PAHO Consultant - Revision of National Guidelines for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Suriname

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:

September 29, 2025

Closing Date:

October 6, 2025, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Primary Location:

Off Site

Organization:

SUR Suriname

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).
• Provide a short description of the objective of the office/department here.
• Provide a description of the purpose of the consultancy here.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

1. Purpose of the Service Contract

Under this service contract, the consultant is expected to revise and update the National Guidelines for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), ensuring they reflect the latest WHO recommendations, national policies and standard operating procedures. The revised guidelines will encompass clinical management of priority STIs (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, and HPV), screening, diagnostic and treatment algorithms, and follow-up.

2. Background

Suriname has made progress in improving sexual and reproductive health services, yet STI prevention and treatment remain areas of concern. Currently, STIs such as syphilis are on the rise in Suriname. Inconsistencies in clinical management, outdated treatment protocols, and limited integration of prevention services present challenges to effective STI control and treatment.

Updating the national guidelines is critical to:

·       Ensure consistency with WHO-recommended treatment regimens

·       Improve access to patient-centered, evidence-based STI services across the health system.

This service contract will support the Ministry of Health in developing comprehensive, inclusive, and contextually relevant national STI guidelines, which will address the priority STIs in Suriname, ensuring technical accuracy and practical applicability.

3. Objectives of the Service Contract

The specific objectives are to:

·       Review existing national STI guidelines and identify gaps.

·       In alignment with WHO 2021 and subsequent recommendations, update case management protocols, algorithms for common STIs (including syndromic management, treatment of co-infections and complications) and partner notification.

·       Update laboratory diagnosis algorithm.  

·       Design differentiated service delivery models at PHC level adapted to the Surinamese context.

4. Scope of Work

The consultant, engaged under a service contract, will work under the supervision of PAHO/WHO and in close coordination with the Ministry of Health. Key activities include:

a. Situation analysis and desk review:

·       Review existing STI guidelines and service delivery approaches.

·       Identify gaps in prevention and treatment access.

·       Review available national STIs data to identify the burden and trends of diseases.

·       Review the WHO recommendations for the priority STIs clinical guidelines.

·       Review the generic protocol for the Caribbean which includes updated WHO recommendations.

b. Stakeholder engagement:

·       Conduct consultations with HIV/STI clinicians, dermatologists, the National AIDS/STI Program (NAP), Bureau of Public Health (BoG), laboratory experts, and civil society organizations including PLHIV networks.

·       Facilitate one technical meeting to review the draft STI guidelines and provide feedback and obtain consensus on content.

c. Drafting and validation:

Prepare a draft of revised STI Guidelines, including screening, treatment, foll