Program Officer-NCD and Mental Health

Objective of the programme:

Noncommunicable diseases including mental health are the major cause of morbidity and mortality globally and in Bangladesh. Mental health is gaining importance in Bangladesh with 18.7% adults and 12.6% children in Bangladesh estimated to be having mental health conditions. The objective of this programme is to support the Government of Bangladesh to reduce premature deaths and disabilities from NCDs and mental disorders. Implementation of the programme will reduce the health, economic and social burden of NCDs and mental disorders in Bangladesh and achieve commitments to global NCD targets and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Description of duties:

Under the guidance of the National Professional Officer, Mental Health, and overall supervision of Medical Officer, NCD, the incumbent will be stationed in a district to

Provide technical assistance and liaison to the Government counterparts and other relevant stakeholders to

1. Generate evidence in the areas of noncommunicable diseases and mental health.
2. Adopt and implement the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan and evidence-based policies to promote mental health.
3. Expand mhGAP implementation in the selected district to ensure care for mental disorders through primary care approach, strengthen Mental Health and Psychosocial support (MHPSS) in emergency and non-emergency situations.
4. Adopt evidence-based policies, implement multisectoral action plans and policies to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases, promote healthy settings, address social determinants of health.
5. Adopt and implement the Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PRSEAH) policy and procedures.
6. Strengthen monitoring, supervision and data management relating to NCDs and mental health.
7. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned, including backstopping.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

Essential:

University degree in medicine, dentistry or psychology.

Desirable:

Post graduate degree in public health/ psychology or psychiatry.

Experience:

Essential:

At least two years of work in mental health or public health.

Desirable:

Experience of working with government or non-government organizations on mental health or public health issues.

Competencies:

·Teamwork

·Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.

·Communication

·Moving forward in a changing environment

·Producing results

Computer Literacy:

Proficient in using computer software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Languages:

Expert knowledge of English and Bangla.

Duty Station:

Anywhere in Bangladesh.

Salary & others benefits:

WHO offers locally competitive packages such as:

Monthly salary: BDT 125,194.00 (SSA – 7, Step I) (non-negotiable)

Insurance, Leave and Holidays as per WHO rules.

Additional Information:

1.This Vacancy Notice may be used to fill similar positions at the same level.

2.Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

3.A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening.

4.If your candidature is retained for 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.

5.For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

6.The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits workforce regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

7.The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce. 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 for WHO jobs.

8.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.

9.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 (https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values) into practice.

10.WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of short-listed candidates.

11.WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

12.Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

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14.This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.

15.Any extension of appointment would be subject to programmatic requirements, performance of the incumbent and availability of funds.

16.Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.