Mental Health Consultant (coordination)

Overview of the programme

WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies and plans aiming at promoting access to and utilization of affordable and quality health services and improving financial protection against health-related risks.

WHO Country Office for India is supporting the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to strengthen the existing health systems to cater to the growing needs of mental health and substance abuse.

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO

WHO’s mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage (ii) health related sustainable development goals (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005) (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.

The South – East Asia Region (SEAR) of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.8 billion people, with India’s population of 1.3 billion. All the Member States of WHO/SEAR (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste), share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation.

Mission of the WHO Country Office for India

The mission of WHO India is to improve quality of life people in India by supporting the government in prevention and control of mental health and substance use disorders, preventing suicides, and promoting mental health, preparing, and responding to mental health and psychosocial issues during health emergencies and strengthening health systems for UHC.

Description of Duties:

The purpose of this position is to provide strategic technical support to the WHO NCD Team in supporting the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in taking forward the agenda of mental health and substance abuse. The support entails technical advice at policy level, with guidance at implementation level. Stress is being laid on mental health promotion and psychosocial support in emergencies. WHO India is supporting the Government of India to strengthen the existing health systems and build back better. The incumbent will support in coordination, planning, and implementation of activities, in consultation with WCO India NCD team and respective programme divisions of MoHFW.

The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative, Deputy Head of WHO Country Office for India, direct supervision of National Professional Officer (Mental Health and Substance Abuse) and overall supervision of Team Leader – (Noncommunicable Diseases). S/he will have the following responsibilities in her/his assigned area of work:

• Facilitate policy support as needed for enabling planning, implementation, monitoring & evaluation of the essential components of the National Mental Health Programme / District Mental Health Programme/Survey/Research
• Liaise with national, state, and/or district level authorities and key non-health partners inter alia to enhance commitment for mental health promotion, early detection, and appropriate management of mental health disorders
• Ensure policy coherence and implementation synergies with ongoing initiatives of the Government, including the implementation of the Mental Health, Neurological and Substance Use (MNS) disorders package at the Health and Wellness Centres under Ayushman Bharat
• Support in monitoring the progress of District Mental Health Programme in the States/UTs as indicated in their Programme Implementation Plan
• Provide technical support in developing and establishing quality monitoring system for important mental health trainings and implementation of activities
• Develop reports and strategic documents required for information and decision making by the MoHFW
• Documentation for office procedures and parliament questions
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor(s).

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

Essential: University degree in biosciences/social sciences or equivalent in related field from a recognized institution/university.

Desirable: Post graduation in public health/psychology/social work or other allied fields.

Competencies:

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Moving Forward in Changing Environment
• Knowing and Managing yourself

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and working knowledge of local language will be an asset. Proficiency in computer applications and ability to draft reports.

Experience:

Essential: At least two years of professional experience of working with health department at the State/Central Government. Prior experience of policy formulation, technical assistance to the States/UTs in planning, monitoring, and evaluation of health programmes.

Desirable: Working experience with intergovernmental agencies at the national and state level will be an advantage.

RENUMERATION

Monthly remuneration is INR 141,402 taxable as per Indian laws and the appointment will be through Special Services Agreement (SSA) extendable subject to satisfactory performance and continuing need for the function. S/he could be posted anywhere in India as per the Project needs. The position may require extensive travel (can be upto 15 days in a month) to the states and districts.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This Vacancy Notice may be used to fill similar positions at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and interviews will be used as a form of screening

• 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 a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.
• 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.
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• 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.