Legal Officer

Grade:

P-3Step I - 71,335.00 USD38,021.56 USD

Contractual Agreement:

Staff - Professional Post

Job Posting:

January 27, 2026

Closing Date:

March 12, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Washington, D.C.

Organization:

LEG Office of the Legal Counsel

Schedule:

Full time

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Legal Officer

• Join us and help safeguard PAHO’s legal integrity and mission

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a highly qualified, analytical, and service-oriented Legal Officer to provide expert legal advice and support across the Organization’s programs, operations, and governance frameworks.

The incumbent will be a member of the Office of the Legal Counsel (LEG) and will work under the direct supervision of a Senior Legal Advisor, contributing to the consistent application of legal standards and the protection of the Organization’s legal interests.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Advisor, Office of the Legal Counsel (LEG), the selected candidate will:

• Review and draft agreements, contracts, legal memoranda, and other legal instruments to ensure compliance with PAHO rules, policies, and procedures.
• Provide legal advice and support to PAHO administrative and technical units, including legal aspects of projects, agreements, and institutional processes.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on matters related to international, administrative, and comparative law relevant to the Organization’s mandate.
• Assist in the development and revision of organizational rules, policies, procedures, and model agreements.
• Support the representation and defense of the Organization before internal appeal bodies and international or national judicial and quasi-judicial fora.
• Participate in internal and external meetings, negotiations, and committees, providing legal input and background materials as required.

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

What is required for this position?

Education

A university degree in law with studies in comparative and/or international law from a recognized university; admission to practice in a PAHO Member Country.

Experience

Seven years of combined national and international legal experience with emphasis in public international law, contracts, administrative law, technical cooperation agreements and comparative law.

Languages

Very good knowledge of English and Spanish.

IT Skills

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as Visio, Microsoft SharePoint and Project would be an asset.

Competencies and Skills

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

The skills required are:

• Expertise in the application of international and national law within an international organizational context.
• Strong analytical and legal research skills, including the interpretation of legal instruments and precedents.
• Ability to draft, review, and negotiate complex legal documents and agreements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for high-level legal advice and reporting.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively with technical, administrative, and external counterparts.
• High standards of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.

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.