National Consultant Tobacco Control

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Uganda is implementing the Africa Tobacco Control Project, funded by the Gates Foundation. This project aims to strengthen national tobacco control efforts by supporting the implementation of the Tobacco Control Act and its regulations. The role contributes to demand reduction strategies, enforcement, and multisectoral action in alignment with WHO FCTC obligations.

Job Purpose

This consultancy provides technical assistance to Uganda in implementing demand reduction strategies under the MPOWER package, focusing on enforcing the Tobacco Control Act 2015 and its regulations. Key areas include enforcing smoke-free policies, banning advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, and raising public awareness. The role also supports transitioning tobacco farmers to alternative livelihoods, regulating emerging products, and strengthening multisectoral action through collaboration with national and international WHO teams. The main objective is to offer technical and coordination support for the effective implementation of tobacco control measures in Uganda, contributing to national health priorities and WHO FCTC obligations.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and monitor the implementation of tobacco control priorities, following up on the WHO Country Office Biennial Workplan and providing regular technical updates. Support capacity building and mentorship for tobacco control enforcement officers, monitoring district action plans. Provide technical and operational coordination for the Tobacco-Free Farms initiative, facilitating stakeholder engagement and supporting the transition of tobacco farmers to alternative livelihoods. Offer technical support to the Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory for product regulation and participation in collaborative studies. Monitor the implementation of the Tobacco Control Act and tobacco industry interference, including surveillance of media platforms. Promote public awareness and multisectoral engagement through sensitization activities and organize review meetings to assess progress and strengthen coordination. Perform any other assigned tasks by the WHO representative.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of experience in health program management is essential. Experience working with government institutions and development partners, tobacco surveillance data analysis, and technical writing for WHO reports, donor proposals, and policy briefs is required. Experience in managing grants and multi-partner projects is also necessary. Desirable experience includes tobacco taxation, health economics, policy and legislative analysis, and understanding of industry interference and Article 5.3 implementation.

Skills

Core Competencies: Teamwork, Communication, Respect for diversity, Producing results, Building partnerships, Technical credibility. Desirable Skills: Strategic thinking, Political awareness, Diplomacy, Problem-solving. Expert knowledge of English (speaking, writing, presentation) is required.

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