Technical Officer, Noncommunicable Diseases, Risk Factors and Mental Health - WHO

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This is a requisition 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 and control of noncommunicable diseases and related risk factors, mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders and disabilities, and promotion of optimal nutrition 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 general supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative, and the technical guidance of the Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1.    Provide technical advice and support for the implementation of the technical corporation program of work for the prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), in order to strengthen capacities to adequately respond to the burden of these diseases;

2.    Provide technical support to the Ministries of Health BHS and TCA, and other national institutions to implement an integrated approach to the promotion of mental health, following a multi-disciplinary and inter-programmatic approach, in coordination with the subregional, regional and global levels of the Organization;

3.    Collaborate in the development, implementation, and the evaluation of prevention programs and health services for the control of NCDs and mental health, with emphasis on the strengthening of the integration, continuity and quality of the health services from different providers;

4.    Support the implementation of the PAHO initiative, Better Care for NCDs: Accelerating Actions in Primary Health Care, to expand access to NCD services within Primary Health Care systems.

5.    Support the expansion of the coverage and quality of mental health services and the prevention of psychoactive substance abuse, through the implementation of the mhGAP strategy and strengthening the competencies of relevant human resources;

6.    Support the development and/or strengthening of national MHPSS coordination mechanisms in order to strengthen country's capacity to integrate MHPSS into emergency preparedness, response and recovery.

7.    Support the implementation of the HEARTS strategy, promoting the inclusion of diabetes and hypertension;

8.    Promote the implementation of different PAHO/WHO packages addressing the NCD risk factors in collaboration with intersectoral partners;

9.    Provide technical cooperation on road safety, disabilities and rehabilitation through accessible and inclusive health systems;

10. Support the strengthening of national capacities for the development and implementation of NCD and risk factors surveillance systems, data analyses, interpretation and reporting;

11. Identify technical assistance issues (needs, options and resources); supervise/coordinate the technical assistance for the Projects and Terms of Cooperation under areas of responsibilities, and with implementing partners at country level;

12. Contribute to the preparation and dissemination of reports and communication materials on the NCD situation to promote and raise the visibility of the work of the Organization;

13. Contribute to mobilizing extra budgetary resources to extend the scope of technical cooperation for addressing NCDs and mental health issues and collaborate on the implementation, monitoring and reporting of those projects;

14. Represent the Organization at national and regional technical meetings on NCD surveillance;

15. Collaborate in the preparation, monitoring and evaluation of the Representation’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of national technical cooperation;

16. Prepare and maintain all documents and progress reports pertaining to the projects being implemented at the country level;

17. Perform other related duties as assigned.