Advisor, Health Workforce Policy

Washington, D.C.

time type

Full time

posted on

Posted 10 Days Ago

job requisition id

Req-05482

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 26, 2026

Closing Date:

April 16, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Washington, D.C.

Organization:

HSS Health Systems and Services

Schedule:

Full time

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Advisor, Health Workforce Policy

• Join us and help shape resilient, equitable health systems across the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a strategic, experienced, and collaborative Advisor, Health Workforce Policy to provide high-level technical leadership in the development, planning, and regulation of human resources for health, in support of Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage.

Under the general supervision of the Director, Health Systems and Services (HSS), and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Human Resources for Health (HSS/HR), the selected candidate will:

• Provide strategic, technical, and programmatic advice on health workforce policies, planning, regulation, and governance across Member States.
• Support the development and application of methodologies to forecast short-, medium-, and long-term health workforce needs using systems-thinking approaches.
• Strengthen regional, subregional, and global partnerships and networks in the area of human resources for health.
• Support Member States in addressing workforce shortages, retention, migration, and regulatory challenges, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
• Contribute to the generation, analysis, and use of strategic health workforce information, including data systems, policy briefs, and program evaluations.
• Support resource mobilization, program planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting activities in line with PAHO’s Program of Work.

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

What is required for this position?

Education

A university degree in a health, social or management related profession and a master’s degree in public health, human resources development, health systems policy/services administration or any other discipline related to the functions of the post from a recognized institution.

Experience

Nine years of combined national and international experience in policy development and management of human resources for health involving multiple health and non-health stakeholders. Of these, at least three years should include development of policies, ability to negotiate and coordinate with all relevant sectors of government, the private sector, international agencies, academic institutions, professional associations and civil society organizations. Experience should include identification, development of strategy and programmatic analysis, planning and evaluation of HRH and health programs and resources, resource mobilization, consensus and commitment building and implementation of solutions.

Languages

Fluency in English or Spanish with 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 SIP Plus, 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:
• Strategic analysis and planning of human resources for health.
• Policy development and regulatory frameworks for health workforce governance.
• Systems thinking and analysis of complex health systems and labor markets.
• Stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and negotiation across sectors.
• Health workforce data analysis, forecasting, and use of information systems.
• Strong drafting, presentation, and professional communication skills.
• Ability to provide technical leadership in multicultural and interprofessional environments.

Duration of Contract

First-year probationary period, post of limited duration.

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.