytical skills in health systems research, health information systems, and evidence‑based decision making.
• Proven ability to manage complex programs and projects at national and international levels.
• Strong leadership, coordination, and partnership‑building skills with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the preparation of technical reports and policy documents.

Duration of Contract

Post of limited duration.  First year probationary period.

Additional Information

This vacancy will be used to fill the position of Advisor, Health Systems and Services in San José, Costa Rica, as well as similar positions in other duty stations.

Salary: US $86,027.00; Post Adjustment: US $29,507.26

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.