Technical Officer - Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI)

The Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI) is a priority programme for WHO under the Non-communicable Diseases (NCD). Both are located in the EMR Office in the Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Department, which handles the following areas:

• NCD prevention, which tobacco control is part of;
• NCD management;
• Mental health and substance use

This Department is providing support to one of the 4 main areas of high priority for the Regional Director, which is the NCDs.

The TFI at WHO Regional Office of the Eastern Mediterranean works towards:

• Building the capacity of countries from the Eastern Mediterranean Region in tobacco control;
• Assisting countries to implement their obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) by developing coherent legislation and policies through a multi-sectoral approach;
• Providing technical support to undertake research in various aspects of tobacco control, including prevalence of tobacco use, tobacco product regulation and trade, health and economic impact, second-hand smoke, smoking and children, and implementation of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System;
• Conducting communication and media advocacy to enhance public awareness, including celebration “World No Tobacco Day” on 31 May, every year.

The four main areas of work in the TFI are:

1. National capacity building.
2. Legislation developments and the support of the WHO FCTC implementation.
3. Surveillance and monitoring.
4. Communication and media focus.

The programme also focuses on the following policies at country level (MPOWER):

1. Monitor the tobacco epidemic including the tobacco industry activities.
2. Protect people from second hand smoke.
3. Offer help to quit.
4. Warn people from tobacco use health hazards.
5. Enforce total and comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising promotion and sponsorship.
6. Raise taxes.

Under the direct supervision of Regional Advisor for TFI, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Contribute to the implementation of the TFI workplan;
• Provide technical support to countries for implementing their plans;
• Support Member States in the finalization of national action plans and national targets in the area of ‘NCD’ Best Buys;
• Provide support to countries to adopt and implement the highest measures in the MPOWER policy;
• Develop technical material to support EMR countries as required by the Unit;
• Provide technical assistance for national and regional initiatives on strengthening the MPOWER and NCD Best Buys at country level;
• Support other activities related to technical side of the programme; and
• Support other activities related to the project’s management as requested.

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Integrity
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Working in Teams