PAHO Consultant - CDE - Expansión de pruebas rápidas moleculares e innovaciones en diagnóstico para acelerar la eliminación de la TB en la Región

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 provide technical and operational support for the implementation of prioritized activities within the TB work plan of the Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination (CDE) department, focusing on expanding rapid molecular testing and diagnostic innovations to accelerate TB elimination in the Region.

Responsibilities

Provide technical and operational support to accelerate the implementation of strategic interventions related to TB diagnosis, including rapid molecular testing and introduction of innovations, diagnostic algorithms, quality management, and laboratory information systems management. Support the implementation of activities to strengthen the technical capacity of professionals in the Region in TB diagnosis. Assist in systematizing programmatic progress in these areas in the region through regional reports and other documents, synthesis of expansion plans, and technical assistance visit reports.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of national and international experience in tuberculosis, including laboratory diagnostics, network management, quality management, new diagnostic methods, and algorithms. Demonstrated experience in the introduction and expansion of TB innovations, such as point-of-care (POC) rapid tests, near-patient (nPOC) and automated low-complexity tests. Advanced knowledge of PAHO and WHO operational guidelines and manuals for TB. Demonstrated experience in technical cooperation with Ministries of Health, government agencies, international partners, civil society organizations, national programs, and reference/supranational TB laboratories. Experience in epidemiological and programmatic analysis, development of technical guidelines, expansion plans, and tools for monitoring and evaluating TB interventions. Experience in procurement processes, regulation, or supply planning of health technologies in the region, including through mechanisms like the PAHO Strategic Fund. Desirable: previous work experience within the United Nations system and with international partners and donors (CDC, USAID, Global Fund, TB ALLIANCE, FIND, MSF, etc.).

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within established deadlines. Collaborative teamwork skills. Adaptability and flexibility to changing priorities and evolving program needs. Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in diverse contexts. Ethical conduct and integrity in handling sensitive information. Proficiency in R Software / Stata / EViews / SPSS / MATLAB. Technical expertise in epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis, including advanced concepts in laboratory diagnostics, algorithms, quality indicators, and M&E. Solid knowledge of TB innovations, including WHO-classified rapid molecular tests for initial TB diagnosis and resistance detection. Ability to analyze and synthesize epidemiological, programmatic, and operational evidence into clear technical and policy recommendations. Practical knowledge and skills in planning, executing, managing, monitoring, and evaluating programs and projects. Strong oral and written communication skills, including report writing, oral presentations, and technical documents in Spanish and English; desirable in French and Portuguese. Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical cooperation activities, including organizing missions, workshops, events, webinars, exchange forums, and communities of practice. Strong problem-solving ability; capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams on tight schedules. Proficiency in computer programs such as Word, Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; and other digital communication tools like Teams, Zoom. Desirable: experience with operational or implementation research, evidence generation, qualitative or quantitative analysis applied to TB programs.

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