Advisor, Air Quality

Join us and help shape healthier environments across the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a dynamic, strategic and results-oriented Advisor, Air Quality to lead regional efforts addressing the health impacts of air pollution and environmental determinants of health. The selected candidate will advance technical cooperation, strengthen partnerships, and support countries in developing innovative solutions that reduce health risks associated with poor air quality and promote sustainable development.

Under the general supervision of the Director, Social and Environmental Determinants for Health Equity (DHE), and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Climate Change and Environmental Determinants (DHE/CE), the selected candidate will:

• Provide technical and strategic leadership for the planning and implementation of regional strategies, standards, policies and guidelines to reduce health vulnerability associated with air pollution.
• Support Member States through technical cooperation, policy guidance and the development of innovative approaches to address the adverse health effects of air pollution.
• Build and maintain networks of collaborating institutions, experts, academic organizations and partners to strengthen environmental health action throughout the Region.
• Analyze, consolidate and disseminate scientific and evidence-based information to support the development of public policies, regulations and programs related to air quality and health.
• Mobilize resources and develop strategic partnerships to strengthen advocacy efforts and ensure that air quality and health are effectively integrated into climate change and sustainable development agendas.

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

What is required for this position?

Education

A bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to air quality, environmental science or chemical/environmental engineering, and a master’s degree in public health or a field related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

Experience

Nine years of combined national and international experience in technical cooperation programs or institutions concerned with public health management or evaluation of environmental determinants of health, including air quality and sustainable development programs.

Languages

Fluency in Spanish or English 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:

• Technical expertise in environmental health and public health, including in-depth knowledge of air quality and urban health.
• Capacity to innovate, integrate and create new public health strategies, initiatives and projects.
• Expertise in planning, developing and implementing environmental health protection programs.
• Managerial expertise in environmental public health programs and projects in developing countries.
• Knowledge and skills in the formulation of technical cooperation projects and interventions and in the development of criteria for evaluating program interventions, budget programming and control.
• Strong analytical, conceptual, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to identify, assess, analyze and provide recommendations on complex political and technical issues.
• Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the preparation of reports, presentations and technical documents.

Duration of Contract

Post of limited duration. First year probationary period.