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

Organizational Context

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). 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.

Job Purpose

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.

Responsibilities

Conduct the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, including framing, scoping, vulnerability assessment, sensitivity analysis, future risks assessment, health impact assessment, and SWOT analysis. Identify and prioritize adaptation policies, programmes, and actions, integrating vulnerable populations, gender, and equity considerations. Identify actions to reduce potential health risks from adaptation and mitigation policies in other sectors. Apply a communication plan to share findings with the public and other sectors. Develop implementation strategies for the HNAP, including operationalization, integration into national planning, and resource mobilization. Promote coordination and synergy with the NAP process. Develop a plan to monitor and review the HNAP. Consolidate the comprehensive HNAP document for submission.

Work Experience

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. Experience working with health and/or development partners is desirable. Experience in Small Island Developing States or Caribbean countries is desirable. Familiarity with the Dutch islands will be an asset. Familiarity with WHO Climate Change and Health guidance and HNAP development processes is desirable. Experience in adaptation planning, health systems strengthening, or environmental health is desirable.

Skills

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.

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