Technical Officer
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) is establishing a new Department of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control (HPD). This department will oversee regional actions for disease prevention and management, mental health promotion, and addressing social determinants of health, aligning with WHO's strategic priorities.
Job Purpose
This role is responsible for leading and strategically directing programs within the newly established Department of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control (HPD) in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. The primary objective is to strengthen the region's capacity in health promotion and disease control, with a specific focus on mental health, neurological disorders, and substance use disorders. The role involves guiding Member States in developing and implementing evidence-based policies, strategies, and interventions. It also aims to enhance service delivery, promote recovery, and ensure human rights are observed within a multisectoral framework, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the region's population.
Responsibilities
Support Member States in developing and implementing evidence-informed policies, legislations, national strategies, action plans, and surveillance systems for mental health and substance use disorders. Provide technical support to civil society organizations on public health issues related to mental health and substance use, including suicide prevention. Strengthen coordination and collaboration for the WHO EMRO Flagship initiative on accelerating public health action on substance use. Support countries in implementing the regional action plan on mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies. Draft and assist in preparing project proposals for donors to enhance health system responses. Foster partnerships with other WHO programs to implement mental health and brain health action plans. Support Member States' activities related to global action plans on dementia and suicide prevention, and anti-stigma programs. Assist in establishing or strengthening monitoring and surveillance systems for mental health and substance use. Prepare and revise technical documents, reports, and web content.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience with international exposure in developing and implementing policies, strategies, and action plans for the prevention and treatment of mental health and substance abuse in developmental and humanitarian settings. Desirable: Experience working in developing countries and with UN bodies or NGOs in the mental health and substance use field.
Skills
Expert knowledge of international policy frameworks for mental health and substance use disorders. Understanding of psychosocial and epidemiological aspects of mental health, alcohol, and substance use. Ability to provide expert advice and technical assistance to countries. Skills in planning and conducting capacity-building activities. Ability to assess, evaluate, and incorporate new evidence. Strong proposal and report writing skills. Data interpretation and analysis capabilities. Effective communication and presentation skills. WHO Competencies: Teamwork, Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Promoting innovation and organizational learning, Building and promoting partnerships.