Advisor, Scientific Evidence

Grade:

P-4

Salary - Annually:

Step I - 86,027.00 USD

Post Adjustment - Annually:

46,970.74 USD

Contractual Agreement:

Staff - Professional Post

Job Posting:

March 5, 2026

Closing Date:

March 26, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Washington, D.C.

Organization:

EIH Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health

Schedule:

Full time

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Advisor, Scientific Evidence

• Join us and help shape evidence-informed health decision-making across the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a highly qualified, strategic, and results-oriented Advisor, Scientific Evidence to strengthen the generation, synthesis, dissemination, and use of scientific evidence to inform health policies, programs, and governance across Member States and the Organization.

Under the general supervision of the Director, Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health (EIH), and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Science and Knowledge for Impact (EIH/SK), the incumbent will:

• Support the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of evidence-supported systems aligned with national and regional health priorities and PAHO/WHO standards.

• Strengthen institutional mechanisms and governance frameworks for evidence-informed decision-making across policies, guidelines, and coverage decisions.

• Develop and promote standards, tools, and quality assurance processes for evidence synthesis, knowledge translation, and guideline development.

• Lead and support evidence synthesis initiatives, including living systematic reviews, rapid response mechanisms, and emergency-related evidence products.

• Promote a knowledge-based and evidence-informed culture within the Organization, including the ethical and strategic adoption of AI in evidence generation and use.

• Serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Pan American Journal of Public Health, overseeing editorial policy, peer review, publication processes, and innovation in scientific publishing.

• Build and strengthen partnerships with ministries, research institutions, civil society, and international networks to advance evidence-informed health action.

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

What is required for this position?

Education

A bachelor’s degree in a medical, health or social science related to the functions of the post, and a master’s degree in epidemiology, health research methods, public health or any field related to the functions of the post, from an accredited university.

Experience

Nine years of national and international experience in evidence-informed decision-making, including health policy and guideline development, evidence synthesis, knowledge translation, and rapid response mechanisms. Proven experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating technical cooperation programs to strengthen evidence use (including the implementation of GRADE and evidence to policy frameworks), as well as overseeing the publication of scientific, medical, and technical products. Solid track record of scientific publications in reputable peer reviewed journals.

Languages

Very good knowledge of English and Spanish.

Competencies and Skills

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

The skills required are:

• Strong expertise in scientific research methods, epidemiology, and evidence synthesis.

• Ability to translate scientific evidence into policy-relevant guidance and decision-making tools.

• Proven leadership in managing complex technical cooperation initiatives and multidisciplinary teams.

• Excellent scientific writing, editing, and publication skills for diverse audiences.

• Capacity to plan, manage, and evaluate programs and projects, including resource mobilization.

• Ability to foster partnerships and networks at national, regional, and global levels.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and strategic thinking skills.

• Familiarity with digital platforms, knowledge management systems, and AI-enabled tools for evidence generation and dissemination.

Duration of Contract

Post of limited duration for one year. 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.