National Professional Officer (SDH & Health Promotion)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

1. The goal of the health promotion and social determinant of health in the country is to:2. Strengthen and guide health systems to address prevention, early detection and appropriate management of diseases and comorbidities of communicable and noncommunicable diseases through people-centered primary health care and community engagement to increase coverage of the universal health.3. Contribute to reducing risk factors for communicable and noncommunicable diseases and underlying social determinants by supporting the development of strategies and interventions to create health-supportive environments, in line with intersectoral action plans related to different health programmes”4. Strengthen institutional capacity to develop health promotion strategies, enhance public policies coherence to achieve health and well-being and the national priority outcomes, and implement appropriate programs and provide effective response to prevention and control of public health events.5. Strengthen quantitative and qualitative research in health promotion, determinants of health, intersectoral action for health, and health in all policies; document experiences and best practices, and disseminate results6. Undertake advocacy and coordination for the implementation of health promotion interventions in the health sector and related sectors, in order to address the underlying factors affecting the health of the population while applying the health promotion approach "Health in all policies", intersectoral action strategies, health education interventions, health literacy, etc.7. Strengthen partnerships among health, development and other partners to promote healthy environments, particularly healthy cities, health promoting schools, healthy workplaces, healthy communities, etc. Promote multisectoral collaboration with partners to support the country's development or implementation of strategic actions for health promotion, disease prevention and response to public health emergencies and problems.8. Promote partnerships and national networks for innovative actions for health promotion and involve stakeholders and non-state actors to reduce / control risk factors for diseases.9. Increase the capacity of Member States to use health promotion strategies to address the determinants of health and help communities take control and improve their health through integrated action

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Develop and maintain good and regular working relationships with relevant national and state authorities and other stakeholders to promote health promotion through policies, strategies, legislation, regulations, fiscal and administrative interventions related to health and safety, prevention and control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
2. Collaborate and support the country in the development, implementation of multisectoral national plans for the prevention and control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases; provide advice on the development/review of national policies, programs and structures for health promotion;
3. Collaborate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of national strategies, policies, and plans for health promotion programs with national authorities and multi-sectoral partners.
4. Contribute to the strengthening of technical support to the government to reduce risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and underlying social determinants by creating supportive environments for health, and implementing strategies and relevant interventions in the national multisectoral action plan.
5. Provide technical advice and technical support to the government in line with the guidance of the WCO Senior management to strengthen health promotion capacity, as well as the prevention, early detection, and appropriate management of community-based interventions for communicable and noncommunicable diseases. Promote health in all policies and provide technical support for the development of healthy cities, and other healthy settings and the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity;
6. Support priority health programs to strengthen community engagement, social mobilization, and behavior change communication, and support multisectoral actions to address health inequities; Increase individual, community, and societal participation in health action through empowerment.
7. Provide technical support for the application of methods such as health education, communication for behavioral change, health literacy, social mobilization and advocacy in health programs.
8. Provide technical support for the development of guidelines to promote the use of community-based approaches, affordable strategies, and technologies for quality service delivery, particularly primary and secondary prevention, including the promotion of health in disease management.
9. . Assist the Ministry of Health and its partners in the development of national strategies to implement the Global Action Plan for Healthier Population, and relevant global and regional mechanisms supporting healthier life of the population at the country level.
10. Create partnerships and networks to strengthen multidisciplinary and multisectoral collaboration to combat communicable and non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in the country; Support the collection of disaggregated data, quantitative and qualitative research and dissemination of information and their use for policy and program development, advocacy and awareness on emergency public health event, outbreaks, NCDs and their risk factors.
11. Contribute to the development and implementation of public health communication interventions for the collaborative program with other partners; Provide technical support for the application of methods such as communication for behavioral change, health education, advocacy and advocacy in health programs.
12. Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the WHO Representative

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in health, public health, health promotion, behavioral sciences, social sciences, or a related field from a recognized university such as health education, health communication, sociology / medical anthropology, or population studies with a good knowledge of theory and the practice of health promotion, determinants of health and/or training in epidemiology or social epidemiology.
Desirable: Knowledge or qualification in health-related disciplines, communication skills implementation of multi-sectoral interventions, policy-making skills, monitoring, and evaluation.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years experience in public health and disease control program management, working with national/international organizations involved in health promotion, public health, or development
Desirable: Experience in planning, implementation, monitoring/evaluation of major disease control programs, and experience with the United Nations or international non-governmental organizations.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of policies, strategies, and guidelines in the field of public health, communicable and noncommunicable diseases including neglected tropical diseases, as well as WHO guidance on risk communication and community engagement.

• Good knowledge of prevention of communicable disease outbreaks and health promotion through community empowerment, policy coherence, social mobilization, and multisectoral action for good governance.

•Strong analytical skills and literacy of the sociopolitical, economic, and policy environment of the country that contribute to political and strategic advisory to support the country team.

• Demonstrate leadership skills, coordination, collaboration, innovation, co-creation, and problem-solving skills that foster the ability to work effectively with government and colleagues in a national and international team, share information and data, and make oral and written presentations on technical issues. Ability to lead policy dialogue, advocacy, and communication with partners on health promotion, determinants of health, and risk factors of communicable and noncommunicable diseases. Good ability to establish and maintain relationships and network with national authorities and other stakeholders in relevant sectors. Understanding of potential motivators in the national context and ability to adapt to new approaches in an increasingly complex environment.

• Modern management skills Ability to effectively communicate, and convey information and options in a structured and credible manner with evidence; ability to speak and write clearly

.• Excellent understanding of participatory learning and development, strategic data, and information, including the design of research studies.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 62,054 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

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• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

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• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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