Consultant for Telehealth Pilot for Mental Health

Job Posting Organization:
The IDB Group is a community dedicated to improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Established with a mission to foster sustainable development and social inclusion, the organization comprises a diverse workforce that collaborates in an inclusive and agile environment. The IDB Group operates across multiple countries in the region, focusing on various sectors including health, education, and infrastructure, with a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. The organization values diversity and aims to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully to its mission.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in designing and implementing a telehealth pilot program aimed at addressing mental health challenges in Belize. This position involves assessing the feasibility and scalability of telehealth solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Cayo and Stann Creek districts. The consultant will be responsible for developing protocols and requirements necessary for integrating telehealth into the existing health system operations. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of mental health care delivery, particularly in the context of telehealth, and the ability to adapt successful models from other regions to the local context. The consultant will also engage with various stakeholders to ensure that the pilot program is culturally appropriate and effectively meets the needs of the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review existing telehealth models and evidence for mental health care in remote communities, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, to inform the design of Belize's telehealth model.
• Identify mental health conditions suitable for management via telehealth, establishing criteria for patient eligibility and exclusions, and outlining protocols for transitioning to in-person consultations when necessary.
• Define the service delivery model, including governance structures, patient flow pathways, and requirements for locations of care, connectivity, and equipment.
• Establish care modalities, including the use of video, audio-only, and asynchronous communication, while ensuring patient safety and privacy.
• Identify the necessary human resources, including provider profiles, competencies, and training requirements, and clarify roles and responsibilities.
• Map the regulatory framework for telehealth provision, identifying legal and policy requirements, and propose mechanisms for integrating the pilot into routine operations.
• Develop strategies for sustainability and scalability, including funding conditions for expanding the model to additional facilities.
• Ensure accessibility and inclusion in the telehealth model, promoting culturally appropriate access mechanisms.
• Create public awareness campaigns and onboarding materials to educate the community about the telehealth services available.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant health sector field.
• At least 8 years of experience in the health sector, with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in mental health and telehealth.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and adapt models to local contexts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on evidence-based practices in mental health care delivery.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in a health-related field, which provides a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of health systems and mental health care delivery. This educational background is essential for developing effective telehealth models that are both practical and culturally sensitive.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in the health sector, with at least 3 years specifically focused on mental health and telehealth. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the nuances of mental health care delivery and the operational challenges associated with implementing telehealth solutions in diverse settings. Candidates should have a track record of successfully managing projects or initiatives that involve telehealth or mental health services.

Languages:
Proficiency in both Spanish and English, spoken and written, is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with stakeholders and community members is essential. Additionally, knowledge of French and Portuguese is considered an asset, as it may enhance the consultant's ability to engage with a broader range of communities and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The selected consultant will work under a Products and External Services Consultant (PEC) contract for a duration of 4 months. The position is remote, meaning the consultant will not be required to work from the IDB's office and must set up their own workspace with the necessary equipment and internet access. The consultant must also be a citizen of one of the IDB's 48 member countries and must not have any family members working at the IDB or its affiliates. The IDB is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application process.