Technical Officer, Laboratory Networks

Grade:

NO-B

Salary - Monthly (non-negotiable):

24,394.25 BRL

Contractual Agreement:

Staff - National Officer Non-post

Job Posting:

August 6, 2025

Closing Date:

August 21, 2025, 11:59 PM Brasilia Standard Time

Primary Location:

Brasilia, Brazil

Organization:

BRA-05 Vigilância, preparação e resposta a emergências e desastres

Schedule:

Full time

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The incumbent participates as a member of a multidisciplinary and dynamic team providing technical cooperation to the country in the areas of surveillance and public health laboratory networks. Specifically, the incumbent will support implementation of the national strategy for strengthening leadership in laboratories and collaborate in the strengthening of public health laboratory networks at national and subnational levels. The successful achievement of the program objectives requires close coordination with the supervisors, as well as with national collaborating centers and other national agencies and non-governmental organizations. In performing his/her duties, the incumbent will follow the guidelines of the Organization´s General Program of Work; the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), the Strategic Plan and the Biennial Work Plan (BWP) of the Organization; policy orientations; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); mandates of the Governing Bodies; manuals, strategies and other directives regarding technical cooperation. The incumbent will work in coordination and close collaboration with all relevant staff in the country office and national authorities.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative, and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Health Emergencies, the incumbent will be responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

a) Support the development and implementation of national public health laboratory network policies and procedures, supporting the creation of national guidance processes, strategies, and plans;

b) Support the strengthening of public health laboratory networks based on successful local experiences and best practices, contributing to the functioning of networks and working groups (e.g. Amazon-Darrien network for zoonotic diseases);

c) Support surveillance system strengthening, under the guidance of the Advisor, through the implementation of robust laboratory information systems, integration with surveillance systems (SINAN), and development of indicators and data visualizations for monitoring and evaluation;

d) Provide technical guidance and support for national strategies, including innovations in surveillance strategies (sentinel approaches) and strengthening surveillance for communicable diseases (e.g. MOSAIC, elimination);

e) Support the development and implementation of capacity-building exercises, including trainings within the scope of the GLLP and other programs, and evaluate their effectiveness;

f) Provide technical assistance for laboratory-related public health responses, international project development, monitoring, and reporting;

g) Collaborate in project planning and implementation, including designing, planning, implementing, and monitoring laboratory and surveillance projects funded by national or international voluntary contributions;

h) Provide technical support for the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Special Projects and Terms of Cooperation (TC) -and its corresponding Terms of Adjustment (TA)-with the Ministry of Health, other Ministries and federal agencies/institutions, States and Municipalities, and with implementing partners; including, but not limited to preparing and maintaining all documents and progress/final reports for the projects/TC/TA;

i) Represent the organization, following guidance from the area coordinator and/or PWR, to ensure proper negotiation, implementation and M&E of projects/TCs/TAs;

j) Foster collaboration and resource mobilization, contributing to the development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the Biennial Work Plan, while actively participating in resource mobilization efforts to support laboratory network strengthening and programmatic objectives;

k) Promote knowledge management and technical leadership with the guidance of the Advisor while supporting the dissemination of scientific and technical information, sharing successful practices, and positioning PAHO as a technical leader in health;

l) Support staff development, establishing clear work objectives, and providing coaching and feedback;

m) Promote horizontal, south-south and/or triangular cooperation for health development and innovation for strategic advancement of the areas of responsibility, through exchange of resources, technology, experience and knowledge; including the promotion and use of WHO Collaborating Centers (WCC) and the identification of potential new WCC in Brazil;

m) Perform other related duties as assigned.

KEY BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization's mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts. 

Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others. - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams' successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues. 

Respecting and valuing individual differences: Treats everyone with dignity and respect, fostering positive relationships with everyone. Reflects on personal behavior to avoid stereotypes and considers situations from the perspective of others.

Communication: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Write effectively/Listen/Shares knowledge - Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience.  Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers.  Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans).  Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed. 

Knowing and managing yourself: Manages stress/Invite feedback/Continuously learn - Remains productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self- awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance.    Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps. 

Producing Results: Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients' needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own timelines effectively and efficiently.  Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project's expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary.   Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.    

Moving forward in a changing environment: Propose change/Adapt to change - Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise.  Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives. 

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

- Ability to implement programs for communicable disease prevention and control

- Ability to design, implement and monitor public health laboratory networks.

- Ability to implement programs for strengthening leadership in laboratories for human and animal health.

- Ability to develop simulation exercises for laboratory networks.

- Ability to develop guidance documents for laboratory and surveillance systems.

- Ability to support implementation of disease prevention and control networks (e.g. zoonotic diseases)

- Knowledge of planning and M&E of technical cooperation processes, including budgeting.

EDUCATION (Qualifications)

Essential: A bachelor's degree in health and or laboratory sciences or field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master's and doctorate level degree in laboratory sciences (e.g. virology) will be an asset and training in GLLP.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Five years of national experience working in disease prevention and control programs.

Desirable: Experience structuring public health laboratory networks would be an asset.

LANGUAGES

Very good knowledge of Portuguese with a working knowledge of English or Spanish.

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.

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

This is an initial 6-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:

Council for Higher Education Accreditation

College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics,

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:

• 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. 

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