Technical Officer, Health Emergencies

Grade:

NO-B18,569.08 PEN

Contractual Agreement:

Staff - National Officer Non-post

Job Posting:

October 6, 2025

Closing Date:

November 6, 2025, 11:59 PM Peru Standard Time

Primary Location:

Lima, Peru

Organization:

PER Peru

Schedule:

Full time

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

The Health Emergencies Department (PHE) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) increases health sector resilience to emergencies and disasters. PHE assists Member States to strengthen the health sector’s capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man- made, biological, chemical, radiological and others) and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. PHE is responsible for ensuring the implementation and updating of the PAHO/WHO Institutional Emergency and Disaster.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Within the PAHO/WHO Country Office, the incumbent is a member of a multifaceted team, with primary responsibility for technical cooperation in the area of Health Emergencies, operating within the framework of the approved Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and guided by the national health priorities. He/she will support the implementation of PHE’s Strategic Plan and support the coordination of disaster risk reduction, country preparedness and response activities as well as participate in the decision-making processes and provide support on technical matters. The incumbent will provide direct technical support, and will liaise at the technical level with donors, Ministries of Health, UN agencies, NGOs and disaster preparedness and response institutions. When required, the incumbent will be assigned to support emergency response operations, including being deployed, if necessary.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative, and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Health Emergencies, the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1) Provide technical cooperation in emergency preparations and relief in cases of disasters, emergencies and epidemic outbreaks, as well as plan and guide the implementation of national plans, projects and initiatives for the health sector and provide expert advice and technical guidance to establish and/or maintain the disaster program of the Ministry of Health in Peru, as well as EsSalud and regional governments when required;

2) Provide technical support for the implementation of projects related to health emergencies, with specific emphasis on health programs for migrants and displaced populations in the country; provide technical assistance and support to national authorities in the development of strategic actions to improve the health of migrants and displaced populations;

3) Technically support the implementation of the core capabilities of the International Health Regulations (IHR) for the country support office to establish a health emergency coordination mechanism that meets minimum requirements for satisfactory performance;

4) Provide technical cooperation in coordination and information management during public health emergencies including outbreaks and epidemics, this includes preparing and disseminating timely situation reports, and other required reports to inform response efforts;

5) Provide technical support for the detection, verification and risk assessment of public health threats of international interest posed by epidemics, in line with the operational needs of the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005);

6) Coordinate the team of field officers addressing migrant, displaced population and health emergency issues;

7) Facilitate resource mobilization by fostering partnerships with donors, participating in technical dialogue meetings with donor agencies, UN agencies, international cooperation agencies, and national counterparts to address complex emergencies;

8) Collaborate on the formulation of projects and the preparation of project proposals in accordance with the Organization’s rules and regulations.

9) Prepare, in coordination with the Advisor, Health Emergencies, and field officers, technical and financial reports and ensure timely submission;

10) Collaborate with other technical and administrative departments of the Organization to ensure integrated planning, budgeting, and reporting of activities;

11) Monitor project implementation to ensure the proper allocation of funding in compliance with project description and the Organization rules and regulations;)Collaborate in the development, implementation and monitoring of the PHE and PWR/Peru’s Biennial Work Plans (BWPs);

12) Participate in the implementation of the Organization’s response activities during disaster and public health emergencies, as required;

13) Participate as a member of the PAHO Disaster Response Team for immediate deployment when required;

14) Perform other related duties, as assigned.

KEY BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues.
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
Communication: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Write effectively/Listen/Shares knowledge - Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience. Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers. Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans). Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed.
Knowing and managing yourself: Manages stress/Invite feedback/Continuously learn- Remains productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self- awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance. Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps.
Producing Results: Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own timelines effectively and efficiently. Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project’s expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary. Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.
Moving forward in a changing environment: Propose change/Adapt to change - Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise. Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

− Practical knowledge and proven skills in emergency/disaster and outbreak management concepts and tools and their applications, especially related to emergency, disaster and outbreak operations management.

− Theoretical and practical knowledge of international technical cooperation, with emphasis on the negotiation and management ofinternational cooperation programs and projects with United Nations agencies and other international cooperators

− Mature judgment, strong technical, analytical and conceptual skills; demonstrated ability to assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendations on key technical issues.

− Ability to integrate managerial and technical inputs into recommendations for decision-making processes; ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment.

− Ability to create and advocate innovative approaches to facilitate and enhance project management capacity, as well as monitoring ofthese processes.

− Excellent organizational and analytic skills combined with strong professional oral and writing skills including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

EDUCATION

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in health or natural science from a recognized university.

Desirable: Formal training in disaster risk reduction and/or a post graduate degree in epidemiology and public health would be an asset.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Five years of national experience working in public health, emergency/disaster management, epidemiology or a field related to the functions of the post.

Desirable: A minimum of two years of experience in disaster/emergency/humanitarian response project management and working with United Nations organizations and other donors such as USAID, KOICA, among others, will be an advantage.

LANGUAGES

Very good knowledge of Spanish with a working knowledge of English.

Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT SKILLS

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as Visio, Project and Enterprise Resource Planning would be an asset.

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

Six months.

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: pahorecruitment@paho.org

• 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.