JOB DESCRIPTION

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This is a requisition for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

Contractual Agreement:

Non-Staff – International PAHO Consultant

Job Posting:

November 19, 2025

Closing Date:

January 30, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Off Site

Organization:

HIM Health Emergencies Information and Risk Assessment

Schedule:

Full time

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

Purpose of contract:
Within PHE, the Health Emergency Information & Risk Assessment (HIM) Unit focuses on data collection, verification, database management, data analysis and risk assessment. The information gathered through HIM helps in PHE”s response to natural disaster events and epidemic disease events of potential public health concern. Currently, the HIM Unit focuses its efforts in providing the most accurate data and analysis.

Objectives of the Department:
The objective of the Health Emergencies Department (PHE) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is to increase health sector resilience to emergencies and disasters. PHE assists Member States to strengthen the health sector’s capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man-made, biological, chemical, radiological and others) and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. PHE is responsible for ensuring the implementation and updating of the PAHO/WHO Institutional Emergency and Disaster Response Policy.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

General responsibilities and deliverables:

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the HIM Unit and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Data Management, Analytics, and Products, the contractor will produce the following deliverables:

Deliverable 1: Document or source-code implementing ML/AI methods to support semi-automated selection and prioritization of news articles and online content related to public health threats. The deliverables include natural language processing techniques, relevance scoring algorithms, and a feedback loop for continuous model improvement based on user input. It is integrated into the PROTECT information monitoring workflow.

Deliverable 2: Conduct training workshops (or TOT sessions) on intermediate-advanced analytics for outbreak response including the use of tools like QGIS, and R for relevant national and subnational teams in select countries implementing the PROTECT project (Pandemic Response Optimization Through Engaged Communities and Territories).

Deliverable 3: Document with implementation details and configuration steps tailored to one PROTECT country, including adaptations to the mobile and web platforms, customizations of backend services, localization of language and content, and alignment with the country”s regulatory framework and public health priorities. It also covers deployment steps, training materials, and on-site support activities.

Deliverables payment schedule

# Product – Due Date – Amount

1 Deliverable – 31 Dec 2025 – $5,160.00

2 Deliverable – 31 Jan 2026 – $5,418.00

3 Deliverable – 28 Feb 2026 – $5,160.00

Total $15,738.00

Qualifications, experience, skills, and languages

EDUCATION
Essential: A bachelor”s degree in health-related science from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master”s degree in communicable diseases, public health, or related field would be an asset.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, with a solid track record in applying statistical and computational methods to public health and epidemiological data. Proven expertise in developing analytical dashboards and interactive tools using R and Shiny, as well as building and maintaining relational databases (e.g., MariaDB, MySQL) and integrating them into data pipelines. Strong knowledge of machine learning and data visualization methods tailored to epidemiological surveillance and decision support. Hands-on experience with ETL processes, SQL optimization, and RMarkdown for reproducible reporting. Skilled in managing code with Git, deploying solutions on Linux environments, and instructing or mentoring professionals and students on technical topics related to data science, public health, and informatics.

Desirable: Experience in or sound knowledge of PAHO and WHO processes for epidemic alert and response. Knowledge of statistical methods. Familiarity with machine learning integration. Android or iOS development.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE SKILLS

IT Skills: Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize tools and software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook, ArcGIS, QGIS and R.

Language and level required
Excellent written and spoken English (and/or Spanish); working knowledge of Spanish (or English). Working knowledge of French or Portuguese would be an asset.

Remuneration (Band level Range) and expected duration of contract

Band/range: B / $258.00 daily cost

Expected duration: From the signature of the contract until February 2026. This consultancy is expected to entail a full-time commitment.

Location: Off site

Relocation required: No

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently may be selected for consultancy assignments falling in this area of work or for similar requirements/tasks/deliverables. Inclusion in the Roster does not guarantee selection for a consultant contract. There is no commitment on either side.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this consultancy. For assessment of your application, please ensure that your profile in the PAHO Career page is updated; all experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time. Kindly note that CV/PHFs inserted via LinkedIn are no accessible.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. PAHO/WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO/WHO Regulations, and e-Manual.
• For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org
• PAHO/WHO is committed to providing a respectful and supportive workplace for all personnel .
• PAHO is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.
• PAHO also promotes 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 abusive conduct.
• PAHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoings will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.
• PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between PAHO and the Consultant.
• PAHO/WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by PAHO/WHO.