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Job Title


Advisor, Emerging Pathogens One Health


Company : Pan American Health Organization


Location : Nationwide, WA


Created : 2026-04-19


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Grade: P-4Salary - Annually:Step I - 86,027.00 USDPost Adjustment - Annually:46,970.74 USDContractual Agreement:Staff - Professional PostJob Posting:April 9, 2026Closing Date:April 30, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern TimePrimary Location:Washington, D.C.Organization:IHM Infectious Hazard ManagementSchedule:Full timeDESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:Advisor, Emerging Pathogens One HealthThis 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.SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIESUnder the general supervision of the Director, Health Emergencies (PHE), and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Infectious Hazards Management, the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties: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.For a complete list of functions, please see the post description.EDUCATIONA 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.EXPERIENCENine 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.LANGUAGESVery good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other.IT SKILLSDemonstrated 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.COMPETENCIES AND SKILLSFor a complete list of competencies and skills, please refer to the post description.The skills required are: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.DURATION OF CONTRACTPost of limited duration of one-year. First-year probationary period.DISCLAIMER This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade and level.All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the official degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. PAHO, considers official higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in one of the following databases:- World Higher Education Database (WHED), list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be assessed through the link: Council for Higher Education Accreditation - College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, nces.gov to support the validation process. Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.PAHO/WHO is committed to: PAHO supports an environment of mutual respect and dignity for all applicants. All interested individuals who meet the requirements of this position are encouraged to apply.Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. To do so, email us at: pahorecruitment@Maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.Promoting a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of misconduct.Providing a smoke-free environment.Protecting the people in the communities we serve. Therefore, we have zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.