Grade:
P-4
Salary - Annually:
Step I - 86,027.00 USD
Post Adjustment - Annually:
25,377.97 USD
Contractual Agreement:
Staff - Professional Post
Job Posting:
August 13, 2026
Closing Date:
September 3, 2026, 11:59 PM Brasilia Standard Time
Primary Location:
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Organization:
AFT Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa (PANAFTOSA)
Schedule:
Full time
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Advisor, Veterinary Epidemiology and Information System
Join PAHO/WHO in advancing veterinary public health, zoonoses prevention, and health security across the Americas. This role contributes to strengthening surveillance systems, epidemiological capacity, and One Health collaboration to support evidence-based decision-making and disease prevention.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the general guidance of the Director, Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination (CDE), and the direct supervision of the Director, PANAFTOSA, the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:
- Provide technical cooperation to Member States on epidemiological approaches for the prevention, surveillance, control, and elimination of animal diseases and emerging zoonoses, applying a One Health and ecosystem-based approach.
- Support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of national and regional disease prevention, surveillance, control, and elimination programs.
- Strengthen integrated surveillance, information, preparedness, and response systems at the human–animal–environment interface, including epidemiological frameworks, risk analysis, GIS, and data-driven tools.
- Provide technical support for veterinary public health, zoonoses, and food safety projects, including study design, statistical analysis, and integration of epidemiological and laboratory data.
- Develop and deliver capacity-building initiatives and collaborate with national and international partners on standards, research, technical cooperation projects, and One Health initiatives.
- Manage the Epidemiology Unit of PANAFTOSA, including coordination of technical teams, oversight of workplans, project implementation, financial resources, and strategic planning activities.
For a complete list of functions, please see the post description.
EDUCATION
A university degree in health sciences, biological sciences or veterinary sciences, and a master’s degree in epidemiology, veterinary preventive medicine, microbiology, veterinary public health or any other discipline related to the functions of the post, from an accredited institution.
EXPERIENCE
Nine years of combined national and international professional experience in epidemiology, public health, or related fields, including work in surveillance, epidemiology, and risk analysis of animal diseases with major implications for food and health security (e.g. Foot-and-Mouth Disease, avian influenza, and emerging zoonoses), applied to disease control programs and animal health services. Experience should include data analysis and use of epidemiological information systems and computational tools, including geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical software.
LANGUAGES
Fluency in English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of Portuguese and/or French would be an asset.
IT SKILLS
Demonstrated proficiency in advanced epidemiological analytical tools, including risk analysis, spatial epidemiology (GIS), statistical modeling, infectious disease transmission modeling, simulation and scenario-based analysis, as well as the application of data science approaches (e.g. big data analytics, machine learning), data visualization, and reproducible analytical workflows. Experience in the use and management of databases and epidemiological information systems for data analysis, reporting and decision-making. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Office are considered essential, as well as applications to support data analysis, reporting and communication of results.
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
For a complete list of competencies and skills, please refer to the post description.
The skills required are:
- Extensive expertise in epidemiology of zoonotic and high-impact animal diseases within a One Health framework.
- Advanced knowledge of epidemiological methods, biostatistics, risk analysis, modeling, and surveillance systems.
- Strong ability to analyze epidemiological data and strengthen surveillance and early warning systems.
- Experience integrating and analyzing data from surveillance systems and laboratory networks.
- Proven capacity to lead technical cooperation initiatives, manage resources, and oversee multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to build strategic partnerships and promote interinstitutional and intersectoral collaboration.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical reporting and policy-oriented documents.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, planning, and results-oriented abilities.
- Commitment to teamwork, knowledge sharing, integrity, accountability, and respect for individual differences.
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: 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.
