About the opportunity
This consultancy is offered by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) / Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Costa Rica. The consultant will provide technical support to strengthen national capacities for the prevention, early detection, rapid response, and recovery from epidemic- and pandemic-prone respiratory threats, as well as core capacities under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). The duration of the consultancy is 7 months, running from September 28, 2026, to April 30, 2027.
Salary and benefits
- Total consultancy remuneration of ₡13,300,000 paid across five installments upon completion and approval of deliverables
- First deliverable payment of ₡2,650,000 due by November 15, 2026
- Second deliverable payment of ₡2,500,000 due by January 5, 2027
- Third deliverable payment of ₡3,000,000 due by February 10, 2027
- Fourth deliverable payment of ₡2,850,000 due by March 1, 2027
- Fifth deliverable payment of ₡2,300,000 due by April 15, 2027
- Per diem and transportation covered by PAHO/WHO for required travel to the Central Pacific region from November 1 to 4, 2026
Who can apply?
- Professional degree in health sciences, occupational health, social sciences, or related fields
- Postgraduate degree in areas related to Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Management, or Risk Management
- At least five (5) years of experience in the surveillance, prevention, and control of events of public health importance
- Experience in formulating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating policies, projects, plans, and programs for the prevention and control of public health events
- Desirable: at least three (3) years of combined experience in risk management and emergency response
- Desirable: knowledge of global, regional, and national public health policies
- Desirable: knowledge of the health sector and social security system of Costa Rica
- Proficiency in Spanish with capabilities to work with English or another official language
Required documents
- Updated online profile on the PAHO Career page with elaborated work history
- Scanned copies of required degree(s), diploma(s), or certificate(s) if retained for interview
When to apply
- Application closing date: September 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
- Consultancy period: September 28, 2026, to April 30, 2027
How to apply
- Complete and update your online profile on the PAHO Career page ensuring all experience records are detailed
- Submit your application online through the official PAHO recruitment portal before the deadline
Additional information
- This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level and place successful candidates on a roster.
- The work arrangement is hybrid, requiring attendance at meetings in San José and potential occasional travel to other regions.
- Consultants perform work as independent contractors and are solely responsible for applicable taxes and social security contributions.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professionals with a postgraduate degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or Health Management.
- Experts with at least five years of experience in surveillance and control of public health events.
- Candidates proficient in Spanish and capable of working in English.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is a fixed-term contract of 7 months, providing temporary rather than permanent employment.
- Consultants are independent contractors responsible for their own taxes and social security contributions.
- Payment is tied to the completion and approval of five specific deliverables.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a great fit for a senior public health professional looking to contribute to national-level health security and pandemic preparedness in Costa Rica.
Our take
A specialized short-term contract for public health experts in Costa Rica who can lead respiratory pathogen preparedness and IHR 2005 implementation.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
