Chief, Life Course, Women’s and Children’s Health

Grade:

P-5Step I - 103,165.00 USD56,328.09 USD

Contractual Agreement:

Staff - Professional Post

Job Posting:

July 10, 2026

Closing Date:

July 31, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Washington, D.C.

Organization:

HSS Health Systems and Services

Schedule:

Full time

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Chief, Life Course, Women’s and Children’s Health
Lead transformative efforts to strengthen health systems across the Americas. This role drives strategic leadership to advance integrated, people-centered care across the life course, improving health outcomes from pregnancy through older age.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Health Systems and Services (HSS), and the general supervision of the Assistant Director (AD), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

• Provide strategic leadership to develop policies, strategies, and plans integrating the life course approach within Primary Health Care, with focus on maternal, child, adolescent, youth, adult, and healthy aging agendas.
• Lead and coordinate technical cooperation with Member States, translating regional mandates into national policies that advance equitable, integrated, people-centered care.
• Guide the development of norms, standards, and service delivery models to strengthen PHC-based systems, incorporating innovation and digital health approaches.
• Strengthen national health information systems and promote the use of high-quality, disaggregated data for evidence-based policy-making and monitoring of health outcomes and inequalities.
• Support capacity building and workforce development to enhance integrated service delivery, intersectoral action, and adoption of innovative technologies.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships, mobilize resources, and oversee programmatic areas including maternal, neonatal, child, adolescent health, and healthy aging, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.

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

EDUCATION

A university degree in health-related profession and a master's degree in epidemiology, public health, child, adolescent health, social or behavioral sciences, or in any other field related to the functions of the post from a recognized institution.

EXPERIENCE

At least thirteen years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and international levels in the management of health and/or intersectoral programs and projects related to child health, adolescent health, healthy aging, and family and community health, promoting human development through a life-course approach and quality of care. Of these, a minimum of five years should include demonstrated experience in policy development, as well as proven ability to negotiate, coordinate, and build partnerships with government sectors, the private sector, international agencies, and organized community groups. Proven experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex programs is required.

LANGUAGES

Fluency in English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language.

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:

• Strong leadership and strategic vision in public health and health systems strengthening.
• Ability to develop and implement policies and programs using a life course and Primary Health Care approach.
• Advanced analytical skills to use data and evidence for decision-making and program monitoring.
• Excellent partnership-building, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills across sectors.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex programs and resources.
• High-level communication skills, with the ability to convey strategic objectives clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong commitment to ethics, integrity, and fostering inclusive, collaborative work environments.

DURATION OF CONTRACT

One-year post of limited duration.

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.