Contract Management Specialist

Pan American Health Organization • Washington, DC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Contract Management Specialist • Join us and play a key role in strengthening governance, operational efficiency, and service delivery at PAHO The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a highly skilled and results-oriented Contract Management Specialist to provide technical and managerial oversight of complex contracts and operational programs within the Department of General Services Operations (GSO), ensuring compliance, performance, and value for money across critical operational portfolios. Under the general supervision of the Director of Administration (AM) and the direct supervision of the Director, GSO, the selected candidate will: • Lead the end-to-end management of service and works contracts, including planning, performance monitoring, compliance, amendments, and closeout. • Serve as the focal point for contract lifecycle management, ensuring alignment with PAHO policies, procurement rules, and financial regulations. • Develop and maintain contract management tools, performance indicators, risk registers, and reporting mechanisms. • Coordinate closely with procurement, finance, legal, IT, and technical departments to ensure timely execution and resolution of contract-related issues. • Monitor contractor performance, validate deliverables, and recommend corrective actions as required. • Provide strategic advice to management on contract strategy, vendor performance, and operational efficiencies. For a complete list of functions, please see the post description.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, finance, a social science or any other field related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.
• At least seven years of experience in contract management, program management or managing business operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex service contracts and working with multiple stakeholders.
• 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contract management principles, including solicitation, evaluation, award, administration, and close-out.
• Ability to manage complex programs and portfolios, including work plans, timelines, budgets, and performance indicators.
• Strong analytical skills to review financial and operational data and prepare management reports.
• Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including technical, finance, legal, and external partners.
• Ability to draft technical documentation, business justifications, and contract-related correspondence.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines.
• Sound judgment, risk management, and problem-solving skills in complex operational environments.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of enterprise systems (e.g., asset management, contract management platforms) and ability to leverage data for program oversight and reporting considered essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end management of service and works contracts, including planning, performance monitoring, compliance, amendments, and closeout.
• Serve as the focal point for contract lifecycle management, ensuring alignment with PAHO policies, procurement rules, and financial regulations.
• Develop and maintain contract management tools, performance indicators, risk registers, and reporting mechanisms.
• Coordinate closely with procurement, finance, legal, IT, and technical departments to ensure timely execution and resolution of contract-related issues.
• Monitor contractor performance, validate deliverables, and recommend corrective actions as required.
• Provide strategic advice to management on contract strategy, vendor performance, and operational efficiencies.

What This Job Offers

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