International PAHO Consultant - Viral Diseases, Laboratory and Genomic Surveillance

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:

May 5, 2026

Closing Date:

May 12, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Off Site

Organization:

IHM Infectious Hazard Management

Schedule:

Full time

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

Purpose of contract:
To provide technical support to strengthen regional laboratory and genomic surveillance capacities for emerging viruses by monitoring External Quality Assessment Programme (EQAP) implementation, conducting in-country technical missions, assessing genomic surveillance strategies, preparing regional analytical reports, and contributing to the development of standardized laboratory and surveillance guidelines aligned with WHO standards.

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.

General Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following activities:

Plan and conduct at least one workshop/training on Hantavirus and other viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) surveillance and diagnosis.
Develop and release the regional laboratory guidelines for VHF.
Follow the regional analysis and report on COVID-19 genomic surveillance and generate a report.
Monitor and support the implementation of EQAP for emerging viruses.
Conduct in-country missions to support implementation of standardized laboratory protocols, focused on (but not limited to) the Caribbean region.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Expected Deliverables:  

 Under the general guidance of the Chief, PHE Infectious Hazards Management Unit, and the direct supervision of the PHE/IHM Advisor, Viral Diseases, the incumbent is responsible for the following assigned deliverables:

1. Product 1: 

Plan and conduct at least one workshop/training on Hantavirus and other VHF surveillance and diagnosis 

• Draft the agenda and provide the logistic insight for the training 

• Propose participants and facilitators 

• Conduct the training/workshop and generate a final report  

Due Date: 30 June 2026 USD 5,966.00 

2. Product 2: 

Develop and release the regional laboratory guidelines for viral hemorrhagic fevers  

• Lead the development of regional laboratory and surveillance guidelines addressing viral hemorrhagic fevers. 

• Incorporate new diagnostic technologies, quality assurance mechanisms, and surveillance tools while ensuring alignment with WHO standards. 

• Provide the final published guidelines  

Due Date: 31 July 2026 USD 7,222.00 

3. Product 3: 

Follow the regional analysis and reporting on COVID 19 genomic surveillance and generate a report 

• Compile and analyze regional data related to COVID‑19 genomic surveillance, including sequencing coverage, variant detection, and data‑sharing practices. 

• Evaluate the use and impact of new genomic tools, platforms, and analytical approaches. 

Prepare a regional analytical report with evidence‑based conclusions and strategic recommendations applicable to future emerging virus surveillance efforts. 

Due Date: 31 August 2026 USD 6,594.00 

4. Product 4: 

Monitor and support the implementation of External Quality Assurance Programs (EQAP) for emerging viruses 

• Oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of EQAP activities for emerging viral pathogens across the Region. 

• Liaise with national and reference laboratories to ensure participation, performance monitoring, and compliance with quality standards. 

Review EQAP results, identify gaps or performance issues, and provide technical recommendations, with particular attention to newly introduced diagnostic products. 

Due Date: 30 September 2026 USD 6,908.00 

 5. Product 5: 

Conduct in-country missions to support implementation of standardized laboratory protocols, focused (not limited) on the Caribbean 

• Plan and carry out at least one in‑country technical mission to support national laboratories in the adoption of new standardized laboratory protocols and tools. 

• Perform technical and operational assessments, including laboratory workflows, biosafety practices, and readiness to implement new diagnostic and surveillance products. 

• Provide on‑site technical assistance, document findings, and develop country‑specific recommendations and follow‑up actions. 

Due Date: 31 October 2026 USD 6,908.00 

Note 1: The consultant shall provide the manager with a comprehensive technical report detailing all work carried out during the consultancy, to be submitted prior to the final invoice to the project manager. 

 

Note 2: The hiring of the selected candidate will be subject to the presentation of the following documents (Note: These documents are NOT required to apply to this position but will be required before a contract can be signed): 

• Copy of diploma and/or certificate(s) 

• Three letters of professional references that include the full name of the contact person, telephone number, and address or email. 

Education requirements (Qualifications)  

Essential: Master's degree on biological sciences or related field.  

Desirable: Doctoral degree on molecular biology, virology, or related field. 

  

Experience requirements 

Essential: 9 years of experience in virology and public health. 

Desirable: Demonstrated experience supporting public health emergency response activities. 

 

Languages  

Excellent written, spoken and working knowledge of English and Spanish. 

  

Location: 

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

  

Renumeration: 

Band B - USD $314.00 daily Rate.

Total contract amount $ 33,598.00. 

 

Expected contract duration:  

From 4 June 2026 to 31 October 2026, with possibility of extension subject to performance and funding availability. This consultancy is expected to entail a full-time commitment. 

 

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.