Advisor, Scientific Evidence

Pan American Health Organization • Washington, DC

1d

About The Position

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a highly qualified, strategic, and results-oriented Advisor, Scientific Evidence to strengthen the generation, synthesis, dissemination, and use of scientific evidence to inform health policies, programs, and governance across Member States and the Organization. Under the general supervision of the Director, Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health (EIH), and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Science and Knowledge for Impact (EIH/SK), the incumbent will:
• Support the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of evidence-supported systems aligned with national and regional health priorities and PAHO/WHO standards.
• Strengthen institutional mechanisms and governance frameworks for evidence-informed decision-making across policies, guidelines, and coverage decisions.
• Develop and promote standards, tools, and quality assurance processes for evidence synthesis, knowledge translation, and guideline development.
• Lead and support evidence synthesis initiatives, including living systematic reviews, rapid response mechanisms, and emergency-related evidence products.
• Promote a knowledge-based and evidence-informed culture within the Organization, including the ethical and strategic adoption of AI in evidence generation and use.
• Serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Pan American Journal of Public Health, overseeing editorial policy, peer review, publication processes, and innovation in scientific publishing.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with ministries, research institutions, civil society, and international networks to advance evidence-informed health action. For a complete list of functions, please refer to the post description.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a medical, health or social science related to the functions of the post, and a master’s degree in epidemiology, health research methods, public health or any field related to the functions of the post, from an accredited university.
• Nine years of national and international experience in evidence-informed decision-making, including health policy and guideline development, evidence synthesis, knowledge translation, and rapid response mechanisms.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating technical cooperation programs to strengthen evidence use (including the implementation of GRADE and evidence to policy frameworks), as well as overseeing the publication of scientific, medical, and technical products.
• Solid track record of scientific publications in reputable peer reviewed journals.
• Very good knowledge of English and Spanish.
• Strong expertise in scientific research methods, epidemiology, and evidence synthesis.
• Ability to translate scientific evidence into policy-relevant guidance and decision-making tools.
• Proven leadership in managing complex technical cooperation initiatives and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent scientific writing, editing, and publication skills for diverse audiences.
• Capacity to plan, manage, and evaluate programs and projects, including resource mobilization.
• Ability to foster partnerships and networks at national, regional, and global levels.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and strategic thinking skills.
• Familiarity with digital platforms, knowledge management systems, and AI-enabled tools for evidence generation and dissemination.

Responsibilities

• Support the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of evidence-supported systems aligned with national and regional health priorities and PAHO/WHO standards.
• Strengthen institutional mechanisms and governance frameworks for evidence-informed decision-making across policies, guidelines, and coverage decisions.
• Develop and promote standards, tools, and quality assurance processes for evidence synthesis, knowledge translation, and guideline development.
• Lead and support evidence synthesis initiatives, including living systematic reviews, rapid response mechanisms, and emergency-related evidence products.
• Promote a knowledge-based and evidence-informed culture within the Organization, including the ethical and strategic adoption of AI in evidence generation and use.
• Serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Pan American Journal of Public Health, overseeing editorial policy, peer review, publication processes, and innovation in scientific publishing.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with ministries, research institutions, civil society, and international networks to advance evidence-informed health action.

What This Job Offers

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