Technical Officer, Acute Events Management

Pan American Health Organization

Job Location:

Washington DC, WA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 4 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Grade:

P-3

Salary - Monthly (non-negotiable):

5944.58 USD

Post Adjustment - Monthly:

3168.46 USD

Contractual Agreement:

Staff - Professional Non-post

Job Posting:

January 29 2026

Closing Date:

February:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Washington D.C.

Organization:

HIM Health Emergencies Information and Risk Assessment

Schedule:

Full time

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Technical Officer Acute Events Management

Join us and help strengthen the Regions capacity to detect verify and respond to acute publichealth events

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking a motivated analytical and highly collaborative Technical Officer Acute Events Management to support critical work in epidemic intelligence food safety emergencies and implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR).

As part of the Health Emergency Information & Risk Assessment (PHE/HIM) Unit you will contribute to strengthening surveillance verification and rapid assessment of acute publichealth events across the Region. Working closely with the Detection Verification & Risk Assessment (DVA) Team as well as National IHR Focal Points and the INFOSAN Secretariat you will play a pivotal role in ensuring fast coordinated and highquality information flow during emergencies.

What will you do

Under the direct supervision of the Advisor Detection Verification & Risk Assessment (HIM/DVA) and the general guidance of the Unit Chief Health Emergency Information & Risk Assessment (PHE/HIM) the selected candidate will:

Support implementation of activities within the entitys program of work including application of the International Health Regulations (IHR).
Collaborate on communication management for acute publichealth events involving foodborne diseases or contamination of food.
Review update and publish National IHR Focal Point Standard Operating Procedures.
Ensure that foodbornerelated publichealth events are assessed and registered in the WHO Event Management System (EMS).
Analyze EMS information to evaluate timeliness of detection verification and response.
Evaluate results of the biannual communication test with INFOSAN Emergency Contact Points.
Assess IHR Annual Confirmation results and coordinate with Member States to address challenges.
Conduct periodic analyses of use of the WHO Event Information Site by PAHO and national focal points.
Prepare reports for briefing documents and governing bodies.
Participate in emergency and disaster response operations as part of the Regional Disaster Response Team.
Perform other related duties including backstopping as required.

For a complete list of functions please see the post description.

What is required for this position

Education
Essential: A bachelors degree in a health or social science or in any other field related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.
Desirable: A masters degree in a health or social science or in any other field related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

Experience
Essential: Seven years of combined national and international experience working in epidemiology communicable diseases and public health. Experience in epidemiology and surveillance of infectious diseases complemented by experience in collection and verification of epidemic intelligence and international risk assessment.
Desirable: Experience in detection verification alert and response International Health Regulations (IHR2005) INFOSAN Emergency Contact Point functions and international experience in technical cooperation programs in health would be an asset.

Languages
Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills
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.

Competencies and Skills

For a complete list of competencies and skills please refer to the post description.

The skills required are:
Knowledge of principles of international health regulations related to detection verification and risk assessment.
Ability to design analyze and operate information systems including databases.
Ability to exercise tact discretion mature judgment and take initiative in procuring intelligence for decisionmaking.
Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to multitask and deliver accurate results under pressure.
Ability to integrate managerial and administrative inputs into decisionmaking recommendations.
Strong oral and written communication skills including development of reports presentations and technical documents.

Duration of Contract

This isan initial6-month assignment with thepossibilityof extensions subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

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

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:
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 we have zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority

Grade:P-3Salary - Monthly (non-negotiable): 5944.58 USDPost Adjustment - Monthly:3168.46 USDContractual Agreement:Staff - Professional Non-postJob Posting:January 29 2026Closing Date:February:59 PM Eastern TimePrimary Location:Washington D.C.Organization:HIM Health Emergencies Information and Risk A...