Margarita Elliot

Scope:

Lead and manage a technical consultancy serving the social development, public health, and climate resilience sectors. Oversee end-to-end operations including strategic planning, business development, project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management. Maintain internal systems and tools to support service delivery, communications, and client relationship management. Manage interface as some clients are keen on having Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

Daily responsibilities include coordinating with consultants, responding to client needs, managing projects, reviewing deliverables, and handling digital platforms. Quarterly tasks involve business reporting, consultant onboarding, marketing reviews, and monitoring technical quality. Annually, oversee strategic reviews, partnership development, policy updates, and innovation across offerings.

• Key Deliverables and Results:
• Managed over 20 consultancies across the Caribbean and Latin America, supporting donor-funded projects in HIV, public health, gender, RCCE, and governance.
• Built Uwàmìto’s digital infrastructure including its website, branded templates, and client management tools.
• Created and operationalized SOPs for onboarding, invoicing, RFI/EOI submissions, project reporting, and proposal tracking.
• Recruited and maintained a network of senior-level technical consultants, mobilized as needed across thematic areas.
• Self-trained in digital tools and social media to market services and build brand visibility.
• Delivered technical leadership and quality assurance for assignments with PAHO, Global Fund, MOHs, and civil society partners.
• Led client engagement, scope development, budgeting, contract negotiation, and reporting for short- and long-term projects.
• Integrated tools like Asana, Trello, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace for project tracking, team collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Scope: Led the activity design for USAID/ Eastern and Southern Caribbean (ESC) mission Global Health Security (GHS) Strategy adaptation for the ESC region. Support the closing out of COVID-19 investments and provide technical assistance for other health programs within the region.

Deliverables and Achievement

• Designed the ESC GHS program architecture aligned with JEE 3.0/ IHR Core indicators and capacity areas. Incorporate also, COVID-19 investment lessons into the overall design.
• Conducted more than 35 consultations with health/agriculture/environment and foreign affairs ministries, multilateral partners (PAHO, IDB, World Bank), USG Agencies (CDC, State Department, LAC Bureaus, Country teams), and CARICOM.
• Consolidated the body of knowledge to inform the design of the USAID ESC GHS program.
• Conducted a comprehensive GHS context analysis of the ESC using stakeholder consultations and document reviews.
• Led the activity design for the USAID/ESC GHS program through different stages of the program cycle from concept to submitting the final package in the USAID Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS) (Statutory Checklist, Concept Review, Activity Memo, Environmental Review, IP Scope of Work etc)
• Drafted a strategic framework and inserted a communication plan for implementing GHS activities in the ESC region.
• Updated the USAID/ESC Mission on work completed via monthly reports, meeting updates, and trip reports.
• Developed a database of health contacts in the ESC region.
• Provided technical assistance for the COVID-19 close out investments.
• Served as activity manager for the PLUS Urban Roadmapping Project - Trinidad and Tobago.
• Attended key GHS-focused meetings (high-level and tactical) representing USAID in the ESC region.

• Provided organizational development support to Suriname Men United (SMU) to develop their Strategic Plan, Advocacy Strategy, and Resource Mobilization Strategy

Scope: Designed and led the piloting of Suriname's first Community-Led Monitoring system to track HIV service disruptions for Key Populations post COVID-19.

Deliverables and Achievement

• Provided technical assistance to the Civil Society Network for Advocacy (CNFA) to design, implement, and monitor the pilot CLM system developed to address the negative impact of COVID-19 on HIV service delivery among Key Populations (Lesbian, Gays, Bi-Sexuals, Sex Workers, Trans and Gender Diverse People, People Living with HIV) in Suriname.
• Interviewed 75 stakeholders to develop CLM indicators and inform the CLM implementation plan
• Trained 7 field officers in CLM data collection, and field communications to undertake the fieldwork required
• Developed tools (data collection, reporting templates, terms of references), budgets, and technical guides for the CLM system
• Developed a resource drive containing relevant research, tools, references, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other products created during the CLM pilot for stakeholders to access and utilize in the future
• Created a secure database to store confidential information to be used by CNFA, ensuring data privacy, and streamlining information management

Scope: Led the customization and implementation of the WHO's Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) framework and guidelines in Trinidad and Tobago. Training and engagement of research- identified vulnerable groups by improving access to services and addressing areas increasing their vulnerability (vaccine hesitancy and infodemic management)

Deliverables and Achievements

• Led RCCE initiatives to improve COVID-19 communication and vaccine uptake in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Customized WHO guidelines and frameworks for implementation around, vaccine hesitancy, infodemic management and crisis communications.
• Engaged 14 stakeholders and 16 liaisons; trained 95 nurses and midwives; motivated 200+ volunteers to implement RCCE training and outreaches.
• Planned and executed 4 community health fairs reaching 1200+ people with health and social services including vaccines.
• Produced technical documents, and reports, and where necessary provided oversight to produce multimedia content to support RCCE activities (speeches, videos, flyers, audio ads, community announcements using ‘town criers’ and pre-recorded advertisements).
• Subcontracted and managed technical consultants.

Key Partners: CARICOM Energy, Guyana Power and Light, CCREEE, TAPSEC Project.

Scope: Creation and delivery of all communication assets for the €25M funded initiative to advance renewable energy adoption across 15+ CARICOM member states.

Deliverables/ Achievements:

• Managed and delivered the following assets: 580 social media graphics (English/Spanish/ Dutch to engage policy makers, utilities, and the public. 112 Technical Documents including guidelines, factsheets and reports. 64 animations/live videos using raw footage from partner projects. 10 Digital newsletters. 60 GIFs/ads. 1 legacy report and a regional campaign reaching in excess of 500K people in the Caribbean.
• Managed service providers using Trello and Asana to allow for seamless communication from requests to delivery and finalization.
• 3 subsequent consultancy extensions to last through the life of project based on performance (quality turnaround and technical support).

Scope: led the adaptation and development of a 20-module training program to equip Patient Care Advocates and Health Navigators with standardized, contextually relevant tools to improve client treatment goals across all HIV treatment clinics in Trinidad and Tobago.

Key Deliverables:

• Repurposed/ developed 20 training modules tailored to Trinidad and Tobago HIV care and treatment landscape covering: Clinical Topics - ART adherence, Opportunistic Infections (OIs), Sexual and Reproductive Health for HIV. Psychosocial Skills - Stigma Reduction, Disclosure Support, Trauma-informed Counseling. System Navigation - Linkage-to-care Protocols, Referral Pathways, Advocacy for Key Populations.
• Tools delivery to match literacy levels of users - Developed facilitator training sheets, PPT Decks and narration worksheets for audio recording for all modules.
• Policy alignment with key national guidelines like the National HIV Strategic Plan.
• Designed a knowledge management system to streamline module review/approval by technical team.
• Drafted the Terms of Reference and hosted the meetings for the Technical Advisory Body to sustain curriculum updates.

Scope: supported the regional initiative aimed at scaling up HIV prevention services to Key Populations (trans and gender diverse people, men who have sex with men, and sex workers) living in the CARICOM member states.

Achievements and Deliverables

• Conducted 23 interviews with key stakeholders including the HIV focal points for the countries of Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, and Barbados
• Drafted the technical program guide on the linkage of Key Populations to HIV care and treatment in the Caribbean
• Co-facilitated two regional Differentiated Services Delivery (DSD) workshops in Suriname and Guyana for 60+ participants – delivered national HIV DSD Plans for both countries

Scope: Designed and delivered specialized training for more than 15 people belonging to Pact's global staff working on the MOMENTUM Project (Chief's of Party, Capacity Development Advisors, and Technical Leads), on how to leverage the use of Pact's Strategic Planning Toolkit - strengthening the capacity of the project local partners. The request came as a result of Pact's staff observing how I used the toolkit with MOMENTUM IP CRMA, and also to reduce costs since Strategic Plans were identified as a need (more than 90% of the time) after completing organizational assessments.

Deliverables and Achievements

• Adapted Pact's Toolkit for diverse contexts (e.g., post-conflict DRC, francophone Senegal).
• Demonstrated how the Toolkit can be used when there are limitations to ensure the activity is completed without compromise.
• Suggested standardization in the planning processes to reduce onboarding times for partners.
• Reducing/eliminating outsourcing needs by training staff to conduct strategic planning - these cost savings could be used in other areas of the project.

Scope: Co-led the conduct of Suriname's national gender assessment to identify systemic barriers to equitable HIV/TB services for key populations (trans and gender diverse people, People Living with HIV (PLHIV), drug users, ex-prisoners) and to understand why there was a 29% increase of men presenting with advanced AIDS at their initial HIV test. The findings and recommendations were to inform the country's Global Fund Grant application and national policy reform.

Deliverables:

• Mixed methods research - conducted in the field. 23 key informant interviews (policymakers, clinicians, CSOs), 9 Focus Groups conducted with 125+ people participating (Trans and gender diverse people, sex workers, PLHIV, drug users, and ex-incarcerated people). 6 site assessments of hospital/ clinics and the pharmacy to audit services.

Scope: Supported the Caribbean Regional Midwives Association (CRMA) (Implementing Partner for USAID MOMENTUM LAC Project), to reflect, reset priorities and craft an actionable 5-year Strategic Plan (2022-2027). CRMA is now using for partner negotiations, proposal development and advocacy briefs.

Deliverables and Achievements

• Conducted a “look-back/look-forward” workshop with 25+ national chapter leaders, reconciling past challenges (e.g., fragmented advocacy) with renewed priorities (e.g., standardized midwifery training).
• Strengthened the capacity of CRMA using PACT Strategic Planning Toolkit and the USAID Local Capacity Model.
• Delivered the strategic plan, providing oversight for the design process to final approval.

Scope: Lead the consultancy to assess the national surveillance system for suicide, self-harm, and suicide attempts in Trinidad and Tobago. This work was to lay the foundation for the development of a national suicide surveillance system.

Deliverables and Achievements:

• Desk review of research, guidelines and global best practices.
• Used a mixed methods research approach to understand the gaps in data collection, points of data collection, reporting, and response systems for mental health crisis. Completed 19 semi-structured interviews with psychiatrists, ER staff, coroners or district medical officers, and social workers. Facilitated 5 focus groups with each Regional Health Authority (RHA) in Trinidad and Tobago to map the data pathways.
• Delivered a detailed report (Fact finding, recommendations, stepped implementation plan, costing plan, interoperability issues between agencies) - showing the regional surveillance system in each RHA, the data management systems of both the Child Guidance Unit and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Services, and a discussion on the integration of data between community (capturing unreported attempts) and the health system.
• Facilitated meetings between stakeholders nationally and a regional meeting between the Belize and Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health to discuss their Health Information System and the use of the regional observatory for Suicides in Central America.
• Adapted and developed a collection of tools for RHAs alignment with WHO ICD-11 Coding for suicide and self harm, incorporating cultural nuances to reduce misclassification of cases.
• Designed a mental health reporting template for the Ministry of Health Trinidad and Tobago streamlining monthly RHA submissions and global benchmarking (e.g. SDG 3.4.2 on suicide rates)
• Managed the team of consultants.

Scope: Supported the design and launch of Zelpha’s Wellness Centre, a mental health-focused social enterprise intended to part finance the operations of for Grassroots Organisation Operating Together in Sisterhood (GROOTS T&T).

Deliverables and Achievements

• Institutional systems development - developed 5 critical operational tools to standardize service delivery: Finance SOPs, Client Flow Protocols, HR Manual and Policies, Service Referral Network, and a Grant Application Template.
• Social Enterprise Modeling - designed the revenue strategy blending fee for services elements with donor funded programs.
• Trained GROOTS T&T team on enterprise governance, board oversight and impact tracking.
• Supported other key staff.

Scope: worked with Grassroots Organization Operating Together in Sisterhood (GROOTS T&T), to support their transition to becoming more sustainable through strategic planning, governance strengthening and resource mobilization, positioning the organization as a leader in Trinidad and Tobago HIV response.

Deliverables and Achievements

• Developed the organization's first 5-year Strategic Plan (2020-2025)
• A detailed operational plan with KPIs, enabling the IP to track progress quarterly.
• SOPs for improved service delivery
• Supported GROOTS T&T to improve their engagement and networking.
• Templates for grant applications.
• Alignment of systems to meet the 'new' legal requirements for Not for Profit Organizations in Trinidad and Tobago.

Scope: supported the implementation of USAID's global flagship HIV prevention program for key populations (Linkages Project) in Trinidad and provided technical oversight for capacity development initiatives across the Eastern Caribbean region, using public health approaches and strengthening local institutional capacity.

Deliverables and Achievement

• Managed program implementation in Trinidad within the broader Eastern Caribbean.
• Facilitated the use of evidence-based HIV cascade methodologies including Social Networking, Peer Navigation, Oral/Self Testing, Index Testing, and Online/Virtual Outreach, reaching over 5,000 key population members with a range of services.
• Community based resources for the HIV response in Trinidad and Tobago with five community HIV rapid testing sites, one drop-in center, and one transition home, expanding service access for key populations.
• Trinidad's first online risk assessment tool (www.dlinktt.com) for key populations, leveraging digital technologies to enhance health service accessibility.
• Supported more than 800 individuals from key populations tested for HIV and successfully linked approximately 100 HIV-positive individuals to treatment services.
• Managed a diverse team of more than 15 people.
• Onboarding of Implementing Partners to meet US Government legal requirements (grant).
• Technical steering committee coordination comprising representatives from government ministries, US Government partners, and other civil society organizations.
• Organizational capacity assessments, institutional strengthening plans and organizational performance index completed for seven implementing partners in the EC.
• Co-managed a regional south-to-south knowledge exchange training program for 19 senior leaders from four Caribbean countries, promoting regional knowledge transfer.
• A comprehensive key population directory of friendly services in Trinidad and Tobago, improving service navigation for vulnerable populations.
• Managed data and profiles for ten civil society organizations using the Pact Solutions Platform, enhancing evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management

Scope: In order to address important public health priorities in the agriculture sector, I created institutional frameworks, advanced workplace policy development, and assisted the government of Trinidad and Tobago in strategically mainstreaming HIV and AIDS initiatives within this nascent sector.

Deliverables and Achievement

• Launched the Ministry’s first HIV and AIDS programme framework in partnership with the National HIV and AIDS Coordinating Unit.
• Developed and executed annual strategic plans and budgets aligned with national health priorities.
• Established the administrative structure for HIV and AIDS programming within the Ministry.
• Designed and rolled out targeted IEC and behaviour change campaigns, directly reaching 800+ staff and over 5,000 indirectly via virtual tools.
• Led the participatory process to develop the Ministry’s HIV and AIDS Workplace Policy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour.
• Contributed technical input to the development of the Ministry’s Sexual Harassment Policy.
• Organized and implemented staff wellness outreach events to promote workplace health.
• Conducted internal assessments and supported monitoring frameworks to measure programme effectiveness.
• Submitted regular reports and updates to senior management and the Interim HIV Agency.
• Provided advocacy and case support for HIV-positive employees navigating workplace issues.

Scope:
Led national and international coordination of the TTRCS HIV program, managed operations, built strategic partnerships, and integrated health into broader humanitarian efforts. Oversaw program design, policy input, funding partnerships, and volunteer training.

Key Deliverables and Results:

• Secured over USD $500,000 in sustained funding from corporate partners.
• Turned the HIV program into a revenue-generating training consultancy.
• Developed targeted programs for young people, pregnant women, and vulnerable groups.
• Gained international recognition at the 2008 International Petroleum Conference and 2010 AIDS Conference.
• Received a Gold Award from the Queen of Spain for youth HIV prevention impact.
• Launched the Human Pandemic Preparedness Project (2009–2010).
• Decentralized HIV services across branches, improving community reach.
• Chaired the Caribbean Red Cross Health Network and co-chaired Inter-Americas Strategic Group on health.
• Co-authored IFRC’s Global Gender Strategy and piloted its “Gender and HIV” training.
• Led strategic planning and capacity-building for staff and volunteers.

Scope:
Managed the national secretariat supporting over 50 AIDS Service Organizations. Coordinated national civil society input into the HIV response and led research and technical advocacy.

Key Deliverables and Results:

• Designed annual strategic work plans aligned with national HIV frameworks.
• Delivered capacity development in grant writing, sustainability planning, and service delivery.
• Managed national and regional research: training needs and ethnographic study of PLHIV.
• Represented civil society on national technical committees for M&E, education, and rights.
• Established international partnerships for knowledge exchanges and best practice sharing.

Scope:
Led the operational turnaround of a local housing affiliate facing financial and performance challenges. Managed family engagement, systems overhaul, and reactivation of services.

Key Deliverables and Results:

• Restored affiliate operations within 6 months by resolving family debt and strengthening systems.
• Updated financial reporting and data systems.
• Re-engaged community members and rebuilt partner relationships.
• Presented performance improvement recommendations to national HQ.

Scope:
Directed national-level programs for community development and health promotion through ecumenical networks. Managed multiple grassroots projects across rural and underserved communities.

Key Deliverables and Results:

• Delivered over 15 long-term projects addressing youth empowerment, women’s rights, and HIV prevention.
• Reached approx. 3,000 beneficiaries annually across remote communities.
• Led training and dialogue initiatives on domestic violence, drug prevention, small business, and legal aid.
• Organized large-scale community events and UN observances to drive awareness and advocacy.
• Developed faith-based partnerships to improve service access for marginalized groups.