PAHO Consultant - Development of the Health National Adaptation Plans for Aruba and Curaçao

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 - International PAHO Consultant
Job Posting:
October 8, 2026
Closing Date:
October 19, 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, Aruba and Curaçao are 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.
In Aruba, preliminary assessments and vulnerability analyses have been undertaken. Additional data collection may be required to strengthen the country profile and support completion of the Future Risks Assessment component of the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment.
In Curaçao, further work is required to complete the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment and develop a corresponding HNAP.
The consultancy will support both countries 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 Plans (HNAP) for Aruba and Curaçao
IPC (Band B)
Timeframe: 6 November 2026 – 9 September 2027 (100% FTE)
Location: Off-site. Travel to Aruba and/or Curaçao may be required.
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, Curaçao, 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, Aruba and Curaçao are 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.
In Aruba, preliminary assessments and vulnerability analyses have been undertaken. Additional data collection may be required to strengthen the country profile and support completion of the Future Risks Assessment component of the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment.
In Curaçao, further work is required to complete the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment and develop a corresponding HNAP.
The consultancy will support both countries 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:
Aruba
Review existing Climate and Health Country Profile and V&A outputs.
Conduct additional data collection and stakeholder consultations to address identified information gaps, as required.
Complete Phase 2 of the Health V&A Assessment, including:
o Future Risks Assessment;
o Health Impact Assessment using qualitative and/or quantitative approaches;
o Analysis of projected climate-related health risks and vulnerable populations.
Identify and prioritize adaptation policies and programmes.
Develop Aruba's Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP).
Develop implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and resource mobilization strategies.
Facilitate stakeholder consultations and validation workshops.
Curaçao
Conduct the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, including:
o Framing and scoping;
o Vulnerability assessment;
o Sensitivity analysis;
o Future Risks Assessment;
o Health Impact Assessment.
Identify and prioritize adaptation actions.
Develop Curaçao's Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP).
Develop implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and resource mobilization strategies.
Facilitate stakeholder consultations and validation workshops.
Both Countries
Develop and implement stakeholder engagement and communication approaches.
Promote coordination with national adaptation and climate planning processes.
Integrate gender, equity, and vulnerable population considerations throughout all analyses and recommendations.
Estimate resources required for HNAP implementation and identify financing opportunities.
Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks and indicators.
Prepare final HNAP documents ready for submission to national authorities.
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 in adaptation planning, health systems strengthening, or environmental health.
Experience:
Essential:
- At least 7 years of 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 Ministries of Health.
- 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.
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 (IPCs).
Deliverables and Payment Schedule:
Payment Schedule