Specialist, Research and Collaboration Review Processes

Specialist, Research and Collaboration Review Processes

Join us and be the driving force behind ethical research governance and collaborative excellence at PAHO.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented and service-driven Specialist, Research and Collaboration Review Processes to support critical research governance functions, strengthen ethics review processes, and enhance collaboration across institutional and international networks.

Under the general supervision of the Director, Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health (EIH) and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Science and Knowledge for Impact (EIH/SK), the selected candidate will:

• Manage processes for ethics review of research and WHO Collaborating Centers (WHOCCs), ensuring compliance with WHO and PAHO policies and international standards.
• Coordinate and support the full lifecycle of submissions, including screening, review processes, revisions, and issuance of decisions, ensuring efficiency and integrity.
• Serve as a regional focal point for WHOCCs and PAHO’s Ethics Review Committee (PAHOERC), providing guidance and support to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee digital systems supporting ethics review processes, including system administration, user support, and continuous improvement.
• Support committee operations, including preparation of documentation, coordination of meetings, drafting of reports and decisions, and communication with research teams.
• Contribute to research governance, ethics frameworks, and institutional networks across PAHO and WHO.
• Coordinate with technical units, legal offices, and partners to ensure alignment and compliance across processes.
• Support training, knowledge management, and dissemination activities to strengthen organizational capacity in ethics review and collaboration processes.

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

What is required for this position?

Education

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in humanities, a social or health science, law or in any other discipline related to the functions of the post from a recognized university, plus training in ethics review of research with human participants.
Desirable: Training in research ethics; knowledge, information or research management; research methodology; or biostatistics would be an asset.

Experience

Essential: Five years of combined national and international work experience in ethics review of research, project management, and management or support of networks using digital tools.
Desirable: Experience managing research ethics committees, conducting research ethics training, and implementing digital tools for ethics review processes. Experience with UN digital platforms, working with a UN organization, or other international organizations.

Languages

Very good knowledge of 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, Word, Visio and Project are considered essential. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as content management systems (such as Drupal, WordPress or Joomla) and WHOCCs e-CC system would be an asset.

Competencies and Skills

For a complete list of competencies and skills, please refer to the post description.

The skills required are:
• Comprehensive knowledge of research ethics and governance, including ethical principles and regulatory frameworks for research involving human participants.
• Proven technical expertise in electronic management systems and digital platforms supporting ethics review and institutional workflows.
• Strong understanding of regional and international normative frameworks governing research ethics and scientific collaboration.
• Advanced skills in knowledge and information management, including digital repositories, databases, and collaborative platforms.
• Sound knowledge of project and process management principles in complex organizational environments.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and quality assurance skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including preparation of technical and policy-related documentation.
• Proven ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments, fostering collaboration across partners.

Duration of Contract

This is an initial 11-month assignment, with the possibility of extensions, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.