Advisor, Health Emergencies

Grade:

P-4Step I - 86,027.00 USD47,228.82 USD

Contractual Agreement:

Staff - Professional Post

Job Posting:

September 22, 2026

Closing Date:

October 13, 2026, 11:59 PM Colombia Standard Time

Primary Location:

Bogota, Colombia

Organization:

COL Colombia

Schedule:

Full time

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Advisor, Health Emergencies

Join PAHO’s Health Emergencies team and contribute to strengthening national capacities for preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience in the face of emergencies and disasters. This role plays a key part in supporting countries to protect public health through effective emergency management and health security strategies.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Health Emergencies (PHE), and the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), the incumbent is responsible for, but not limited to, the following assigned duties:

• Manage PAHO’s health emergencies program at the national level and provide strategic advice to strengthen prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery capacities for all types of hazards.
• Provide technical guidance to national authorities on health emergency policies, disaster risk reduction, global health security, and the implementation of country strategies and work plans aligned with PAHO priorities.
• Lead and support surveillance, risk assessment, investigation, and information management activities related to epidemic-prone infectious hazards, including outbreak monitoring and data dissemination.
• Promote and coordinate multisectoral partnerships with ministries, UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capacities and mobilize resources for technical cooperation.
• Support emergency response operations, including serving as or supporting the Incident Manager during graded emergencies, and contribute to regional and national emergency response mechanisms.
• Coordinate emergency planning, reporting, work planning, evaluations, and implementation of regional plans of action related to disaster risk reduction, humanitarian assistance, and epidemic-prone diseases.

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

EDUCATION

A university degree in health, social, or environmental science and a master’s degree in a health science, public health, or in a discipline related to emergency and disaster management from a recognized institution.

EXPERIENCE

Nine years of combined national and international experience in a managerial position in public health, social services, or disaster management (prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery).

LANGUAGES

Fluency in Spanish or English with a 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, 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 SKILLS

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

The skills required are:

• Advanced expertise in humanitarian aid, emergency preparedness, and disaster risk reduction.
• Strong knowledge of public health emergency response operations and the ability to lead multidisciplinary and multinational teams.
• Excellent analytical skills for assessing, monitoring, evaluating, and managing emergency situations.
• Ability to develop and implement innovative strategies and provide evidence-based recommendations on technical, political, and administrative issues.
• Proven capacity to build partnerships, coordinate stakeholders, and maintain results-oriented collaborations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of reports, presentations, and technical documents for senior audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively, promote knowledge sharing, and deliver quality results in complex environments.
• Strategic planning, resource management, and performance monitoring skills.

DURATION OF CONTRACT

One year post of limited duration. 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: http://whed.net/

                 

                - Council for Higher Education Accreditation chea.org

                

                 - 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: [email protected]

• 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.