Noncommunicable Diseases & Mental Health Policy Communication Expert
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the UN's directing and coordinating authority on international health, upholding values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. WHO Bangladesh supports the government's strengthened commitment to preventing and controlling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. This involves multisectoral coordination, implementation monitoring, and technical support. Despite significant NCD initiatives and innovations in Bangladesh, many experiences and lessons remain undocumented, hindering policy advocacy, resource mobilization, and learning.
Job Purpose
This role supports WHO Bangladesh's NCD and Mental Health team by strengthening the capacity to document and communicate the country's experiences, results, and innovations in NCD and mental health prevention and control. The expert will synthesize evidence and stakeholder perspectives into accessible knowledge products like case studies, policy briefs, and success stories. The assignment focuses on capturing implementation experiences, lessons learned, challenges, and scalable good practices. These will be translated into evidence-based products for policymakers, partners, donors, and the public, requiring close collaboration with technical officers, government counterparts, and the WHO Communications team.
Responsibilities
The expert will support the strategic documentation of NCD and mental health programs and policies by identifying and prioritizing key experiences for documentation and maintaining a plan for knowledge products. They will document selected WHO-supported and government-led initiatives for learning and dissemination, focusing on areas like NCDs in emergencies, primary healthcare, multisectoral action, and healthier food environments. The role involves developing evidence-informed knowledge and communication products such as case studies, policy briefs, and success stories, translating program evidence into concise messages for policy dialogue. Additionally, the expert will generate and synthesize evidence through field visits, interviews, and data collection, and support quality assurance, knowledge management, and dissemination by coordinating technical reviews and maintaining a repository of products.
Work Experience
Requires at least seven years of progressive professional experience in public health, health communication, program documentation, knowledge management, evidence synthesis, or policy communication. Experience in documenting public health programs and developing knowledge products for policymakers and donors is highly desirable. Proven ability to collect, analyze, synthesize, and translate technical information into clear, audience-appropriate products, including case studies and policy briefs, is essential. Strong research, writing, editing, and analytical skills are required, along with excellent communication in English and Bangla.
Skills
Key competencies include teamwork, effective communication of complex health issues through various products, and strong interviewing, writing, and storytelling abilities. Analytical thinking is crucial for synthesizing information and translating evidence into policy messages. Planning and organizing skills are needed to manage multiple assignments and timelines. Stakeholder engagement is vital for building relationships and gathering information. Results orientation, attention to quality and accuracy, and adaptability are also important. Technical expertise in public health and NCDs is required, alongside proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital collaboration tools.