Mission and objectives

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is an international public health agency that works with countries in the Americas to improve health and well-being for all people. Its mission is to lead collaborative efforts to achieve equity in health, strengthen health systems, and address priority health challenges across the region. PAHO serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), aligning global health strategies with regional needs. PAHO’s objectives include: • Promoting universal health coverage and access to quality health services. • Preventing and controlling diseases, including communicable and noncommunicable conditions. • Strengthening health systems through integrated, people-centered care. • Advancing health equity by addressing social determinants of health and reducing disparities. • Supporting countries in preparedness and response to health emergencies and disasters. • Fostering innovation and knowledge sharing to improve public health policies and practices. PAHO works with countries in the Americas to strengthen health systems and services, ensuring equitable access to quality care. The Health Systems and Services Department supports countries in implementing strategies for universal health coverage, primary health care, and integrated service delivery. As part of these efforts, PAHO promotes the Primary Health Care for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) initiative, which focuses on integrating noncommunicable disease prevention and management into primary care settings. This includes improving early detection, continuous treatment, and access to essential medicines and technologies. In addition, PAHO works to strengthen maternal health services within primary health care, ensuring comprehensive care for women before, during, and after pregnancy, and reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. These actions are complemented by improvements in the overall primary health care strategy, reinforcing governance, financing, and service delivery models to make health systems more resilient and people-centered. PAHO also collaborates with national and subnational authorities to scale up primary health care networks, expanding innovative programs—such as HEARTS for cardiovascular risk management—at provincial and municipal levels. These efforts aim to reduce health inequities, improve outcomes for NCDs and maternal health, and advance progress toward universal health coverage.

Context

Argentina is implementing comprehensive reforms to strengthen primary health care (PHC) and integrated health service networks, aiming to improve equity, quality, and efficiency across its health system. These reforms are fully aligned with PAHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy (2024–2028), which emphasizes reinforcing health governance, reducing inequities, advancing digital innovation, and ensuring access to quality care nationwide. They also follow the priorities set in the Biennial Work Plan for Argentina (2026–2027), focused on resilient, people-centered PHC; improvements in communicable and noncommunicable disease prevention; and digital transformation through IS4H. The UN Volunteer will support PAHO’s technical team in national and subnational initiatives to enhance health system performance, optimize service delivery models, and monitor progress toward universal health coverage indicators. The role will contribute to scaling up PHC strategies, supporting the integration of noncommunicable disease prevention and management via the Better Care for NCDs Initiative, advancing maternal health, and embedding innovative programs such as HEARTS for cardiovascular risk management at provincial and municipal levels. In addition, the volunteer will collaborate on efforts targeting communicable disease prevention and control, supporting PAHO’s Elimination Initiative aimed at eradicating more than 30 communicable diseases in the Americas by 2030. This engagement will reinforce integrated surveillance and response systems. Furthermore, the volunteer will assist in advancing Information Systems for Health (IS4H), supporting digital transformation and data-driven decision-making. This includes implementing the IS4H digital transformation toolkit, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening governance and health intelligence as outlined in PAHO’s 2024–2030 roadmap.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Advisor on Health Systems and Services, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support the collection and analysis of data on health services performance and coverage. • Prepare technical briefs, reports, and presentations for stakeholders. • Participate in meetings and workshops on health systems strengthening and service delivery. • Contribute to documentation of best practices and lessons learned in primary health care. • Develop communication materials and knowledge products. • Support monitoring and evaluation activities for health systems projects. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Building Trust Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Ethics and Values Integrity Knowledge Sharing Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

Buenos Aires offers robust infrastructure, reliable connectivity, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it an attractive location for volunteers. Security conditions are generally stable; however, volunteers are advised to remain vigilant and follow local safety guidelines. A wide range of accommodation and transportation options are available, providing flexibility and convenience for daily living. The city has well-developed health services, including public and private facilities, ensuring access to medical care if needed. Cost of living is moderate compared to other major cities in the region, with affordable options for housing, food, and transportation. Buenos Aires enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, though seasonal variations may require appropriate clothing. Overall, the city combines safety, accessibility, and cultural richness, offering a comfortable environment for volunteer assignments.