• Provide strategic, technical, policy, and programmatic leadership for PAHO’s work in communicable diseases, zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, infection prevention and control, communicable disease risk factors, and food safety.
• Lead and coordinate the implementation of PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative, supporting Member States in eliminating more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions in the Americas by 2030.
• Promote research, innovation, and knowledge generation, fostering the adoption of evidence-based policies and best practices among countries and partners.
• Strengthen food safety systems and advance integrated One Health approaches to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and foodborne disease threats.
• Mobilize financial and technical resources and establish strategic partnerships with governments, donors, international organizations, academic institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance public health goals.
• Represent the Department at the highest levels and provide authoritative technical and strategic advice to Member States, regional bodies, and partner institutions.
• Provide overall leadership and management of the Department, including strategic planning, budget oversight, performance management, organizational development, and effective use of financial and human resources.