NPO (Non-Communicable Diseases %26 Health Promotion)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Communicable diseases are the leading cause of death and disease in Sierra Leone, of which malaria is the single biggest killer. However, Non-communicable diseases and injuries are increasing public health concerns, with diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease, mental health disorders as well as injuries increasingly responsible for premature death and disability in Sierra Leone. There is not yet a public health response to NCDs, and despite being an FCTC 2030 partner party, Tobacco control efforts are lagging. As part of FCTC 2030, Sierra Leone has identified legislation on tobacco control, implementation of taxation measures and mobilizing and increasing public awareness of the effects of exposure to Tobacco as continuing priorities. The post will support the MoHS programme for prevention and control of NCDs through technical advice, support for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; as well as knowledge management informationand communication. The support should translate into a coordinated response, with policies, strategiesprogrammes and work plans to reduce population exposure to tobacco and other key risk factors for NCDs; and institutional capacity to conduct surveillance for NCD risk factors, and implement and monitor NCDs programmes in line with the Global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013-2020.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Coordination and technical advice1. Support the MoHS, United Nations Agencies and other national governmental bodies to coordinate expertise & resources to reduce population exposure to tobacco and other risk factors for NCDs, and prevent and control NCDs, with the participation of development and implementing partners, the private sector, CSOs, and communities.2. Support the development of policies, strategies, programmes and work plans to reduce population exposure to key behavioral risk factors for NCDs, and prevent and control NCDs, including a comprehensive national cancer prevention and control strategy. Coordinate actions aimed at addressing the broad determinants of health that influence health and well-being. Provide guidance on review/development of national policies, programs and structures for health promotion3. Support the design of a strategy, workplan and activities as set out by the FCTC 2030 Project. Strengthen the capacity of the MoHS and other national governmental bodies to implement a national program for tobacco control; and adopt strategies to combat the tobacco industry influence in accordance with the guidelines for implementation of article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC4. Build institutional capacity to implement and monitor NCDs programmes.5. Support the GoSL to conduct studies and surveillance activities to document and monitor the trends of exposure to tobacco and other behavioral risk factors for NCDs. The findings of such studies should be effectively disseminated in high-level meetings to raise awareness and promote the sustainability of the implementation of the WHO FCTC and other NCD prevention and control strategies6. Promote and strengthen national and international technical cooperation, build and strengthen partnerships and alliances with various stakeholders including South-South cooperation, in order to exchange experiences and to increase the national capacity with regard to implementation of the FCTC 2030 Project7. Prepare reports and other materials related to the development and implementation of the FCTC 2030 ProjectPlanning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation1. Plan, schedule, monitor and assess the activities related to NCDs and the FCTC 2030 project, in line with the country strategy, workplan, and schedule of activities, as well as resources provided2. Ensure compliance with deadlines and standards, support good documentation, and conduct evaluations to ensure robust technical & programmatic performanceKnowledge management, information and communication1. Ensure that management of information and knowledge is mainstreamed and reflected in the country strategy workplans and budgets, and involves partner institutions2. Support the development of a network of knowledge management, and promote technical cooperation products, using the different tools offered that allow for a greater exchange of information3. Coordinate with Communications on the development and implementation of public health communication, including as applicable process documentation, media relations and materials developmentThe Officer will also perform any other activities assigned by the WR.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: First University Degree in any Health-related field, Public Health or Social Sciences with Post-graduate specialization in Public Health, Development Studies, Public Policy or related fields. Good knowledge of health promotion theory and practice.
Desirable\: Master's degree in Public Health, Medical Sociology/Anthropology, or Health Promotion.

Experience

Essential\: A minimum two years of experience in public health, development or public policy, including policies or strategies for Tobacco control.
Desirable\: Experience in management of inter-sectoral projects

Skills

⦁ Technical expertise in public health⦁ Ability to work effectively with colleagues at national and sub-national levels and within WHO⦁ Excellent writing and oral skills, including ability to analyze complex data and to summarize and⦁ communicate these to a wide range of audiences and cultures⦁ Experience in designing communication (IEC/BCC) and advocacy materials for health programmes⦁ Good interpersonal, coordination, facilitation and leadership skills with the ability to motivate and convey enthusiasm to co-workers and target audiences.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Beginners knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at SLL ########### (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 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.

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

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

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

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

• 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.