National Professional Officer (Mental Health)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The disease burden in Bangladesh is shifting from communicable to noncommunicable disease (NCDs) due to epidemiological transition. NCDs are estimated to currently account for 67% of all deaths in Bangladesh and a large number of these deaths are premature. Mental & neurodevelopmental disorders are important contributors to premature deaths and disabilities from NCDs. Studies estimated that 18.7% of adults and 12.6% of children in Bangladesh are having mental health conditions. The objective of the NCD programme is to provide technical support to the Government of Bangladesh to generate evidence, adopt evidence-based policies and action plans driven by international best practices, and to implement, monitor and evaluate the programme with an ultimate objective 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 and supervision of the MO-NCD & NPO NCD and overall supervision of Deputy WHO Representative, the incumbent will:a) provide technical assistance to the Government counterpart and other relevant stakeholders -

1. to adopt and implement the recommendations of WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health and WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan in coordination with WHO Headquarters and SEARO;

2. to adopt, implement and evaluate policies, legislations and strategic action plans relating to mental and neurological health;

3. to develop country specific training modules in line with the WHO tools and guidelines and build capacity through training;

4. to implement the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) aiming at scaling up services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders, specially at primary health care settings;

5. to provide Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) both in emergency settings and in situations of chronic hardship;

6. to undertake strategic communication to reduce stigma, promote mental health and prevent substance abuse;

7. to strengthen service for disabilities and gender-based violence;

8. to generate evidence and develop a monitoring and evaluation system;b) perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for other team members, as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in medicine/ psychology or equivalent clinical health science.
Desirable: Post-graduate degree in public health or mental health.

Experience

Essential: At least one (1) year of work experience in public health or mental health
Desirable: -Experience of drafting of policies, action plans and guidelines relating to mental and neurological health;-Experience in building capacity and/ or implementation of mhGAP and MHPSS;-Work experience in mental health, neurodevelopmental disorders, gender-based violence and counseling service;-Work experience with UN agencies or international organizations.

Skills

-Good understandingof WHO recommendations and best practices in the area of mental health, neurodevelopmentaland substance use disorders; -Proven skill of engaging with stakeholders for development of policies and legislations;-Proven technical skill of facilitating capacity building initiatives, strategic communication campaign and evidence generation; -Ability to form effective working relationships with government counterparts and other stakeholders.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Bangla.
Desirable:

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at BDT 3,292,822 (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.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

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

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

• 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.