Advisor, Emerging Pathogens One Health

Pan American Health Organization • Washington, DC

3d

About The Position

This position provides regional leadership and technical expertise to strengthen preparedness, surveillance, and response to emerging and re-emerging pathogens from a One Health perspective. The role contributes directly to PAHO’s efforts to reduce epidemic risks and protect population health across the Region.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a health-related profession, microbiology or ecology and a master's degree in veterinary science, public health or any other field related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.
• Nine years of combined national and international experience in public or animal health, in programs involving the control and prevention or research of epidemic-prone diseases.
• Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other.
• 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.
• Ability to apply the One Health approach by integrating human, animal, and environmental health perspectives.
• Strong knowledge of international public health and disease surveillance systems.
• Experience in analyzing, modeling, and interpreting data related to zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases.
• Proven project management, coordination, and resource mobilization skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the preparation of technical reports and policy documents.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice to develop and promote regional and national initiatives addressing risks from emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics and pandemics.
• Develop, test, and disseminate evidence-based strategies for the prediction, prevention, detection, and response to emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
• Strengthen surveillance systems at the human–animal–environment interface to support early detection and containment of epidemic-prone diseases.
• Promote the exchange, joint analysis, and dissemination of surveillance information across public, animal, and environmental health sectors.
• Coordinate activities with internal and external partners, including research institutions and academia, for risk characterization and forecasting of emerging pathogens.
• Support regional preparedness, response, monitoring, and evaluation activities, including participation in emergency and disaster response operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees