International Consultant - SIMH (special Initiative For Mental Health), WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, Manila, Philippines

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization Special Initiative for Mental Health (SIMH) aims to strengthen Member States' mental health systems and scale up community-based services integrated within primary healthcare. In the Western Pacific Region, this initiative supports countries at various stages of implementation. This consultancy will contribute to regional and country-level activities through coordination, documentation, and technical support.

Job Purpose

This consultancy supports the implementation of the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health (SIMH) in the Western Pacific Region. The role involves providing coordination and technical support for mental health activities, particularly those related to climate change and disasters. Key contributions include synthesizing country-level data, preparing technical documentation, supporting regional meetings, and producing reports to ensure the effective delivery and sustainability of SIMH programs. The ultimate goal is to strengthen mental health systems and services across member states, contributing to universal health coverage.

Responsibilities

The consultant will provide coordination and technical support for mental health activities in the Western Pacific Region, focusing on climate change and disaster resilience. Key responsibilities include compiling and analyzing country implementation data for a regional synthesis report, preparing technical documents such as briefing notes and mission reports for the Philippines and Cambodia, and documenting the SIMH Regional Meeting. This involves drafting agendas, preparing background materials, compiling session notes, and producing a final meeting report. Additionally, the consultant will develop technical products like briefs and concept notes, and submit monthly progress and final consultancy reports detailing achievements, challenges, and recommendations for program planning and sustainability.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in mental health, public health, or related fields, with experience in low- and middle-income country contexts. Desirable: Experience with international organizations (UN), supporting multi-country initiatives, program implementation, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, technical documentation, and supporting meetings/trainings.

Skills

Sound understanding of mental health systems and public health approaches. Strong technical writing and documentation skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-cultural collaboration. Strong analytical and organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel for data analysis and presentation. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Experience synthesizing information and contributing to reports. Expert level of English is essential.

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