Advisor, Pharmaceutical Regulatory Systems Development

Pan American Health Organization; Washington; On-site; USD 82,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

PAHO/WHO is seeking an Advisor, Pharmaceutical Regulatory Systems Development to lead regional regulatory capacity strengthening across the Americas from Washington, DC. The role drives regulatory convergence, governance, and cooperation to improve access to safe medicines and health technologies.

The position requires nine years of national and international experience in pharmaceutical regulation, and advanced degrees in pharmacy and regulatory affairs.

Qualifications

• Essential: A university degree in pharmacy and a master’s degree in regulatory affairs or health science related to the functions of the position.
• Nine years of combined national and international experience in regulatory programs and pharmaceutical regulation.
• Fluency in English or Spanish with working knowledge of the other; knowledge of French/Portuguese is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for regional technical cooperation and support Member States in strengthening pharmaceutical regulatory systems.
• Lead and guide use of the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool and planning to advance regulatory strengthening priorities.
• Serve as Technical Secretariat of regional regulatory harmonization initiatives and engage with partners.
• Promote alignment between regulatory activities, revolving funds, and local production programs.
• Build partnerships, mobilize resources, and advise on regulatory policy and capacity development.
• Prepare reports and policy documents to support informed decision-making.

Skills

Regulatory leadership

Pharmaceutical regulation

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Regulatory convergence

Data analysis

Education

Pharmacy degree

Master's in regulatory affairs

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Grade: P-4

Salary - Annually: Step I - 86,027.00 USD

Post Adjustment - Annually: 46,970.74 USD

Contractual Agreement: Staff - Professional Post

Job Posting: August 11, 2026

Closing Date: September 1, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location: Washington, D.C.

Organization: IMT Innovation, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies

Schedule: Full time

Advisor, Pharmaceutical Regulatory Systems Development

Join PAHO in advancing strong, effective, and harmonized pharmaceutical regulatory systems across the Americas. This role drives strategic cooperation, regulatory convergence, and capacity strengthening to improve access to quality, safe, and effective health technologies.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic leadership for regional technical cooperation and support Member States in strengthening pharmaceutical regulatory systems and frameworks at national and regional levels.
• Lead and provide technical guidance on the implementation of the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) and Institutional Development Plans to advance regulatory strengthening priorities across the Region.
• Serve as Technical Secretariat of PANDRH and guide engagement with regional and global regulatory harmonization and convergence initiatives.
• Promote alignment between regulatory strengthening activities, the PAHO Regional Revolving Funds, and regional programs supporting the local production of medicines and vaccines.
• Build strategic partnerships, mobilize resources, and foster collaboration among regulatory authorities, public health institutions, and key stakeholders.
• Provide high-level technical and policy advice, generate evidence to strengthen regulatory capacities, prepare technical reports and policy documents, and support informed decision-making.

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

EDUCATION

Essential: A university degree in pharmacy or related discipline and a master's degree in regulatory affairs, public health or other health science related to the functions of the position from a recognized institution.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in the implementation and administration of programs and projects related to the regulation of pharmaceuticals.

Desirable: Substantive and progressively responsible professional experience in pharmaceutical regulatory systems, including regulatory functions, bioequivalence and bioavailability, and the quality, safety, and efficacy of medical products. Demonstrated experience at national and international levels in regulatory systems strengthening, harmonization initiatives, and the application of the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) to assess regulatory capacities and support institutional development planning.

LANGUAGES

Fluency in Spanish or English 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

The skills required are:

• Extensive expertise in pharmaceutical regulatory systems, policies, programs, and regulatory capacity strengthening.
• Strong leadership and strategic advisory skills in medicines regulation and regulatory decision-making.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory convergence, reliance principles, harmonization initiatives, and international regulatory frameworks.
• Specialized expertise in bioavailability and bioequivalence assessment and medicines quality control laboratories.
• Strong program and project management skills, including budget planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Ability to analyze complex technical and policy issues and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Proven partnership-building, stakeholder engagement, resource mobilization, and financial management skills.
• Strong data analysis, research, problem-solving, and information-sharing capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary and multicultural teams while providing leadership and monitoring progress.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the preparation of reports, presentations, and technical and policy documents.

DURATION OF CONTRACT

One year. Post of limited duration. First year probationary period.

DISCLAIMER

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

- 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: [e-mail]
• 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.