Grade:

P-5Step I - 103,165.00 USD56,328.09 USD

Contractual Agreement:

Staff - Professional Post

Job Posting:

April 15, 2026

Closing Date:

May 6, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Washington, D.C.

Organization:

IMT Innovation, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies

Schedule:

Full time

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Unit Chief, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies

• Join PAHO and lead efforts to advance equitable access to essential medicines and health technologies across the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a highly experienced, strategic, and results‑driven Unit Chief, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies to lead regional efforts to promote equitable access to quality medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and other health technologies.

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director (AD), and the direct supervision of the Director, Innovation, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies (IMT), the selected candidate will:

• Lead and provide technical, policy, and strategic direction for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the regional program of work related to access to medicines and health technologies.
• Coordinate the delivery of technical cooperation at regional and country levels, providing authoritative advice on policies covering the full life cycle of medicines and health technologies.
• Foster strategic partnerships and lead resource mobilization with multilateral and bilateral donors, NGOs, collaborating centers, and other partners.
• Oversee the Unit’s financial, human, and logistical resources, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and results‑based management principles.
• Coordinate and collaborate with national and international partners to ensure coherence, integration, and effective use of resources across the Organization.
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff, promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Contribute to the Organization’s response to emergency situations by providing technical expertise and coordinating unit actions as required.

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

What is required for this position?

Education

A bachelor’s degree in a health-related profession, health economics, health technology science, or other field related to the position and a master’s degree in public health, public policies, public administration, health technology science, or other field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized institution.

Experience

Thirteen years of combined national and international experience in program development and implementation, management, planning and evaluation in areas related to policy development for medicines or other health technologies. Experience should also include resource mobilization and implementation of international development projects, preferably in an international organization.

Languages

Fluency in 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:
• Extensive senior‑level expertise in policies, regulation, and management of medicines and other health technologies.
• Strong leadership and strategic management skills in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Ability to provide authoritative technical advice on access to medicines, health technology assessment, and rational use.
• Proven experience in program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Strong resource mobilization, partnership‑building, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including executive‑level reporting and presentations.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage sensitive organizational and policy issues.

Duration of Contract

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.