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Advisor, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

Join PAHO’s efforts to improve public health outcomes across the Americas by advancing access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). This role provides strategic leadership, technical cooperation, and policy guidance to support Member States in reducing water-related health risks and strengthening environmental health systems.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general guidance of the Director, Social and Environmental Determinants for Health Equity (DHE), the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Climate Change and Environmental Determinants of Health (DHE/CE), and the administrative supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative in Peru.

• Provide technical, policy, and strategic leadership to strengthen WASH programs and prevent water-related diseases across the Region.
• Advise Member States on the development, implementation, and monitoring of WASH policies, methodologies, technologies, and health-promoting practices in urban and rural settings.
• Lead initiatives to improve water quality and wastewater surveillance systems and strengthen linkages with epidemiological data.
• Coordinate inter-programmatic efforts to advance WASH-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), public policies, and best practices throughout the Region.
• Support the development and implementation of climate-resilient water and sanitation safety plans, WASH initiatives in health care facilities, and related monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with governments, donors, United Nations agencies, academia, civil society, and other stakeholders to mobilize resources and advance regional WASH objectives.

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

EDUCATION

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in health, environmental science, or engineering and a master’s degree in public health, environmental health, or engineering or any other discipline related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in technical cooperation in institutions concerned with public health, with a particular focus on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) health, surveillance and monitoring methods, or evaluation of environmental health programs and sustainable development programs.

LANGUAGES

Very good knowledge of Spanish or English 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:

• Strong expertise in environmental health, epidemiology, sanitation, waste management, health promotion, research, and training.
• Sound knowledge of social and environmental determinants of health and primary health care approaches related to WASH.
• Extensive experience in technical cooperation projects, environmental health program management, and sustainable development initiatives.
• Ability to formulate, implement, monitor, and evaluate technical cooperation interventions and public health programs.
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess complex technical and policy issues.
• Excellent interpersonal, partnership-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including preparation of reports, presentations, and technical documents for senior audiences.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage resources effectively, and coordinate regional and international initiatives.

DURATION OF CONTRACT

One year. Post of limited 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: [email protected]

• 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.