PAHO Consultant - Internal Communication

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 6, 2026

Closing Date:

July 19, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Off Site

Organization:

CMU Communications

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).

Objective of the Department

The Department of Communications (CMU) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) leads the development, implementation, and management of the Organization’s corporate communication strategy at all levels, internally and externally. Through strategic, evidence-based, and integrated communications, CMU strengthens PAHO’s visibility, credibility, and leadership as the leading public health authority in the Americas. Operating in a dynamic and rapidly evolving communications environment, CMU supports the Organization’s mission and technical cooperation agenda by promoting timely and accurate health information, fostering stakeholder engagement, enhancing institutional transparency, and demonstrating the impact of PAHO’s work across the Region. Guided by the principles of integration, innovation, and impact, CMU advances communication practices that contribute to better health outcomes and stronger public trust.

This consultancy will support CMU’s Corporate Communications Initiative, which aims to strengthen institutional coherence, staff engagement, and organizational alignment through strategic internal communication. As PAHO advances key organizational priorities and change management efforts, including the PAHO Forward Initiative, effective internal communication is essential to foster transparency, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and workforce engagement. The consultancy will contribute to strengthening internal communication channels, enhancing employee participation, supporting organizational change communications, and ensuring personnel are informed and aligned with PAHO’s mission, priorities, and strategic direction.

Purpose of the consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide specialized support to the Department of Communications (CMU) in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating internal communication activities and employee engagement initiatives across the Organization. The consultant will support the management and enhancement of internal communication channels, the development of communication products and campaigns, and the analysis of feedback and performance data to strengthen organizational alignment, transparency, collaboration, and staff engagement. Through these efforts, the consultancy will help ensure that personnel are informed, connected, and aligned with PAHO’s mission, priorities, and strategic objectives.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Summary

Support the planning, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of internal communication initiatives and employee engagement activities. The consultant will contribute to the preparation of communication products, internal campaigns, strategic messaging, content development, and other activities that strengthen organizational communication and promote alignment with PAHO’s corporate priorities.

Modality and Duration

This consultancy will be engaged for five months, from 1 August to 31 December 2026, with the possibility of extension, subject to programmatic needs, satisfactory performance, and the availability of funds. The consultant will be paid monthly based on the specific products and services provided, estimated on a per-day basis according to the level of effort required for each deliverable.

The consultant must submit all outputs with supporting documentation, which the supervisor will review and validate in accordance with the agreed work breakdown structure. Deliverables must meet PAHO communication, editorial, accessibility, and quality standards.

Frequency and Quality Assurance

In accordance with PAHO Consultant Policy POL-3.16.2, the contract is structured around outputs and deliverables. Based on the estimated level of effort, CMU anticipates up to 20 working days per month, totaling up to 100 working days during the contract period. The actual number of days worked each month may vary based on the volume and timing of deliverables, as determined in coordination with the supervisor and aligned with the program's operational needs and the approved Biennial Work Plan (BWP).

Workload distribution will follow the agreed work breakdown structure and supporting documentation submitted for payment approval. All outputs will undergo supervisor review and quality assurance procedures and must be delivered in final, publication-ready form. Deliverables will be assessed for compliance with PAHO communication, editorial, branding, accessibility, and other applicable quality standards.

Responsibilities and Deliverables

All products to be delivered will be defined and agreed with the supervisor on a monthly basis. They may include:

1. Develop and enhance internal communication materials by gathering, drafting, editing, and refining content for internal audiences, including interviews, feature stories, scripts, announcements, and other communication products, in coordination with relevant stakeholders and the CMU Multimedia Team.

2. Strengthen and manage internal communication channels, platforms, and initiatives, including the internal newsletter, regional intranet, PAHO Staff Dialogue, Viva Engage, PMIS campaigns, screensavers, and other internal communication tools, ensuring timely and effective dissemination of information.

3. Support employee engagement and organizational alignment by developing communication products and campaigns related to institutional priorities, organizational change initiatives, and corporate programs, including PAHO Forward and other strategic initiatives.

4. Support the development, revision, and dissemination of internal communication policies, procedures, guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), job aids, and related governance documents.

5. Collect, analyze, and report on internal communication performance metrics, audience feedback, and engagement data to assess effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and support continuous enhancement of internal communication activities.

6. Provide guidance and technical support to communication focal points in headquarters departments, country offices, and centers on internal communication practices, tools, and standards to promote consistency and collaboration across the Organization.

Qualifications

• University degree in communications, journalism, public relations, organizational communication, marketing, social sciences, or another related field.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in internal communications, employee engagement, organizational communication, corporate communications, change management communications, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing internal communication strategies, campaigns, and communication products for diverse audiences.
• Experience supporting leadership communications, organizational change initiatives, staff engagement activities, and internal communication platforms is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to draft, edit, and adapt content for multiple communication channels, including intranet platforms, newsletters, presentations, email campaigns, and digital communications.
• Experience working in international organizations, public institutions, or multicultural environments is an asset.
• Fluency in English or Spanish, with a good working knowledge of the other language, is essential. Working knowledge of Portuguese and/or French is an advantage.

Quality Assurance and Payment Modality

The consultancy is expected to commence on or about 1 August 2026 and will run through 31 December 2026, in alignment with CMU’s approved Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and HR Plan for 2026–2027. Any extension of the consultancy will be subject to continued institutional need, satisfactory performance, compliance with the Consultant Policy, availability of funds, and prior approval in accordance with applicable PAHO procedures.

The consultancy is output-based, and depending on the scope, volume, and timing of agreed deliverables, the estimated level of effort could be up to 20 working days per month. The number of days worked in any given month may vary and does not guarantee a fixed workload. Work planning and prioritization will be coordinated with the designated supervisor to ensure alignment with CMU operational requirements, while preserving the independent nature of the consultancy arrangement.

All deliverables must be submitted in a final, publication-ready format and will undergo technical review and quality assurance by the designated supervisor. Quality control mechanisms may include structured feedback from internal stakeholders, verification of compliance with organizational communication standards, and selective review of outputs against agreed deliverables, timelines, and performance indicators, as defined in the Terms of Reference.

Payment will be made monthly upon submission and formal approval of a brief progress report certifying the deliverables completed during the reporting period. The report must outline the activities undertaken, the outputs delivered, and any issues affecting implementation. Payments are contingent upon the satisfactory acceptance of deliverables and compliance with agreed timelines and quality standards.

Remuneration will be based on PAHO daily consultancy rates, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and aligned with the applicable consultancy bands. For planning purposes, the consultancy is budgeted at an estimated rate of approximately USD 260 per day within the Band B consultancy range, subject to final determination at contract issuance and in accordance with PAHO policies and procedures.

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.