PAHO Consultant - Legal Consultant

Pan American Health Organization•Washington, DC

1d•Remote

About The Position

This requisition is for a consultancy at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO). The Office of the Legal Counsel (LEG) supports PAHO by addressing a broad range of legal, administrative, and institutional matters arising from the Organization’s operations at the regional, subregional, and country levels. These matters require timely, high‑quality legal research, drafting, and advisory support across multiple areas of law, including administrative law, contracts, procurement, technical cooperation agreements, and institutional governance. To meet fluctuating operational demands, LEG is establishing a roster of qualified Legal Consultants who may be hired on a temporary basis, as needed. These Terms of Reference combine core functions typically associated with P2‑ and P3‑level legal posts, allowing the Organization to engage consultants capable of handling complex legal drafting and analysis while working under the technical guidance and supervision of senior legal staff. The purpose of this consultancy is to provide legal research, drafting, and advisory support to LEG in connection with administrative, contractual, and institutional legal matters. The Legal Consultant will contribute to ensuring that the Organization’s activities, agreements, and procedures comply with PAHO’s legal and regulatory framework. Placement on the roster does not guarantee employment or work. Selected candidates may be contracted on a temporary basis, subject to identified needs and availability of funds, and if applicable prior satisfactory performance.

Requirements

University degree in law
Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with working knowledge of the other
Minimum seven (7) years (P3) and five (5) years (P2) of relevant legal experience

Nice To Haves

Advanced studies (in law)
Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese
International organization experience

Responsibilities

Prepare draft legal opinions and advisory notes for review by the supervisor.
Conduct legal research and analysis of national and international legal instruments and jurisprudence.
Translate complex legal issues into practical draft recommendations.
Conduct due diligence and risk assessments on proposed engagements with non-State actors.
Draft and review legal memoranda, contracts for goods and services, and consultancy agreements.
Perform preliminary legal review of project proposals and agreements.
Draft and review technical cooperation agreements.
Provide legal support to PAHO administrative entities and Country Offices.
Assist in developing templates, guidelines, and procedures.
Assist with draft briefs in work-related disputes before PAHO’s Board of Appeal and the ILO Administrative Tribunal.
Prepare briefing notes, reports, and background documentation.
Provide regular status updates.