Advisor, Alcohol and Psychoactive Drugs - WHO

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 to the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders, related risk factors and disabilities 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 general supervision of the Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH), and the direct supervision of Unit Chief, Mental Health and Substance Use (NMH/MH), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Provide technical and strategic advice and programmatic direction to Member States for the development of projects and activities, at the highest level of expertise, in the field of prevention and control of alcohol and psychoactive substances;
2. Represent the Organization at the different levels in the Region in the development of projects and norms in prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug use disorders;
3. Cooperate with Member States in the definition and implementation of policies, plans and programs for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of alcohol and psychoactive drug related problems;
4. Develop appropriate systems for the management of information concerning alcohol and psychoactive drug problems, and integrating this information into existing health surveillance information systems;
5. Design and carry out epidemiological and operational studies on prevention, control and treatment of alcohol and psychoactive drugs problems, in cooperation with national authorities;
6. Promote inter-country cooperation in the fields of program development and training, and education on alcohol and drug dependence through the identification of centers of excellence and the organization of a network of such centers oriented toward collaborative work;
7. Promote the financing of regional and country projects and assist the governments in the identification of projects, preparation of proposals, and conduct of evaluative activities of said projects;
8. Prepare and write proposals to mobilize international and national resources and voluntary contributions in support of regional and national programs;
9. Administer programs on promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of alcohol and psychoactive drug problems  in which the Organization has been designated executing agency;
10. Coordinate the activities related to communication, health promotion and health education implemented with partners and advance the use of state-of-the-art technology to achieve expected goals;
11. Organize and participate in seminars and meetings on alcohol and psychoactive drugs in order to analyze specific problems and facilitate the exchange of scientific information on these subjects;
12. Cooperate in the establishment and development of coordinating mechanisms among Ministries of Health, Education, Interior and Social Security to promote the effective utilization of resources in the field;
13. Cooperate with countries in the promotion, design, and organization of education and training programs in the area of alcohol and psychoactive drugs including collaboration with Universities, Ministries of Health and Social Security; advising the countries in the establishment of continuing education programs and the introduction of this topic in the curricula and work plan of health care workers;
14. Coordinate with WHO Collaborating Centers, UNDC, CICAD, NGO’s, national and international agencies in the development of activities promoting prevention and control of alcohol and psychoactive drugs;
15. Collaborate in the planning and implementation of MH strategies in the context of national and international policies and programs for equitable health development;
16. Contribute to strengthening program linkages and cross-area program activities and projects;
17. 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;
18. Supervise staff under his/her supervision.