Vacancy at PAHO: Senior Advisor, Initiative on Integrating NCDs into Primary Health Care
The application deadline is March 4, 2026
Grade:
P-5
Salary - Annually:
Step I - 103,165.00 USD
Post Adjustment - Annually:
54,986.95 USD
Contractual Agreement:
Staff - Professional Post
Job Posting:
February 4, 2026
Closing Date:
March 4, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Primary Location:
Washington, D.C.
Organization:
NMH Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health
Schedule:
Full time
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Senior Advisor, Initiative on Integrating NCDs into Primary Health Care
• Join us and help drive the transformation of primary health care for NCDs across the Americas
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a strategic, visionary, and committed Senior Advisor to lead the Organization’s priority initiative on Accelerating the Integration of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) into Primary Health Care (PHC).
As a pivotal leader within the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH), the selected candidate will:
- Provide strategic, policy, and technical guidance for the development and implementation of the Regional Initiative on integrating NCDs into PHC.
- Coordinate with Unit Chiefs, technical teams, PAHO Country Offices, and partners to scale up NCD interventions across Member States.
- Lead high-level collaboration with WHO, UN agencies, professional associations, academia, NGOs, and other stakeholders to advance evidence‑based NCD approaches.
- Strengthen capacities of primary health care providers through training, guidelines, clinical pathways, and virtual learning platforms.
- Oversee monitoring, reporting, and data analysis tied to NCD access, treatment, medicines, and technologies in the Region.
- Represent PAHO in national, regional, and international fora, supporting advocacy, communication, partnerships, and resource mobilization.
For a complete list of functions, please see the post description
What is required for this position?
Education
A bachelor’s degree in a health science and a master’s degree in public health or other discipline related to the functions of the post from an accredited institution.
Experience
Thirteen years of combined national and international experience working in the area of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) and health systems and services, of which at least 5 years of work experience is directly in NCD management.
Languages
Very good knowledge of English or Spanish, with a working knowledge of the other language.
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. Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize data analysis programs such as EpiInfo.
Competencies and Skills
For a complete list of competencies and skills, please refer to the post description.
The skills required are:
- Expertise in public health and noncommunicable diseases, including primary health care interventions for NCDs.
- Ability to develop, coordinate, and manage complex public health programs requiring interprogrammatic collaboration.
- Strong leadership, strategic planning, and high-level negotiation skills.
- Ability to manage diverse teams and foster an empowering and motivating environment.
- Ability to analyze health systems, monitor performance, and guide decision-making.
- Strong interpersonal and diplomatic abilities to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to manage confidential information with tact, sensitivity, and professionalism.
Duration of Contract
Post of limited duration of one year. First-year probationary period
DISCLAIMER
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This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade and level.
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All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.
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Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.
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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.
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Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.
PAHO/WHO is committed to:
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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.
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Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. To do so, email us at: pahorecruitment [at] paho [dot] org (pahorecruitment[at]paho[dot]org)
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Maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.
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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.
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Providing a smoke-free environment.
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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.