PAHO is the premier public health organization of the Americas, leading the way in improving people's health and well being.
We are passionate about the work we do to reduce health inequities and help people achieve their highest possible level of health.
We are always looking for talented and motivated people and invite you to explore the many opportunities and benefits of joining PAHO/WHO.
Vacancies at PAHO/WHO
Beware of Scams!
Regarding closing date of vacancy announcements and application submissions:
- The closing date of a vacancy announcement is dynamic, and it reflects the time setting equivalent to 12 midnight in Geneva, Switzerland on your device.
- If you save your application as draft, you will exit the submission process, and your job submission will not be considered if it is not completed.
- To ensure that your application is received before the closing date, we highly encourage you to plan accordingly, as waiting until the last hour may preclude you from successfully submitting your application.
- After the closing date, you can no longer complete the job submission.
A Proud and Noble History
We are the specialized international health agency for the Americas.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) was founded in 1902 and is the world's oldest international public health agency working to improve the health and well-being of people in the Americas. PAHO's mission is to provide technical cooperation and advice to its Member States and other partners in order to promote equity in health, combat disease and improve the quality of life of the peoples of the Americas.
The Organization is committed to providing the highest level of technical support and leadership to PAHO Member States as they pursue their goal of Health for All. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Application process
We are committed to establishing a long-lasting partnership with our staff. A thorough review of all applications is essential. Our recruitment process takes several months as it involves a number of steps which may include screening, written test, interview, and assessment centre.
When applying carefully follow the instructions on the opening page of the electronic application. Be sure to answer all questions completely. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Read the quick guide for candidates (in PDF) if you need help filling in your online profile. Should you experience any issues with the submission of your application, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Beware of fraudulent job offers! If you are unsure of the authenticity of an email or other communication, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Internships
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recognizes the importance of a new generation of public health leaders who have an understanding of global health issues and the role of international organizations in achieving the Millennium Development Goals MDGs and other health issues.
In this regard, the PAHO Internship and Practicum Program (IPP) aims to train young and energetic individuals entering the field of public health and who are interested in providing services to the Organization on a voluntary basis. PAHO interns/volunteers are matched with appropriate technical or administrative programs based on their personal interests and skills.
Placements opportunities include PAHO Headquarters in Washington DC, PAHO Country Offices, as well as the Pan American Centers in the North and South America or in the Caribbean region.
Recruitment at PAHO
To carry out its mission to strengthen national and local health systems, PAHO is continuously striving to enhance its human capital. The Organization invites applications from persons who meet not only the technical qualifications required for each position, but also have the ability to perform in a multicultural environment and share the Organization's values of excellence, integrity and teamwork.
PAHO makes special efforts to recruit qualified women into its professional ranks. Women are represented at all levels of the organization, from its Headquarters in Washington, D.C. to country offices and centers. The Organization also aims to achieve a broad representation of nationals from Member States and other countries. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis with the objective of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity.
Requirements and Qualifications
The nature of PAHO's work dictates a preference for candidates who are fluent in both in English and Spanish. Other official languages of the Organization are French and Portuguese. All professional positions require a university degree and, for more senior positions, a master's degree from an accredited college or university.
Support personnel need a high school diploma and, ideally, post-secondary training in a field of work relevant to the position. Vacancies for administrative/support positions in Washington, D.C. must be filled by local candidates, i.e. candidates residing within the Washington Metropolitan Area (Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia) and who are legally allowed to work in the United States.
Employment Conditions
A career with PAHO promises the staff member a competitive pay and benefits package. Conditions of employment in the Organization conform to those established by the International Civil Service Commission for employment in the United Nations and its specialized agencies.
Benefits include 30 working days paid annual leave, comprehensive health insurance coverage and participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF). The conditions of employment, while not governed by national laws, promote gender equality, flexible work schedules (for many positions) and a supportive work environment.