National Professional Officer (mental Health And Substance Abuse)

Organizational Context

The WHO Country Office in Indonesia supports enhancing responses to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health through evidence-based, integrated, multi-sectoral programs. It promotes mental health and psychosocial support across all age groups, providing technical expertise, management, and coordination. The office offers policy and strategic guidance for national strategies, interventions, and capacity development, analyzing health data and updating guidelines to align with global standards.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to significantly contribute to Indonesia's efforts in enhancing and sustaining its response to Mental Health and Substance Abuse, aligning with the WHO Country Office's strategic objectives. Mental health is recognized as a vital and integral component of overall health, essential for individual well-being, productivity, and community contribution. The promotion, protection, and restoration of mental health are global priorities. Similarly, substance abuse and substance use disorders pose significant public health challenges, necessitating comprehensive, evidence-based interventions. This position will support the development and implementation of integrated, multi-sectoral programs, providing technical expertise and strategic guidance. It aims to foster sustainable national strategies, capacity development, and ensure initiatives align with global norms, ultimately strengthening the country's ability to address mental health and substance abuse through prevention, early identification, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery support via people-centered health and social services.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will primarily focus on data management and analysis, including collecting, compiling, analyzing, and interpreting data related to mental health, psychosocial support (MHPSS), and substance abuse to assess national needs and capacities. This involves managing information systems and disseminating updated WHO reports and information products on these public health issues, while also monitoring emerging threats and their implications for MHPSS programming. A key duty is providing technical support for developing mental health service organization plans, promoting a systems-based approach to integrate MHPSS and substance abuse interventions across health and social sectors, and reviewing program documents for adherence to WHO guidance. The role also involves significant capacity building, arranging and compiling materials for government units, partner organizations, and health personnel at national and subnational levels. Furthermore, the officer will provide technical input to civil society organizations, ensure timely implementation of program activities through close follow-up with the Ministry of Health, and participate in field visits to report on health conditions, including MHPSS concerns in humanitarian settings. The role also contributes to crisis response activities and offers technical support on eye care services.

Work Experience

Essential: At least one year of relevant experience in developing or implementing mental health-related public health, capacity-building, policy, or advocacy programs at the national level. Professional experience providing technical services to national and sub-national governments and partners in public health programs within resource-limited settings is also required. Desirable: Experience in national or community-based public mental health programs, MHPSS in emergencies, disability and rehabilitation, or clinical experience in primary healthcare settings. Previous experience with UN agencies or international development organizations is an asset.

Skills

Key skills include sound knowledge of WHO/UN mandates on mental health, substance abuse, and sensory functions; technical expertise in providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS); strong support skills for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders; and demonstrated abilities in MHPSS capacity-building and emergency/humanitarian response. The role requires good knowledge of Indonesia's mental health and NCD context, ability to adapt WHO guidelines, and excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

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