Job Description
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Qualifications
BACKGROUND
The Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Unit in the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) provides policy guidance and technical assistance to Member States; develops, implements and monitors multisector, integrated, evidence-based, and people-centred policies, strategies and plans; and strengthens the capacity of national-health systems to deliver high-quality, integrated Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD), Mental and Neurological and Substance Use (MNS) services at Primary Health Care and all levels of care for Universal Health Care (UHC). These include early diagnosis, screening and treatment of NCDs and mental health conditions and their risk factors; rehabilitation and disability services; promoting and tracking cross-cutting, end-to-end delivery to achieve impact; and support to the building and maintenance of national and regional information systems for NCDs and mental health, neurology, and alcohol and other substance use.
In the area of Mental Health, Neurology and Substance Abuse, AFRO supports Member States to develop/reform Mental Health policies and strategic Plans, supports integration of mental health services into primary health care and provides support for strengthening community mental health services in line with the Framework to Implement the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan in the WHO Africa Region, endorsed by the Regional Committee in August 2022.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Most member states in the African region are not on track to meet the targets set out in the regional framework. In this context, the AFRO Team is setting up a rooster of mental health experts in the areas of:
• Mental/Neurological/Substance Use legislative and policy reform (including implementation of Quality Rights roll out)
• MNS strategic planning
• Mental/Neurological/Substance use service integration (including mhGAP; Ensuring Quality in Psychological and Mental Health care-EQUIP; Child and Adolescent Mental Health programming; Perinatal Mental health, Epilepsy and other neurological disorders, access to medications)
• Mental Health and Psychosocial Support integration in emergency settings
• Multi-sectoral approach to Suicide Prevention (including implementation of LIVE LIFE guidance)
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health programming
• Mental/Neurological/Substance advocacy and communications
• Mental/Neurological/Substance Use research, surveillance and data management
The purpose of these positions is to support the mental health medical officer under the NCDs management team in AFRO to support member states to meet the regional framework targets.
The consultant will be expected to achieve the following objectives according to their areas of expertise:
1. Support countries in Mental Health/Neurological/Substance Use legislative and policy reform as well as strategic plan development in line with international human rights conventions and Quality Rights principles including national mental health, suicide prevention and child and adolescent mental health legislation, policies and plans
2. Support countries to build capacity and service delivery of integrated mental health/ neurological/ substance services through training healthcare providers using but not limited to mhGAP; Ensuring Quality in Psychological and Mental Health care-EQUIP; Problem Management Plus, Self Help Plus, Group Interpersonal Therapy
3. Support countries to build capacity in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Integration into disaster preparedness, Response and Recovery in collaboration with EPR units
4. Support countries with mental health/neurological/substance use advocacy and communications including awareness campaigns, mental health literacy programs; stigma reduction campaigns; effective inclusion of people with lived experience and multisector collaborations
5. Support countries to strengthen mental health/neurological/substance research, surveillance and data management including surveys to monitor progress on global mandates (Mental Health atlas/IGAP/Progress on SDG 3.5); integration of mental health/neurological/substance indicators into health information systems, use of digital health technologies
6. Support specific countries implementing specific initiatives in mental health including the Special Initiative for Mental Health, the WHO/UNICEF Joint Program, SAFER initiatives to reduce harms from alcohol use, Perinatal Mental Health initiative
7. Perform all other related duties as assigned.
Education
.• Essential: At least a master’s degree in medicine with specialization in psychiatry or an Advanced University degree (Master’s level or above) University degree in mental health/psychiatry/public mental health/mental health nursing/clinical psychology/clinical social work/psychiatric occupational therapy/social sciences
• Desirable: Masters in Global Mental Health/ PhD in any of the above subject areas
Experience
• Essential: At least seven years of relevant experience, at the national and international levels, in development and management of Mental Health programmes including supporting multi-sectoral coordination, strengthening country capacities and developing and implementing mental health policies and programs.
• Desirable: Relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies, non-governmental, and academic Institutions.
Skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Global and Regional Mental Health frameworks and WHO Mandates
• Comprehensive knowledge of the theory, principles, methods and techniques in mental health policy, planning and financing, strengthening community mental health services and integrating mental health into primary health care
• Working knowledge of primary and secondary mental health care, UHC, in-service and pre-service mental health training and capacity building, essential medicines, existing surveillance system and primary care systems in the African region
• Sound technical and policy advisory skills, based on evidence.
• Ability to coordinate, plan and implement projects, organize training activities, effectively monitor and analyse data and make oral and written presentations.
• Very good ability to build and maintain relations and network with national authorities and other stakeholders across relevant sectors.
• Understanding of the potential motivating factors within national context and ability to adjust to new approaches in an increasingly complex environment.
• Modern management skills (planning and evaluation, etc).
• Capacity to convey information and options in a structured and credible way; ability to speak and write clearly.
• Proficiency in computer applications and ability to draft reports
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Excellent knowledge of English or French or Portuguese.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of any other UN official languages.
Location
Multiple locations.
Travel
The consultant is expected to travel.
Remuneration:
Band level B – USD 7,000 – 9,980 per month / USD 350 – 499 per day.
Duration
Contract duration varies from 1 to 11 months depending on operational needs and individual tasks.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. 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/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
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• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
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