OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This is a requisition for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

Contractual Agreement:

Non-Staff - National PAHO Consultant

Job Posting:

August 13, 2026

Closing Date:

August 24, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Off Site

Organization:

TTO Trinidad and Tobago

Schedule:

Full time

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

Small Island Developing States and Caribbean territories are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including extreme heat, flooding, drought, vector-borne diseases, food and water insecurity, and other climate-sensitive health risks. These impacts place increasing pressure on health systems and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

As part of regional efforts to strengthen climate-resilient health systems, Curaҫao is advancing actions to better understand climate impacts on health and identify adaptation measures. Development of Health National Adaptation Plans (HNAPs) will support the integration of health considerations into broader climate change adaptation processes and strengthen the resilience of health systems. However, further work is required to complete the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment and develop a corresponding HNAP.

The consultancy will support Curaҫao through the assessment, planning, prioritization, and development of comprehensive Health National Adaptation Plans aligned with the WHO Operational Framework for Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems and national climate adaptation processes.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Terms of Reference

Consultant – Development of the Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) for Curaҫao

NPC (Band B)

Timeframe: 1 September 2026 –30 June 2027 (100% FTE)

Location: Off-site.

Objectives of the Office/Department

PAHO Country Offices are responsible for ensuring that the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) country program of technical cooperation and its country presence provides adequate support to the national health development process and, at the same time, enables countries to shape the sub-regional, regional, and global health agendas. The PAHO/WHO Trinidad and Tobago Country Office (PAHO/WHO TTO CO), covering Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaҫao , Sint Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, is the basic organizational unit for technical cooperation with the countries, drawing on PAHO/WHO resources from all levels and all parts of the Organization.

Organizational Context

Small Island Developing States and Caribbean territories are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including extreme heat, flooding, drought, vector-borne diseases, food and water insecurity, and other climate-sensitive health risks. These impacts place increasing pressure on health systems and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

As part of regional efforts to strengthen climate-resilient health systems, Curaҫao is advancing actions to better understand climate impacts on health and identify adaptation measures. Development of Health National Adaptation Plans (HNAPs) will support the integration of health considerations into broader climate change adaptation processes and strengthen the resilience of health systems. However, further work is required to complete the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment and develop a corresponding HNAP.

The consultancy will support Curaҫao through the assessment, planning, prioritization, and development of comprehensive Health National Adaptation Plans aligned with the WHO Operational Framework for Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems and national climate adaptation processes.

Scope of Work & Methodology

Under the supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative and the Technical Officer, Health Promotion, Life Course and Determinants, and in collaboration with the respective Health Authorities, the consultant will:

Conduct the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, including:

1.1.   Framing and scoping;

1.2.   Vulnerability assessment;

1.3.   Sensitivity analysis;

1.4.   Future Risks Assessment;

1.5 Conduct health impact assessment to understand the future impacts on health using quantitative or qualitative approaches;

1.6.   Conduct a SWOT analysis of the V&A to determine available information/gaps, approaches to addressing gaps/weaknesses and a report of findings and next steps

• Identify all possible adaptation policies and programmes and prioritize adaptation action that address current and projected risks in the near term; integrate into the National Adaptation Strategy the particular needs of vulnerable populations and gender and equity considerations;

• Identify the possible action to reduce the potential health risks of adaptation and greenhouse gas mitigation policies and programmes implemented in other sectors;

• Apply the communication plan to share findings and information with the public and other sectors.

• Develop the implementation strategies in order to carry out the HNAP in Curaҫao that include development of an implementation strategy for operationalizing the HNAP and integrating climate change adaptation into health-related planning processes such as the Nationally Determined Contributions;

• Promote coordination and synergy with the NAP process, particularly with sectors that can affect health

• Estimation of required resources for HNAP implementation; develop resource mobilization strategy;

• Develop plan to monitor and review the HNAP to assess progress, effectiveness, and gaps

• Combine and consolidate the comprehensive HNAP document for submission to the national authorities of Curaҫao. 

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, Epidemiology, or related field.

Desirable

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, Epidemiology, or related field.

• Specialized training in climate change and health.

Experience:

Essential:

• At least 5 years of national professional experience in climate change and health, public health planning, environmental health, or related fields.

• Experience conducting vulnerability assessments, health impact assessments, or adaptation planning processes.

• Experience developing policy or strategic planning documents.

Desirable:

• Experience working with health and/or development partners

• Experience in Small Island Developing States or Caribbean countries. Familiarity with the Dutch islands will be an asset

• Familiarity with WHO Climate Change and Health guidance and HNAP development processes.

• Experience in adaptation planning, health systems strengthening, or environmental health.

Technical Expertise:

• Knowledge of climate change and health impacts.

• Experience in vulnerability and adaptation assessments.

• Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills.

• Strong technical writing and analytical skills.

• Experience with monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

• Project management and coordination skills

• Stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills

Reporting Relationship:

The consultant will report to the PAHO Technical Officer, Health Promotion Life Course and Determinants. The consultant will submit invoices and activity reports for approval by the PAHO/WHO Representative, according to the schedule indicated below.

Remuneration:

The consultant will be remunerated at the Band B level of the salary scale for the PAHO Consultants (NPCs).

Deliverables and Payment Schedule:

Payment Schedule

• Inception Report and Workplan; Deadline: 14 September 2026; fee: USD $3500.00

• Completed V&A Report Deadline: 15 December 2026; fee: USD 12,000.00

• Adaptation Priorities and Communication; Deadline: 30 January 2027; fee: USD 11,000.00

• Draft HNAP Package; Deadline: 30 April 2027; fee: USD 9,120.00

• Final HNAP Package; Deadline: 30 June 2027; fee: USD 7000.00

The total value of the contract is USD $42,620.00

Confidentiality and Ownership:

All deliverables produced during the consultancy will remain the property of the PAHO/WHO TTO CO.

The consultant agrees to maintain confidentiality regarding any sensitive information or data shared during the assignment.

Evaluation:

• Performance will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and timeliness of deliverables

• Technical rigor and completeness

• Alignment with HNAP objectives

• Stakeholder engagement and feedback

Terms and Conditions

The consultant agrees to comply with all applicable legal and ethical standards.

The consultant will not delegate any of the responsibilities without prior written consent from the PAHO/WHO TTO CO.

This consultancy is open to nationals of Curaҫao.
 

Deliverables

Deliverable 1: Inception Report and Workplan

The consultant will submit an inception package establishing the methodology, analytical framework, stakeholder engagement approach and workplan for completion of the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment and development of the Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP).

1.1 Inception Report and Workplan

• Detailed methodology for implementation of the consultancy.

• Workplan with timelines, milestones and deliverables.

• Description of analytical approaches for completion of the Health V&A Assessment and development of the HNAP.

• Stakeholder mapping.

• Consultation and engagement plan.

• Identification of key stakeholders, institutions and sectors to be engaged throughout the assessment and HNAP development process.

1.2 Communication and Consultation Plan

• Stakeholder engagement strategy.

• Consultation schedule and proposed mechanisms for stakeholder engagement.

• Communication plan for validation and dissemination of findings.

• Approach for documenting and incorporating stakeholder feedback throughout the V&A and HNAP development process.

Deliverable 2: Completed Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment

The consultant will complete and submit a comprehensive Health V&A Assessment, incorporating the assessment of current and future climate-related health risks, health impacts, vulnerability, capacity and priority areas for adaptation.

2.1 V&A Framing and Scoping Report

• Definition of the scope, framework and analytical approach for the Health V&A Assessment.

• Identification of priority climate hazards, health outcomes, populations, geographic areas and health systems to be assessed.

• Identification of relevant data sources, assumptions and methodological considerations.

• Identification of key information and evidence gaps relevant to the assessment.

2.2 V&A Sensitivity and Future Risks Assessment

• Assessment of the sensitivity and vulnerability of populations, health systems and health services to current and projected climate-related hazards.

• Assessment of current and projected climate-related health risks.

• Analysis of future risks based on available climate projections and relevant scenarios.

• Identification of populations, geographic areas and health systems that are particularly vulnerable to climate-related risks.

• Identification of priority health risks requiring adaptation action.

2.3 V&A SWOT Analysis Report

• SWOT analysis of the existing Health V&A and the country's capacity to assess and respond to climate-related health risks.

• Identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and remaining gaps relevant to climate change and health adaptation.

• Assessment of institutional, technical, data, policy and implementation capacities relevant to the V&A and HNAP process.

• Recommendations and next steps to address identified weaknesses and gaps and build on existing strengths and opportunities.

2.4 Health Impact Assessment Report

• Assessment of current and projected climate-related health impacts using quantitative and/or qualitative approaches.

• Identification and characterization of priority climate-sensitive health outcomes.

• Assessment of the potential magnitude and distribution of health impacts, where data permit.

• Identification of vulnerable populations and priority health risks.

• Assessment of implications for health systems, health services and relevant health programmes.

2.5 Consolidated V&A Findings

• Consolidation of findings from the V&A framing and scoping, sensitivity and future risks assessment, SWOT analysis and health impact assessment.

• Identification of key findings, priority risks, evidence gaps and implications for HNAP development.

• Recommendations to inform the prioritization of adaptation actions and subsequent development of the HNAP.

Deliverable 3: Adaptation Priorities, Cross-Sectoral Health Assessment and Communication

The consultant will translate the findings of the Health V&A Assessment into prioritized adaptation actions, assess the health implications of adaptation and mitigation measures in other sectors, and communicate the findings and process to relevant stakeholders.

3.1 Adaptation Action Prioritization Report

• Identification and prioritization of adaptation policies, programmes and actions based on the findings of the Health V&A Assessment.

• Identification of adaptation action priorities addressing current and projected climate-related health risks in the near term.

• Integration of the specific needs of vulnerable populations.

• Integration of gender and equity considerations.

• Identification of priority actions for inclusion in the HNAP and relevant national strategies.

• Identification of proposed sequencing and/or priority areas for implementation, where appropriate.

3.2 Cross-Sectoral Health Assessment

• Assessment of the potential health implications of adaptation policies and programmes implemented in other sectors.

• Assessment of the potential health implications of greenhouse gas mitigation policies and programmes implemented in other sectors.

• Identification of potential health risks, unintended consequences and opportunities for health co-benefits.

• Recommendations to minimize potential health risks and maximize health co-benefits through cross-sectoral action.

3.3 Communication and Dissemination Outputs

• Implementation of the approved communication and consultation plan.

• Communication of V&A findings and the HNAP development process to the public, relevant sectors and other stakeholders.

• Development and dissemination of appropriate communication products and materials.

• Documentation of dissemination and consultation activities.

• Documentation of stakeholder feedback and recommendations to inform development and refinement of the HNAP.

Deliverable 4: Draft HNAP, Implementation, Coordination and Resource Mobilization Package

The consultant will develop a draft Health National Adaptation Plan and the supporting implementation, coordination and resource mobilization frameworks required to operationalize the Plan.

4.1 Draft Health National Adaptation Plan

The draft HNAP will include:

• Strategic objectives and priorities.

• Priority adaptation actions addressing identified current and projected climate-related health risks.

• Integration of gender, equity and vulnerable population considerations.

• Governance and institutional arrangements.

• Coordination mechanisms.

• Linkages with relevant national climate change, health and development policies, plans and strategies.

• Relevant cross-sectoral actions and opportunities for health co-benefits.

4.2 HNAP Implementation Strategy

• Framework and specific steps for operationalizing the HNAP.

• Implementation roadmap, including priority actions, sequencing and timelines.

• Roles and responsibilities of relevant institutions and stakeholders.

• Mechanisms for coordination and implementation oversight.

• Integration of climate change adaptation into health-related planning and programming processes.

• Integration, where appropriate, with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other relevant national planning instruments.

• Identification of key enabling conditions and actions required for implementation.

4.3 Coordination and Synergy Framework

• Strategy and specific steps to promote coordination and synergy with the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process, or national equivalent.

• Identification of relevant sectors whose policies, programmes and actions can affect health.

• Mechanisms to strengthen collaboration with relevant sectors and institutions.

• Identification of institutional roles, partnerships and coordination mechanisms required to support implementation of the HNAP.

• Opportunities to align the HNAP with broader national climate change adaptation and development processes.

4.4 HNAP Implementation Costing and Resource Mobilization Strategy

• Estimation of the costs associated with implementation of priority HNAP actions.

• Identification of human, technical, institutional and financial resource requirements.

• Identification of potential domestic and external financing sources.

• Identification of potential funding mechanisms and resource mobilization opportunities.

• Development of a resource mobilization strategy to support implementation of the HNAP.

Deliverable 5: Final HNAP and Monitoring, Evaluation and Review Package

The consultant will finalize the HNAP and supporting implementation and monitoring frameworks following stakeholder, national authority and PAHO review and feedback.

5.1 Final Health National Adaptation Plan

• Consolidated HNAP incorporating findings from the Health V&A Assessment and prioritized adaptation actions.

• Incorporation of stakeholder, national authority and PAHO feedback.

• Finalization of strategic objectives, priority actions, governance and coordination arrangements.

• Final HNAP document ready for submission to the relevant national authority.

5.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Review Framework

• Monitoring indicators and targets for implementation of the HNAP.

• Roles and responsibilities for monitoring and reporting.

• Mechanisms to assess implementation progress and effectiveness.

• Mechanisms to identify implementation gaps, emerging risks and areas requiring corrective action.

• Periodic review arrangements for the HNAP.

• Framework for updating the HNAP based on emerging climate risks, new evidence, changing vulnerabilities and lessons from implementation.

5.3 Final Implementation Package

• Final HNAP implementation strategy.

• Final coordination and synergy framework.

• Final resource mobilization strategy.

• Final implementation costing and resource requirements.

• Summary of stakeholder consultations and feedback received.

• Documentation of how stakeholder and PAHO comments and recommendations were addressed.

5.4 Final HNAP Submission Package

• Complete and quality-assured HNAP package incorporating all agreed supporting documents and frameworks.

• Final documentation prepared for formal submission to the relevant national authority.

END

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently may be selected for consultancy assignments falling in this area of work or for similar requirements/tasks/deliverables.  Inclusion in the Roster does not guarantee selection for a consultant contract.  There is no commitment on either side.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this consultancy. For assessment of your application, please ensure that your profile in the PAHO Career page is updated; all experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time.  Kindly note that CV/PHFs inserted via LinkedIn are no accessible.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. PAHO/WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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