Advisor, Detection, Verification and Risk Assessment

Pan American Health Organization • Washington, DC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• A university degree in a health-related profession and a master's degree in epidemiology, public health or infectious diseases from a recognized institution.
• 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.
• Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with working knowledge of the other language.
• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level