About the opportunity
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), as the Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking an international consultant to join the Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Unit within the Health Emergencies Department. The consultant will provide technical cooperation to Caribbean countries to strengthen surveillance systems for influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory viruses. Key responsibilities include conducting sentinel site visits, designing monitoring frameworks, analyzing surveillance data, delivering training, and supporting the roll-out of the SARI DHIS-2 module. The role requires significant expertise in public health surveillance and involves travel to Caribbean countries to support national and local health authorities.
Salary and benefits
- Daily rate of $286 USD
- Professional experience within a major international health organization
- Opportunity to contribute to regional public health surveillance and emergency preparedness
- Travel expenses for required missions to Caribbean countries are covered separately
Who can apply?
- Bachelor's degree in health science
- Master's degree in public health or epidemiology from a recognized university
- More than 7 years of experience in public health surveillance
- Excellent written and spoken English proficiency
- Desirable: PhD in a health science
- Desirable: Experience in public health surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses
Required documents
- Updated online profile on the PAHO Career page
- Copy of diploma and/or certificates (required only if selected for interview)
- Three letters of professional references (required only before contract signing)
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-11-02, 11:59 PM Eastern Time
How to apply
- Complete an online profile on the PAHO Career page
- Ensure all experience records are detailed with specific tasks performed
- Submit the application through the official PAHO recruitment portal
Additional information
- The consultancy is expected to run from 16 November 2026 to 31 May 2027.
- This is a non-staff, independent contractor position; no employer/employee relationship is created.
- The consultant is responsible for all applicable taxes and social security contributions.
- Successful candidates may be placed on a roster for future similar assignments.
- PAHO maintains a smoke-free environment and does not recruit tobacco users.
- Applications from women and nationals of non-represented or underrepresented Member States are encouraged.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Public health professionals with over 7 years of experience in surveillance systems.
- Experts with specific technical knowledge of respiratory virus surveillance (influenza, COVID-19, RSV).
- Candidates comfortable with international travel and providing on-site technical cooperation to diverse national health authorities.
- Professionals experienced in data analysis, monitoring frameworks, and capacity-building training.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a short-term, fixed-term consultancy ending in May 2027, not a permanent staff position.
- The role requires frequent travel to the Caribbean, which may involve significant time away from home.
- As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own tax and social security obligations.
- The application process requires a detailed, updated profile on the PAHO portal; ensure your experience descriptions are thorough.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This consultancy is an excellent opportunity for an experienced public health professional to make a tangible impact on regional health security in the Caribbean. It provides a platform to work directly with international health agencies, refine regional surveillance protocols, and contribute to the implementation of critical data tools like SARI DHIS-2. It is ideal for someone looking to apply their expertise in a high-level advisory capacity over a defined period.
Our take
This position is highly suitable for seasoned epidemiologists or public health specialists with a strong background in respiratory virus surveillance. If you have the required academic credentials and extensive field experience, this is a significant opportunity to influence public health outcomes in the Caribbean. It is less suitable for those seeking long-term staff employment or those unable to commit to the travel requirements of the role.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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