PAHO Consultant - PAHO Consultant - Communicable Diseases, CDE

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:

November 24, 2025

Closing Date:

December 1, 2025, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Off Site

Organization:

CDE Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination

Schedule:

Part 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).

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

IPC: Research Consultant - AHD Project

CDE/HT UNIT

 

Background

Latin America and the Caribbean report approximately 30,000 AIDS-related deaths annually, many linked to late HIV diagnosis and treatment interruptions leading to advanced HIV disease (AHD). Limited access to decentralized care, delayed diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infections - such as TB, cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis - are key drivers of mortality.

To address these challenges, PAHO is implementing a UNITAID-funded regional project focused on reducing HIV-related mortality. The initiative supports improved data systems, national guideline updates, access to essential diagnostics and treatments, regulatory and procurement acceleration, community engagement, and the creation of a regional expert network.

Unit Background

The HIV, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and STIs Unit (CDE/HT) at PAHO supports countries in strengthening responses to communicable diseases and advancing toward their elimination. The unit promotes integrated, equitable approaches to expand access to essential services and reduce health inequities, with a focus on key and vulnerable populations.

Purpose

Under the supervision of the HIV Advisor, the consultant will support the management of the advanced HIV Disease (AHD) project which includes the support of improved data systems, national guideline updates, access to essential diagnostics and treatments, regulatory and procurement acceleration, community engagement, and the creation of a regional expert network.

 

Specific deliverables expected

Derivable 1: Report of activation of research in Peru, including training, Redcap implementation, report of activities:

-Report with specific dates when activities initiated, training activities, enrolment status and database report for AHD rapid tests for Ol implementation of research.

Due Date: 15 February Amount: USD 4,500

 

Deliverable 2: Second version of generic protocol for implementation research on rapid tests for OI

-Manuscript ready for publication and submission to PUBTRACK

Due Date: 30 March Amount: USD 4,500

 

Deliverable 3: Manuscripts on Systematic reviews on local situation of opportunistic diseases

- Minimally Invasive Autopsy on cause of death determination in advanced HIV disease

- Hemophagocytic syndrome in Disseminated Histoplasmosis

- Kaposi Sarcoma in Latin America

Due Date: 15 May Amount: USD 4,500

 

Deliverable 4: Mid-year implementation research report

-Full report on advances of all research activities, manuscripts and research agenda for 2026. Should include:

-Published manuscripts, manuscripts in draft and future manuscripts

-Fulfillment of implementation research objectives for 2026

-Abstracts sent to scientific conferences

Due Date: 30 June Amount: USD 4,500

 

Deliverable 5: Report of activities undertaken in IAS 2026 in Rio de Janeiro

-Report including: pre-meeting symposia organized, abstracts presented, and future research activities

Deliverable 6: Protocol for clinical trial in treatment modalities for Histoplasmosis/Tuberculosis coinfection approved by PAHOERC

Due Date: 15 August Amount: USD 4,500

 

 Deliverable 7: Online course on Advanced HIV disease

-Report including the approved curricula for the course and the calendar for its implementation

Deliverable 8: Implementation research report 2026 and research plan for 2027

-Full report with all research activities, manuscripts and lessons learned for 2026 and implementation research agenda for 2027. Should include:

-Published manuscripts, manuscripts in draft and future manuscripts

-Report of the GCTH 2026 meeting and workplan for 2027

-Implementation research objectives for 2027

-Abstracts sent to scientific conferences

Agenda for LAC preconference AIDS2027

Due Date: 30 September Amount: USD 4,500

 

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Essential: Advanced university degree in medicine, public health, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field.

• Desirable: Postgraduate training in public health, infectious diseases, epidemiology, or similar.

Experience

• Relevant experience in the global HIV response, 9 years, including grant management, implementation, research, and evaluation of health programs funded by major international donors.

• Demonstrated experience working with Ministries of Health, procurement agencies, and international organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

• Solid knowledge of advanced HIV disease epidemiology, with the ability to perform both quantitative and qualitative analyses of programmatic and epidemiological data to inform strategic public health actions.

• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, procurement processes, and supply chain management for medicines and diagnostics in Latin America and the Caribbean, including pathways for the incorporation of new products into national programs.

• Understanding of the WHO package of care for advance HIV disease, with international experience in the country introduction of related commodities (medicines or supplies)

• Previous work experience in the United Nations system (PAHO/WHO, UNAIDS, UNITAID, UNICEF, and others) and/or working with international stakeholders and donors (CDC, USAID, GLOBAL FUND, TB ALLIANCE, and others) will be an asset.

 

Languages

• Fluency in Spanish and English is required.

Competencies

·         Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

·         Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within established timelines.

·         Collaborative team player skills

·         Adaptability and flexibility to shifting priorities and evolving program needs

·         Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively across diverse contexts

·         Ethical conduct and integrity in handling sensitive information

Aditional information

• 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 workforce diversity.

• 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.

Contract Details:

• Duration: 8 January 2026 – 31 September 2026

• IPC Band: B (Max)

• Location: Off-site (Remote), with international travel as required.

• Supervisor: Dr Omar Sued CDE/HT

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.