About the opportunity
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. Under the general supervision of the Director, Health Emergencies (PHE), and the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), the incumbent manages PAHO’s health emergencies program at the national level, provides strategic advice on health emergency policies and disaster risk reduction, leads surveillance and risk assessment activities, and coordinates multisectoral partnerships.
Salary and benefits
- Annual salary of Step I – 86,027.00 USD
- Annual post adjustment of 47,228.82 USD
- Full-time professional staff contract
Who can apply?
- University degree in health, social, or environmental science
- Master’s degree in a health science, public health, or a discipline related to emergency and disaster management from a recognized institution
- Nine years of combined national and international experience in a managerial position in public health, social services, or disaster management
- Fluency in Spanish or English with a working knowledge of the other language
Required documents
- Online profile application
- Scanned copies of official degrees, diplomas, or certificates required for the position if retained for an interview
When to apply
- Job posted on September 22, 2026
- Closing date is October 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM Colombia Standard Time
How to apply
- Complete the online profile to be considered for the post
- Submit your application through the official Workday portal before the deadline
Additional information
- This is a one-year post of limited duration with a first-year probationary period.
- Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is considered an asset.
- This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade and level.
- Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations by emailing pahorecruitment@paho.org.
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…
- Extensive management experience in public health, humanitarian aid, or disaster risk reduction at national and international levels.
- Advanced academic qualifications including both a relevant undergraduate degree and a master's in public health or disaster management.
- Strong bilingual or multilingual capabilities in Spanish, English, and ideally French or Portuguese.
- Proven capability in leading multidisciplinary teams and building multisectoral partnerships for emergency response operations.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position involves a one-year limited duration contract with an initial one-year probationary period.
- Relocation to Bogota, Colombia is required as the primary location for this full-time role.
- Candidates must meet rigorous international accreditation standards for all submitted educational degrees and diplomas.
- The application window is relatively short, requiring prompt submission before the October deadline.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers a high-level leadership opportunity within international public health, making it an excellent fit for seasoned professionals looking to direct health emergency programs, shape regional disaster risk reduction strategies, and collaborate closely with UN agencies and governmental bodies.
Our take
Experienced public health and disaster management professionals with strong international backgrounds and fluency in English or Spanish should seriously consider applying for this impactful advisory role.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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