Mental Health Officer (Brain Health)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Department'smission is to promote mental health, and human rights for all across the lifespan; to prevent harmful use of alcohol and other substances, to prevent mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders; and to reduce the mortality, morbidity and disability for persons with MNS disorders and associated psychosocial, cognitive and intellectual disabilities. Objectives a.To promote care, recovery and the human rights of people with mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders and associated disabilities, b. To increase access to affordable, good quality services and supports for people with MNSdisorders and associated disabilities, their families and communities within the context of UHC and across the life-course, c. To include care for people with MNS disorders and associated disabilities in emergency responses fori mmediate relief and to build back better, d. To prevent suicide, MNS disorders,harm due to alcohol and other substances, and addictive behaviours, across the life course.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

In the area of brain health: Provide technical input to the work program. Participate, as requested, in in-country activities concerning promotion, prevention, care, management, data and research. Provide technical input in the development, testing and/or dissemination of WHO and inter-agency normative guidance and tools. Support WHO senior staff in the implementation of relevant public health programmes with Member States, UN agencies and Non-State Actors and support WHO's efforts to advocate for the area. Conduct research and promote the implementation of a research agenda. Collect and analyze data on MNS conditions and their consequences, and on promotion, prevention and care, and prepare and disseminate data-based information. Participate in the capacity building. Exchange information with counterparts in technical departments at HQ and in Regional and Country Offices, and with donor and development partners (UN and bilateral) on implementation of relevant policies and strategies. Support, if requested, WHO's response to mental health in emergencies. Contribute the monitoring of work plans and budgets including resource mobilization for the work programme and follow up on the implementation of planned activities. Review and follow-up on contractual engagements with partners and institutions. Perform all other related duties as assigned.Specific duties Provide technical assistance for development of normative tools for brain health and neurological disorders including epilepsy and dementia. Provide support to countries in implementation of global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first level university degree relevant to mental health or brain health (e.g., public health, psychology, psychiatry, neurology/neurosciences, medicine, mental health/psychiatric nursing, mental health/psychiatric social work, occupational therapy, health economics, and epidemiology) or related field relevant to the functions of the position.
Desirable: Advanced university degree relevant to mental health or brain health (e.g., specialization in public mental health, clinical or counselling psychology, psychiatry, neurology/neurosciences, mental health/psychiatric nursing, mentalhealth/psychiatric social work, psychiatric or neuro-epidemiology) or related field relevant to the functions of the position.

Experience

Essential: At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in mental health or brain health or alcohol, drugs and addictive behaviours focusing on services, promotion, prevention or research and data.Demonstrated exposure at the international level.
Desirable: First hand working experience at the country level in mental health or brain health or alcohol, drugs and addictive behaviours in low- or middle-income countries.

Skills

Proven knowledge of technical aspects in the field of specialty (knowledge of epidemiology, policies, systems, and interventions [including treatments, promotion, and preventive activities] for MNS conditions, mental health and human rights). Knowledge of country level situations with regard to mental health or brain health or alcohol, drugs and addictive behaviours with good understanding of country needs, priorities and policies, along with WHO's policies, practices, and guidelines and in the related areas. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. Ability to review and revise policies and objectives of assigned program and activities. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Public speaking techniques. Excellent drafting and communication skills. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Team spirit and time management skills.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 62,120 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 4214 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

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 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.

• 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 final candidates.

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

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.