PAHO Consultant - Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine

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:

July 14, 2026

Closing Date:

July 21, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Off Site

Organization:

HSS Health Systems and Services

Schedule:

Part time

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

The primary objective of the Department of Health Systems and Services is to strengthen health systems based on Primary Health Care, support the transformation of national health systems to improve equity and resilience, strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC), and address the relevant issues related to human resources as health systems move towards the achievement of Universal Health. Its work encompasses the following areas: integrated services delivery, strengthening of health systems governance and stewardship; developing efficient and equitable financial mechanisms to ensure adequate public funding of the health system; human resources for health, healthy life course; the Virtual Campus of Public Health, and Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

The Primary Health Care and Integrated Service Delivery Unit (HSS/PH) aims to strengthen the health system's capacity to respond to the needs of individuals, families, and communities by consolidating Integrated Health Service Networks (IHSDNs), ensuring the delivery of comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality health services. Within the framework of the Biennial Work Plan (BWP), the unit provides specialized technical assistance for the integration and coordination of health services, promoting an intersectoral approach and effective collaboration among governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and development partners.

Following the approval of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, PAHO is implementing a regional workplan to support Member States in integrating Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into PHC and IHSDNs. The Regional Office will contribute to evidence generation, knowledge management, regulatory strengthening, quality improvement, capacity building, country implementation, and development of a Regional Strategic Plan for TCIM in the Americas.

To support implementation of these regional priorities during the second semester of 2026, PAHO requires an international consultant to provide technical support for the development of strategic products, coordination of regional activities, technical cooperation with Member States, and documentation of regional experiences.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Advisor of Integrated Health Services, and under the general supervision of Unit Chief of Primary Health Care, the consultant is expected to:

a. Support Member States in integrating TCIM within PHC and IHSDNs.

b. Coordinate regional consultations, webinars and technical meetings.

c. Develop technical reports, implementation guidance and policy documents.

d. Support collaboration with WHO Headquarters, Collaborating Centers, BIREME and Member States.

e. Prepare technical documentation and progress reports related to regional priorities.

f. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Specific products/deliverables expected

1. Prepare a technical report on regional evidence mapping and knowledge management for TCIM.

Products/deliverables:

▪ Technical report on regional evidence mapping and knowledge management, including:

− review of regional evidence and best practices;

− support to the Traditional Medicine Global Data Network;

− contribution to implementation resources;

− support to collaborating centers.

− identification of regional experiences suitable for dissemination.

▪ Due Date: 3 September 2026.

2. Support preparation of the Regional Strategic Plan for TCIM in the Americas.

Products/deliverables:

▪ A draft of a regional activity plan to guide the implementation of the Regional Strategic Plan for TCIM in the Americas by:

− technical consultations;

− supporting webinars and coordination meetings;

− consolidating country inputs;

− preparing draft strategic documents and implementation roadmap.

▪ Due Date: 2 October 2026.

3. Provide technical support for regional initiatives related to integration within PHC and IHSDNs.

Products/deliverables:

▪ Provide technical support for regional initiatives related to quality of care, including:

− technical briefs on integration within PHC and IHSDNs;

− documentation of good regional practices;

− health system indicators;

− monitoring framework.

▪ Due Date: 27 November 2026.

4. Prepare the final consultancy report including:

Products/deliverables:

▪ Provide technical support for regional initiatives related to quality of care, including:

− summary of technical cooperation provided;

− documentation of country experiences;

− recommendations for implementation during 2027;

− roadmap for strengthening regional collaboration;

− recommendations supporting implementation of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy in the Americas.

▪ Due Date: 16 December 2026.

Installments:

#1 – 5 October 2026: $10,210.00 – Products 1 & 2

#2 – 18 December 2026: $8,354.00 – Products 3 & 4

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with strong attention to details.

• Strong motivation and organizational and management skills.

• Capable of being proactive when the situation requires.

• Advanced knowledge in the use of Excel and other data analytical tools, as well as Power Point, and Word

• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a diverse, team-oriented environment.

• Experience working in multicultural environments.

Professional experience:

Required: At least 7 years of combined national and international experience in traditional and complementary medicine experiences in the Region of the Americas. Demonstrated experience in Primary Health Care, Integrated Health Service Delivery Networks, quality of care and technical cooperation.

Desired: Previous experience working with international organizations, and PAHO on related topic.

Education:

Required: A university degree in health, social, or management sciences, or in any other field related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

Desired: Postgraduate degree in public health, quality management, or service administration or any other field related to functions.

Languages:

Required: Fluent in written and spoken Spanish and English.

Desired: Basic knowledge of Portuguese and French are a plus.

Duration:

3 August 2026 – 31 December 2026 (renewable based on performance and funds available)

IPC Band:

Band B

Time Type:

Part time – 60%

Contract Amount:

USD 18,564.00.

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.