Center Director, PANAFTOSA

Overview

Grade: P-5

Salary - Annually: Step I - 101,540.00 USD

Post Adjustment - Annually: 30,563.54 USD

Contractual Agreement: Staff - Professional Post

Job Posting: September 4, 2025

Closing Date: September 25, 2025, 11:59 PM Brasilia Standard Time

Primary Location: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Organization: AFT Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa (PANAFTOSA)

Schedule: Full time

Description of Duties / Organizational Context

The incumbent is responsible for the management of the Pan American Foot-and-Mouth Disease Center and Veterinary Public Health (PANAFTOSA), providing leadership on the principles and implementation of PAHO's technical cooperation on Veterinary Public Health and One Health. The incumbent promotes the applications of One Health good practices and is responsible for the management and administration of the Center's human and financial resources and fixed assets. He/she must maintain a harmonious and effective collaboration with counterparts in national and international administrations, and non-government, philanthropic, academic and private organizations, from the public health, agriculture and animal health sectors. The incumbent should cultivate and maintain a close professional relationship with Brazilian Authorities, particularly those related to the operation and maintenance of the Center, in accordance with the Agreement signed by the Government of Brazil with PAHO for the Center. The incumbent follows broadly stated guidance in terms of policy and mission of the Organization and has the authority to establish guidelines of major importance on programmatic activities and Center's management and administration operations to address problems that might require complex considerations and alternative possible solutions, involving internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent acts as prime advisor of the Organization to discuss problems and seek solutions on VPH and One Health policy issues in direct coordination with the Assistant Director in the area of One Health. The incumbent will be responsible for the VPH and One Health component of the PAHO Strategic Plan and Biennial Work Plans, within the framework of the policy orientations and mandates of the Governing Bodies.

Summary of Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health (CDE) and the general supervision of the Assistant Director (AD), the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:

• Lead the Organization's technical cooperation on Veterinary Public Health (VPH) for the elimination of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), food safety and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the food of animal origin value chain, and the prevention, control/elimination of zoonotic and foodborne diseases and envenomation in the Americas, consistent with the One Health approach.
• Direct, manage, plan, organize, implement and evaluate programs necessary to achieve the aims and objectives of the Center's technical cooperation, including field interventions, research, training and dissemination of information.
• Provide technical expertise and lead the normative function of the Organization regarding food safety and control/elimination of FMD and zoonotic diseases in collaboration with partners, academia, ministries of health, ministries of agriculture, and other stakeholders.
• Advise and promote inter-programmatic work across the Organization to ensure efficient use of resources and alignment with biennium work plans and strategic priorities.
• Lead and direct the management and administration of the Center, ensuring alignment with the Strategic Plan, Biennial Work Plans, UNDSS security requirements, and business continuity planning.
• Direct and guide technical cooperation for strengthening national and international disease information and surveillance systems on FMD, and foodborne and zoonotic diseases.
• Direct technical cooperation for strengthening national laboratories and international laboratory networks, including training programs and coordinating reference services.
• Oversee the Organization's WOAH Reference Laboratory on FMD and WOAH Collaborating Center on Veterinary Public Health.
• Mobilize human and financial resources in support of national programs and cooperate with member states in designing and evaluating project proposals.
• Serve as the Secretary of COSALFA and REDIPRA, including planning and managing meetings and presenting at international events.
• Provide leadership to staff in a multicultural environment, mentor supervised staff, set objectives, conduct performance reviews, and promote staff development.
• Promote ethical behavior and integrity in line with PAHO's Code of Ethical Principles and Conduct.
• Provide a stable managerial framework and advise Member States' institutions in the area of expertise.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Key Behavioral Competencies

Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity, ethical approach, and accountability; respects colleagues and counterparts.

Respecting and valuing individual differences: Treats everyone with dignity and respect; avoids stereotypes; considers others' perspectives.

Teamwork: Fosters collaboration across the Organization, builds partnerships, and maintains an effective network.

Communication: Articulates strategic objectives, adapts to audiences, and shares knowledge and directives effectively.

Creating an empowering and motivating environment: Provides direction, motivates teams, and promotes autonomy and high performance.

Ensuring effective use of resources: Sets measurable objectives, allocates resources, and monitors progress.

Driving the Organization to a successful future: Leads with vision, fosters a culture of long-term goals, and rewards progress.

Technical Expertise

• Technical: Extensive senior experience in managing complex human/animal health programs at national and international levels; strong knowledge of public and animal health, veterinary public health, surveillance, and evidence-based advisory capabilities.
• Managerial: Senior management experience in large administrations; proficiency in health administration, international legislation, negotiation, and organizational development.
• Administrative: Resource mobilization, financial management, and administration platforms for Finance, Budget, HR, and Infrastructure; ability to handle confidential information.

Education (Qualifications)

Essential: University degree in veterinary medical science, and a master's degree in public health, veterinary public health, animal health, veterinary epidemiology, or related field from an accredited institution.

Desirable: Doctoral degree in a public health or animal health-related area.

Experience

Essential: Thirteen years of progressively increased responsibilities in national and international management, with experience designing, planning, executing, and evaluating technical cooperation related to public and animal health; involvement in international technical cooperation programs and activities in veterinary public health and One Health; experience with FMD, food safety, zoonoses, and epidemiological surveillance at the international level.

Languages

Very good knowledge of English and Spanish with a working knowledge of another language. Knowledge of Portuguese and/or French would be an asset.

IT Skills

Demonstrated ability to use current technology and software, ERP and management information systems; proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, Visio, SharePoint and Project is an asset.

Disclaimer & Application Details

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade and level.

• All applicants are required to complete an online profile to be considered for this post.

• Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.

• If selected for interview, provide scanned copies of required degrees/certificates. PAHO considers official qualifications from accredited institutions as recognized by WHED/IAU/UNESCO, CHEA, and NCES.

• Assessment of credentials can be performed via listed sources: World Higher Education Database (WHED), Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and College Navigator (NCES).

• Links (plain text): , ,

• Any appointment/extension 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 are encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to participate in recruitment; contact

• Maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability in professional and personal activities.

• Promoting a work environment free from harassment, discrimination, and abusive behavior. Background checks will be conducted.

• Providing a smoke-free environment.

• Zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse; wrongdoing may lead to termination and legal action.

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