Advisor, Communicable Diseases Control and Elimination

Organizational Context

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Job Purpose

To lead and coordinate technical cooperation activities supporting the surveillance, prevention, control, and elimination of communicable diseases at country level. The role supports national authorities in strengthening integrated disease control programs, building core surveillance and response capacities, and advancing PAHO's mandate to protect population health in alignment with international health standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate all aspects of PAHO's communicable diseases control and elimination program at country level. Provide high-level technical advice to national authorities on surveillance, prevention, outbreak detection, and response. Guide the implementation of evidence-based interventions, operational research, and disease control projects. Strengthen national capacities related to epidemiological surveillance, International Health Regulations (IHR), and emergency preparedness. Monitor disease trends, analyze data, and provide recommendations to inform prevention and control strategies. Foster partnerships, mobilize resources, and promote multisectoral collaboration. Represent PAHO as a technical advisor and advocate on communicable disease prevention and control.

Work Experience

Nine years of combined national and international experience working in epidemiology and control programs or in the administration of health services related to the control of diseases, health analysis and statistics. Practical managerial experience in the operational aspects of prevention and control programs.

Skills

In-depth technical knowledge of communicable diseases transmission, diagnosis, prevention, and control. Ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee complex disease control and elimination programs. Strong analytical skills to interpret epidemiological and surveillance data. Capacity to advise governments and stakeholders on evidence-based public health interventions. Experience in outbreak investigation, emergency response, and application of the International Health Regulations (IHR). Ability to build partnerships, mobilize resources, and work in multicultural and multisectoral environments. Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

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