Grade:

P-5Step I - 103,165.00 USD30,846.34 USD

Contractual Agreement:

Staff - Professional Post

Job Posting:

October 14, 2026

Closing Date:

November 4, 2026, 11:59 PM Paraguay Time

Primary Location:

Asuncion, Paraguay

Organization:

PRY Paraguay

Schedule:

Full time

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

PAHO/WHO Representative

Join us and lead PAHO/WHO’s strategic cooperation to advance health and well-being across the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking an experienced, strategic, and visionary PAHO/WHO Representative to lead the Organization’s country program, strengthen collaboration with national authorities and international partners, and ensure that PAHO/WHO’s technical cooperation is aligned with national health priorities, regional commitments, and global public health goals.

Under the direct supervision of the Director of PAHO, the selected candidate will:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) and Biennial Work Plan (BWP).
• Provide policy and technical guidance to strengthen governance, universal health coverage, health equity, and resilient health systems.
• Represent PAHO/WHO in national and international engagements and lead high-level health diplomacy and policy dialogue.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with ministries, UN agencies, donors, civil society, communities, and the private sector.
• Lead the Country Office team, promoting collaboration, inclusion, accountability, professional development, and a respectful and ethical workplace.
• Ensure efficient, transparent, and accountable management of financial, human, and technical resources.
• Lead resource mobilization and oversee planning, budgeting, monitoring, reporting, and compliance with organizational policies and internal controls.
• Coordinate national responses to health emergencies and disasters and support countries in strengthening emergency preparedness, recovery, and implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR).

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

What is required for this position?

Education

Essential: A university degree in health or social science, and a master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, health administration, health policy, health economics or any other field related to the functions of the post from a recognized institution.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of thirteen years of combined national and international progressively responsible work experience, including: proven leadership and extensive progressive experience at a senior level, in particular, managing complex health programs/health systems at both national and international levels.

Desirable: Experience working in PAHO/WHO, other UN agencies, or development organizations, particularly in the context of humanitarian health response in emergencies, would be considered an asset.

Languages

Fluency in either English or Spanish, with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

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.

Competencies and Skills

For a complete list of competencies and skills, please refer to the post description.

The skills required are:

• Extensive knowledge of public health problems, health systems, and health management processes.
• Proven ability to provide authoritative technical advice and evidence-based policy guidance.
• Strong leadership, strategic decision-making, advocacy, and high-level policy dialogue skills.
• Ability to lead and manage complex health programs and multidisciplinary teams in diverse cultural settings.
• Strong negotiation and partnership-building skills with governments, UN agencies, civil society, communities, and the private sector.
• Ability to foster interagency collaboration and build effective strategic partnerships.
• Strong resource mobilization, financial management, and operational leadership skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical abilities, including the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with tact and discretion.
• Excellent professional oral and written communication skills, including reports, presentations, and policy briefs for senior decision-makers.
• Ability to strengthen organizational visibility and credibility through effective communication, public information, and advocacy.

Duration of Contract

Post of indefinite duration. First year probationary period.

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.