Mental Health Officer

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to ensure effective country presence to implement cooperation strategies aligned with Member State health priorities and sustainable development agendas. This role contributes to improving health outcomes and advancing Universal Health Coverage, working in harmony with UN country teams and partners.

Job Purpose

The Mental Health Officer will contribute to the assessment of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs, resources, and capacities within the country. This role involves assisting in the development of mental health service organization plans, with a focus on programming in the country. The officer will promote a system-based approach to integrate MHPSS into health and related social sectors, coordinating with relevant agencies. Additionally, the role includes providing technical input to partner organizations, participating in community-based mental health service development, monitoring integration into primary healthcare, and preparing relevant documentation and reports on mental health topics.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include contributing to the assessment of national mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs, resources, and capacities. The role involves assisting in the development of mental health service organization plans, with an initial focus on country-level programming. The officer will promote a system-based approach for integrating MHPSS into health and social sectors, coordinating with relevant agencies. This includes providing technical input to partner civil society organizations on MHPSS activities and participating in the development of community-based mental health services. The role also entails monitoring the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare and preparing briefing notes, reports, and information products on mental health topics. All other related duties as assigned are also part of the responsibilities.

Work Experience

Essential: More than two years of relevant experience in providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Desirable: Experience working in humanitarian or emergency response settings. Experience with WHO, other UN agencies, relevant NGOs, health cluster partners, or recognized humanitarian organizations is also preferred.

Skills

Technical skills and knowledge in providing mental health and psychosocial support; skills in supporting mental, neurological, and substance use disorders; understanding of country-level mental health and non-communicable disease situations, needs, priorities, and policies; ability to apply WHO policies, practices, and guidelines. WHO competencies include Teamwork, Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Producing results, and Setting an example. Expert knowledge of English and Arabic is essential.

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