Pan American Health Organization
Technical Officer, Laboratory Diagnostics and Supply Management
🇵🇦Panamá, Panamá, Panama8 days ago
$56,040 – $56,040EntryFull Time
Grade:
P-2Salary - Monthly (non-negotiable):
4,670.50 USDPost Adjustment - Monthly:
1,452.53 USDContractual Agreement:
Staff - Professional Non-postJob Posting:
May 7, 2026Closing Date:
May 21, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Standard TimePrimary Location:
Panama City, PanamaOrganization:
IHM Infectious Hazard ManagementSchedule:
Full timeDESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Technical Officer, Laboratory Diagnostics and Supply Management
Join us and contribute to strengthening emergency laboratory systems across the Americas
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a motivated, technically skilled, and results-oriented Technical Officer, Laboratory Diagnostics and Supply Management to support emergency preparedness and response efforts through laboratory systems, diagnostics, and supply chain coordination.
Under the general guidance of the Unit Chief, Infectious Hazards Management (PHE/IHM), and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Viral Diseases, the selected candidate will:
Support procurement, quality evaluation, storage, and dispatch of laboratory supplies and equipment across the Region.
Contribute to strengthening laboratory and entomo-virological surveillance capacity in Member States.
Assist in the implementation of technical workshops and initiatives supporting laboratory networks, including genomic surveillance.
Maintain inventory and oversee supply chain operations for laboratory goods, ensuring efficient and timely delivery in emergency contexts.
Support data management, analysis, and reporting on laboratory surveillance, particularly for arboviruses and emerging viral diseases.
For a complete list of functions, please see the post description.
What is required for this position?
Education
Essential: A bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biochemistry, laboratory related science or any other field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized university.
Desirable: A master’s degree in virology, microbiology or epidemiology would be an asset.
Experience
Essential: Five years of combined national and international experience in the management of laboratory techniques for viral diseases.
Desirable: Experience in laboratory stocks management and shipping logistics would be an asset.
Languages
Fluency in English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.
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.
Technical expertise in virology and emerging viruses.
Knowledge of laboratory diagnostics and methodologies for viral detection.
Strong database management and reporting skills.
Analytical and organizational skills for generating technical reports.
Ability to analyze and synthesize information from multiple technical sources.
Ability to translate scientific and operational data into actionable recommendations.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including report writing and presentations.
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: 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.
