PAHO Consultant - Epidemic Intelligence and GIS Analyst

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:

February 27, 2026

Closing Date:

March 8, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Off Site

Organization:

HIM Health Emergencies Information and Risk Assessment

Schedule:

Full time

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

Purpose of Contract:
The incumbent will support the Data Management, Analytics, and Products team within the Health Emergency Information Management and Risk Assessment (HIM) Unit of the Health Emergencies Department (PHE) in advancing the surveillance and geospatial components of the Pandemic Response Optimization Through Engaged Communities and Territories (PROTECT) project.

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.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

General responsibilities and deliverables:

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the HIM Unit and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Data Management, Analytics, and Products, the contractor will produce the following deliverables:

***Initial Products for Contract from 1st April to 30 September 2026.***

Deliverable 1: A multi-hazard natural disaster and climate vulnerability dashboard integrating sea level rise exposure analysis using Climate Central data for selected PROTECT priority countries under the PROTECT project. This deliverable includes GIS-based exposure analysis of health facilities and communities to projected sea level rise, hazard overlay maps linking CEBS catchment areas to climate risk, spatial risk summaries, and a technical annex documenting methodology and data sources. The dashboard strengthens multi-hazard preparedness integration within PROTECT CEBS systems and supports risk-informed microplanning.

Due date: 30 April 2026

Amount: $6,380.00

Deliverable 2: An integrated multi-disease analytical dashboard for yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and measles in selected PROTECT priority countries under the PROTECT project. This deliverable includes interactive GIS dashboards integrating CEBS alerts with indicator-based surveillance data, spatial trend analysis and subnational risk stratification, automated R-based epidemiological summaries, and a technical brief explaining dashboard integration within PROTECT CEBS pilot environments. The dashboard strengthens real-time interpretation of community-reported signals and enhances decision-making capacity within PROTECT-supported early warning systems.

Due date: 29 May 2026

Amount: $6,090.00

Deliverable 3: An R-based CEBS signal prioritization and spatial clustering model for early warning of epidemic-prone diseases in selected PROTECT priority countries under the PROTECT project. This deliverable includes a signal classification algorithm, GIS-based anomaly detection outputs, escalation threshold mapping, and technical documentation for replication at national level. The model enhances early detection capacity and strengthens PROTECT’s objective of integrating CEBS within national early warning and rapid response workflows.

Due date: 30 June 2026

Amount: $6,380.00

Deliverable 4: A CEBS analytical training and risk assessment simulation package integrating geospatial analysis and outbreak detection tools for selected PROTECT priority countries under the Pandemic Response Optimization Through Engaged Communities and Territories (PROTECT) project. This deliverable includes GIS-based simulated outbreak scenarios (e.g., yellow fever, dengue,), subnational spatial clustering maps, interactive dashboard modules demonstrating signal detection and escalation workflows, and an analytical guidance note outlining interpretation of CEBS-generated data for early warning and response.

Due date: 31 July 2026

Amount: $6,670.00

Deliverable 5: A multi-hazard geospatial integration framework linking Community Event-Based Surveillance (CEBS) signal data with priority epidemic-prone diseases in selected PROTECT priority countries under the Pandemic Response Optimization Through Engaged Communities and Territories (PROTECT) project. This deliverable includes standardized GIS layers integrating CEBS signals with disease surveillance datasets, analytical maps demonstrating spatial clustering and vulnerability overlays, R-based automated data processing scripts for outbreak signal validation, and a technical document outlining integration with PROTECT CEBS pilot systems. The framework strengthens early warning analytics and supports operational integration of CEBS within PROTECT-supported national surveillance systems.

Due date: 31 August 2026

Amount: $6,090.00

Deliverable 6: An interim analytical implementation brief documenting initial Community Event-Based Surveillance (CEBS) pilot performance and geospatial outputs in selected PROTECT priority countries under the Pandemic Response Optimization Through Engaged Communities and Territories (PROTECT) project. This deliverable includes preliminary spatial coverage maps of CEBS deployment areas, selected disease-specific analytical outputs generated during pilot implementation, and an initial assessment of signal reporting patterns and operational integration within national early warning systems. The brief provides early-stage analytical findings and practical considerations to inform ongoing CEBS implementation and refinement under PROTECT, supporting strengthened early detection and response systems during the pilot phase.

Due date: 30 September 2026

Amount: $6,380.00

Qualifications, experience, skills, and languages

EDUCATION
Essential: A master's degree in health-related science from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master's degree in communicable diseases, public health, or related field would be an asset.

 

EXPERIENCE
Essential: Minimum of seven years of combined national and international experience working in epidemiology, communicable diseases, and public health. Demonstrated experience in epidemiology and surveillance of infectious diseases, complemented by experience in Geographical Information Systems.

Desirable: Experience in or sound knowledge of PAHO and WHO processes for epidemic alert and response. Knowledge of statistical methods (e.g. spatial/temporal analysis using GIS)

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE SKILLS

IT Skills: Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize tools and software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook, ArcGIS, QGIS and R.

Language and level required
Excellent written and spoken English (and/or Spanish); working knowledge of Spanish (or English). Working knowledge of French or Portuguese would be an asset.

Remuneration (Band level Range) and expected duration of contract

Band/range: B / $290.00 daily cost

Expected duration: Upon signature of the contract until 30 September 2026.

Location: Off site

Relocation required: No

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.