Job Description

Grade:

D-1

Salary - Annually:

Step I - 117,953.00 USD

Post Adjustment - Annually:

65,817.77 USD

Contractual Agreement:

Staff - Professional Post

Job Posting:

March 26, 2026

Closing Date:

April 2, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Washington, D.C.

Organization:

IMT Innovation, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies

Schedule:

Full time

OF DUTIES:

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Director, Innovation, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies

• Join us and shape the future of equitable access to medicines and health technologies in the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a visionary, strategic, and results-oriented leader to serve as Director, Innovation, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies This senior leadership role is central to advancing innovation, strengthening health systems, and ensuring equitable access to quality medicines, vaccines, and other health technologies across the Region.

Under the general supervision of the Director, and the direct supervision of the Assistant Director, the selected candidate will:

• Provide strategic, policy, and normative guidance to countries on innovation, access, quality, and the rational use of medicines and other health technologies.
• Lead and position PAHO as a regional authority in health technology assessment, regulatory harmonization, and the expansion of regional manufacturing capacity for essential health products.
• Oversee collaboration with the Regional Revolving Funds to ensure quality assurance, priority setting, and effective pooled procurement mechanisms.
• Strengthen partnerships with Member States, United Nations entities, development partners, academic institutions, and civil society to advance regional public health priorities.
• Direct the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Department’s program of work, including budget formulation, resource mobilization, and performance reporting.
• Provide intellectual and managerial leadership to multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, collaboration, and high performance.

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

What is required for this position?

Education

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

Experience

Fifteen years of combined national and international experience in progressively challenging managerial positions in health systems, including the development and evaluation of policies and programs to support innovation and equitable access to quality medicines and other health technologies.

Languages

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language.

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:
• Senior-level expertise in public policy related to innovation, access, quality, and rational use of medicines and health technologies.
• Strategic leadership and management of complex health programs and health systems at national and international levels.
• Strong capacity for policy development, regulatory coordination, and health technology assessment.
• Proven ability to mobilize resources and manage large budgets and multidisciplinary teams.
• High-level negotiation, partnership-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and representation skills in multicultural environments.
• Ability to lead change, foster collaboration, and drive results aligned with organizational strategy.

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.