Application Guide
How to Apply for Project Director, Peru, Strengthening Infectious disease Detection Systems, Epidemic Preparedness & Response
at Path
🏢 About Path
PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to health equity, with a strong track record in infectious disease detection and epidemic preparedness. Working here means contributing to life-saving innovations in low-resource settings, with a collaborative culture that values scientific rigor and local partnerships.
About This Role
As Project Director for the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems project in Peru, you will lead a critical initiative to enhance disease surveillance and response capabilities. This role offers the opportunity to directly impact epidemic preparedness in a region with diverse health challenges, coordinating with local authorities and global stakeholders.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the Peru-based team and local health partners to review surveillance data. You could then analyze project budgets, draft a donor report, and prepare for a stakeholder meeting with MINSA officials. Afternoons often involve strategic planning for epidemic response exercises or troubleshooting implementation challenges with field staff.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Path Is Looking For
- A seasoned project manager with 10+ years in global health, specifically in infectious disease projects in Latin America.
- Deep understanding of Peru's health system, including its decentralized structure and key players like MINSA and INS.
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English, with ability to navigate cross-cultural communication and build trust with local partners.
- Proven track record of managing complex budgets, donor reporting (e.g., USAID, CDC), and leading multidisciplinary teams.
📝 Tips for Applying to Path
Highlight specific projects in Peru or Latin America, detailing your role in strengthening disease surveillance or response.
Demonstrate fluency in Spanish by submitting a bilingual cover letter or including Spanish-language versions of key achievements.
Mention any experience with epidemic preparedness frameworks (e.g., IHR, JEE) or specific diseases like dengue, Zika, or COVID-19.
Showcase your ability to navigate donor compliance, especially with US government grants, by providing examples of successful audits or reporting.
Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership of cross-cultural teams and stakeholder management (e.g., Ministry of Health, WHO).
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for health equity and experience in Peru or similar settings.', 'Concrete examples of leading infectious disease projects from design to implementation, including budget oversight.', 'Your collaborative approach with local governments and partners, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and adaptability.', "How your skills align with PATH's mission and the specific goals of the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems project."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review PATH's recent work in Peru and Latin America, including projects on tuberculosis, malaria, or COVID-19.
- → Read about Peru's health system structure, particularly the role of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) and the National Institute of Health (INS).
- → Explore PATH's annual reports and donor landscape to understand key funders and reporting expectations.
- → Look into current disease outbreaks in Peru (e.g., dengue, chikungunya) to align your expertise with immediate needs.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without specific references to Peru or Latin American health systems.
- Overlooking the requirement for bilingual fluency; ensure both languages are clearly demonstrated.
- Focusing only on technical skills without showing leadership and stakeholder management experience.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!