PAHO CONSULTANT - NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND MENTAL HEALTH OFFICER

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:

March 19, 2026

Closing Date:

April 2, 2026, 11:59 PM Guyana Time

Primary Location:

Georgetown, Guyana

Organization:

GUY Guyana

Schedule:

Full time

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

This requisition is for a consultancy at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Provide a short description of the objective of the office/department here.
• Provide a description of the purpose of the consultancy here.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY:

PAHO/WHO requires a national consultant to provide technical support to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health programs including suicide prevention initiatives in the Guyana Country office. The consultant will support the improvement of governance and coordination of NCDs and mental health in Guyana, as well as and the strengthening of the capacity of health systems to prevent and respond to NCDs and associated risk factors.

BACKGROUND:

The Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Program is responsible for the promotion, coordination and implementation of technical cooperation activities directed at the prevention, control and surveillance of non-communicable diseases and related risk factors, mental health, neurological and substance abuse disorders and rehabilitation and disabilities. The work includes the promotion of optimal nutrition, violence prevention and road safety interventions which are evidence-based and appropriate for the political and socio-cultural context in which they are implemented.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in Guyana, consistent with regional trends. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions affect more than 3,700 per 100,000 people, with a potentially avoidable premature mortality rate of 614 per 100,000, more than twice the regional average. It is further estimated that 40% of adults aged 30-79 years old are living with hypertension, with only 63% of those diagnosed and 20% controlled. Adult obesity prevalence remains above 50 percent, with higher rates among women, while childhood obesity has increased and now contributes to long-term risks of diabetes and chronic disease. Lifestyle factors, including dietary choices, limited physical activity and rising consumption of ultra-processed foods are significant drivers of these trends.

The PAHO Country Cooperation Strategy therefore commits to action on NCDs and mental health prevention and control programs through strategic priority two: Reducing morbidity and mortality of NCDs and mental health through a holistic approach. In 2021, Guyana demonstrated its commitment to the PAHO HEARTS initiative and has rapidly scaled up from an initial 4,000 persons reached to 43,000 people reached across over 200 primary care centres.

PAHO/WHO Guyana Country Office has worked closely with the Ministry of Health, Government of Guyana to provide support for the implementation of programs outlined in the National Mental Health Action Plan and National Suicide Prevention Plan 2024-2030, PAHO Guyana Country Cooperation Strategy, the HEARTS initiative and Better Care for NCDs. Over the past five years PAHO has supported the passing of polices, laws, strategic and action plans in support of NCDs, mental health and suicide prevention Guyana. PAHO has also supported the implementation of WHO evidenced-based programs and the integration of mental health into primary care.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

The consultant will be expected to support the implementation of programs designed to enhance NCDs, mental health and suicide prevention programs. These activities form an integral part of a continuous quality improvement cycle. The work will also involve facilitating and monitoring programs aimed at increasing access to and improving the quality of NCD and mental health care across all levels of care with a focus on primary care.

 

OBJECTIVES

 

Objective 1: Strengthen multisectoral actions plans and governance structures for mental health disorders and suicide prevention

 

1.1   Provide technical cooperation to the Ministry of Health in developing and implementing policies aimed at the restriction of access pesticides through collaboration with Caribbean sub-regional stakeholders

• Deliverable 1: Report on stakeholder engagement and sub-regional workshop on pesticide regulation

 

Objective 2. Support programmes aimed at increasing access to and improving the quality of mental health care across all levels of health care

 

• Deliverable 1: Report on stakeholder engagement and sub-regional workshop on pesticide regulation

• Deliverable 2: Twice yearly status reports on the regional plans outlining the integration of mental health into primary care including implementation of least two WHO mhGAP trainings for specialised and/or non-specialised health workers.

• Support training of community gatekeepers to strengthen mental health response, substance use management, suicide and self-harm prevention and surveillance

• Deliverable 3: Twice yearly status report on Gatekeepers’ initiative including summary of the monitoring and evaluation of training

 

 

Objective 3: Support the establishment of innovative action plans for the inclusion of disabilities across the life course and continuum of care

• Deliverable 3: Twice yearly status report on Gatekeepers’ initiative including summary of the monitoring and evaluation of training

• Deliverable 4: Report on stakeholder consultation including outcomes of WHO rehabilitation and disabilities assessment tools e.g. GROWE tool

• Deliverable 5: Report on inclusion of Sexual and Reproductive rights for persons living with disabilities

Objective 4: Support cross collaboration with other PAHO Units and the establishment of innovative action plans for the inclusion of non-communicable disease prevention and control across the life course and continuum of care

4.1  Support the planning and conduct of activities aimed at prevention of major non-communicable diseases with key stakeholders

4.21 Deliverable 6: Twice yearly reports on cross collaboration with other Units and activities supported for major NCDs

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Essential: First degree in medicine, nursing or related field with an MPH (or related health field).

 

Experience

• Essential: Previous experience of at least 5 years at the national and international levels in projects management focused on integrated health services and people-centred care, NCDs, Mental Health

  ·      

• Desirable: Experience working in primary care or community settings would be an asset

1.     Skills and Knowledge

• o   Ability to use vital statistics and core health indicators to generate evidence about the health situation of the population and vulnerable and at-risk groups.

• o   Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software for developing presentations and reports

• o   Excellent coordination, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

• o   Knowledge, skills and previous experience with non-communicable diseases, mental health and suicide prevention programs

Desirable:

·       Excellent project management skills; working knowledge of relevant data and mapping software

1.     Competencies:

·       Teamwork

·       Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

·       Producing results

·       Communication

·       Ensuring effective use of resources

·       Moving forward in a changing environment

·    

Languages: Exceptionally good knowledge of written and spoken English.

 

LOCATION AND DURATION OF CONSULTANCY:

The position will be from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027. The successful candidate will work on-site in the PAHO Guyana Country Office.

REMUNERATION

This position will be within Pay Band B for National PAHO Consultants. The total payment for the consultancy is G$7,200,000.00 and will be determined according to the successful candidate’s qualifications.

 

PROJECT MANAGER: Natasha Sobers-Grannum, Advisor, Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health 

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.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO/WHO Regulations, and e-Manual.
• For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org
• PAHO/WHO is committed to providing a respectful and supportive workplace for all personnel .
• PAHO is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.
• PAHO also promotes a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of abusive conduct.
• PAHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoings will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.
• PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority.  The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between PAHO and the Consultant.
• PAHO/WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant.  The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by PAHO/WHO.