Advisor, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health - WHO / PAHO

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Department promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities directed at the prevention, control and surveillance of noncommunicable diseases and related risk factors, mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders, rehabilitation and disabilities, promotion of optimal nutrition, violence prevention and road safety, that are evidence-based and appropriate for the political and sociocultural context in which they are implemented. It raises political and public awareness and understanding of the burden of the most common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental disorders, related risk factors and conditions and leads multi-sector and multi-stakeholder strategic and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Member States' capacity to promote and protect health through public policies, programs, and services. This will reduce risks and disease burden and contribute to improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of the population.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the technical guidance of the Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) and the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1.    Provide leadership and serve as country focal point for matters related to noncommunicable diseases, including Nutrition and Food Safety; Tobacco and Reduction of Other Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors; Violence, road safety or Injuries, Rehabilitation and Disabilities, and mental health and substance use, ensuring that the activities are carried out efficiently and effectively;

2.    Provide technical expertise to advise the government and national stakeholders on the development of national strategies and policies and the formulation, management, and implementation of the respective NMH work program(s);

3.    Coordinate the adaptation and implementation of evidence-based norms, standards, guidelines, and tools in the broad program areas related to noncommunicable diseases;

4.    Develop and monitor NMH work plans and budgets, and follow up on the implementation of planned activities, in consultation with national counterparts;

5.    Mobilize and optimize resources for the respective projects and programs including through partnerships with donors and development partners (United Nations, other multilateral and bilateral);

6.    Develop, coordinate and implement programs for capacity building in the respective NMH areas;

7.    Establish innovative action plans for the inclusion of noncommunicable disease prevention and control and mental health interventions across the life course and continuum of care;

8.    Advise on and ensure the adoption of norms, standards, guidelines and tools to support the implementation of NMH projects;

9.    Manage the operational aspects of related operational research, surveillance, epidemiology and health surveys for noncommunicable diseases;

10. Guide and facilitate the implementation of projects for the control of the respective diseases, including the procurement of safe, efficacious, and affordable medicines and technologies; guide the documenting and dissemination of best practices and partners' experiences;

11. Analyze and evaluate a diverse range of data and information related to noncommunicable diseases and mental health and the implementation of preventative and control measures;

12. Monitor the national burden of noncommunicable diseases, risk factors, and mental health especially through health information systems and health research activities.

13. Act as a technical advisor to the public concerning noncommunicable diseases in the country; and establish new community outreach activities concerning the prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of noncommunicable diseases and mental health;

14. Advocate, build and strengthen partnerships and networks to enhance multi-sectoral collaboration and mobilize resources to address integrated, noncommunicable disease prevention and control, including mental health;

15. Participate in the formulation and negotiation of, and consultation on, project proposals funded by external agencies; collaborate in the implementation, monitoring and reporting of those projects; contribute to the preparation of the Representation´s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities;

16. When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities;

17. Perform other related duties, as assigned.