Grade:
P-2
Salary - Monthly (non-negotiable):
4,670.50 USD
Post Adjustment - Monthly:
2,550.09 USD
Contractual Agreement:
Staff - Professional Non-post
Job Posting:
May 27, 2026
Closing Date:
June 10, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Primary Location:
Washington, D.C.
Organization:
EIH Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health
Schedule:
Full time
OF DUTIES:
Specialist, Research and Collaboration Review Processes
Join us and be the driving force behind ethical research governance and collaborative excellence at PAHO.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented and service-driven Specialist, Research and Collaboration Review Processes to support critical research governance functions, strengthen ethics review processes, and enhance collaboration across institutional and international networks.
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 selected candidate will:
• Manage processes for ethics review of research and WHO Collaborating Centers (WHOCCs), ensuring compliance with WHO and PAHO policies and international standards.
• Coordinate and support the full lifecycle of submissions, including screening, review processes, revisions, and issuance of decisions, ensuring efficiency and integrity.
• Serve as a regional focal point for WHOCCs and PAHO’s Ethics Review Committee (PAHOERC), providing guidance and support to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee digital systems supporting ethics review processes, including system administration, user support, and continuous improvement.
• Support committee operations, including preparation of documentation, coordination of meetings, drafting of reports and decisions, and communication with research teams.
• Contribute to research governance, ethics frameworks, and institutional networks across PAHO and WHO.
• Coordinate with technical units, legal offices, and partners to ensure alignment and compliance across processes.
• Support training, knowledge management, and dissemination activities to strengthen organizational capacity in ethics review and collaboration processes.
For a complete list of functions, please refer to the post description
What is required for this position?
Education
Essential: A bachelor’s degree in humanities, a social or health science, law or in any other discipline related to the functions of the post from a recognized university, plus training in ethics review of research with human participants.
Desirable: Training in research ethics; knowledge, information or research management; research methodology; or biostatistics would be an asset.
Experience
Essential: Five years of combined national and international work experience in ethics review of research, project management, and management or support of networks using digital tools.
Desirable: Experience managing research ethics committees, conducting research ethics training, and implementing digital tools for ethics review processes. Experience with UN digital platforms, working with a UN organization, or other international organizations.
Languages
Very good knowledge of 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, Word, Visio and Project are considered essential. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as content management systems (such as Drupal, WordPress or Joomla) and WHOCCs e-CC system would be an asset.
Competencies and Skills
For a complete list of competencies and skills, please refer to the post description
The skills required are:
• Comprehensive knowledge of research ethics and governance, including ethical principles and regulatory frameworks for research involving human participants.
• Proven technical expertise in electronic management systems and digital platforms supporting ethics review and institutional workflows.
• Strong understanding of regional and international normative frameworks governing research ethics and scientific collaboration.
• Advanced skills in knowledge and information management, including digital repositories, databases, and collaborative platforms.
• Sound knowledge of project and process management principles in complex organizational environments.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and quality assurance skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including preparation of technical and policy-related documentation.
• Proven ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments, fostering collaboration across partners.
This is an initial 11-month assignment, with the possibility of extensions, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.
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.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), founded in 1902, is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It provides technical cooperation and mobilizes partnerships to improve health and quality of life in the countries of the Americas. PAHO is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American System and serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). Together with WHO, PAHO is a member of the United Nations system.
La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), fundada en 1902, es la agencia de salud pública internacional más antigua del mundo. Brinda cooperación técnica y moviliza asociaciones para mejorar la salud y la calidad de vida en los países de las Américas. La OPS es el organismo especializado en salud del Sistema Interamericano y actúa como Oficina Regional para las Américas de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Junto con la OMS, la OPS es miembro del sistema de las Naciones Unidas.
