1. Background and Reason *Purpose of position:
In the context of WHO’s Country Offices and Health Policy Advisors, incumbents will work to expand prevention and treatment of mental, neurological and substance use disorders, and improve mental health with a particular focus on those affected. Contribute to national programs to help promote
2. Job Description *Program Objectives and Immediate Strategic Goals:
The WHO Somalia Program aims to reduce mortality and morbidity by increasing access to quality health services. The main focus of the program is to strengthen health systems for non-communicable diseases (mental health) and support the recovery and transition of the health sector.
*Organizational context
(Describe the individual roles of incumbents within the team, focusing on the work environment inside and outside the organization):
Working closely with the respective technical leaders of their respective Regional Offices and Headquarters, under the direct supervision of the Insertion Officer, under the overall guidance of the WHO Head of Country Officers and the Regional Advisor on Mental Health; Working together, incumbents will support: Activities in the field of mental health and psychosocial support. The Director-General will assist WHO in its work to ensure the timely, effective and efficient implementation of its activities and to achieve the best attainable state of health for those it serves. Incumbents work with counterparts in national health authorities, other public sector ministries, emergency and development partners, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions.
*Summary of assigned duties
(Describe what the incumbent must do to achieve the main objective. Include the key outcomes expected)
1. Contribute to national mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs, resource and capacity assessments.
2. Assist in the development of mental health service organizational plans, with an initial focus on providing mental health and psychosocial programs within the country.
3. Engage with relevant agencies and organizations to promote systems-based approaches to integrate MHPSS into health and related social sectors.
4. Collaborate with Ministry of Health and other national agency/agency counterparts to improve capacity for MHPSS response at the national level.
5. Provide technical input to partner civil society organizations and other bodies on MHPSS activities.
6. Participate in the development of community-based mental health services.
7. Monitor the integration of mental health into national primary health care services.
8. Prepare briefing notes, meeting reports, information products, and content on mental health topics.
9. Perform all other relevant duties assigned to you.
3. Employment profile
Competency: General
Describe the core, management, or leadership competencies required
(See WHO Competency Model – list in order of priority, starting with the most important.)
Teamwork;
Respect and promote individual and cultural differences.
communication;
functional knowledge and skills
*Describe required knowledge and skills specific to the position
• Technical skills and knowledge to provide mental health and psychosocial support.
• Excellent skills in providing support in psychiatric, neurological, substance use disorders, and other mental health-related areas.
• Proven skills in MHPSS capacity building activities.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in emergency and humanitarian response operations and relevance to MHPSS.
• Adequate knowledge of the national-level situation on mental health and non-communicable diseases and relevant national needs, priorities and policies, as well as WHO policies, practices, guidelines and procedures in relevant areas and their links to relevant areas; A good understanding of the ability to apply to Country office setting.
educational qualification
* necessary
A first-level college degree in medicine (with an emphasis on mental health), psychology or public health (with an emphasis on mental health).
desirable
An advanced university degree (master’s level or above) in psychiatry, clinical psychology, social work or a related field. (a) public health, (b) clinical psychology or psychiatry, and/or (c) MHPSS professional training or certification in emergencies and humanitarian crises.
experience
* necessary
At least 2 years of relevant experience providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).
desirable
Work experience in the field of humanitarian assistance and emergency response. Experience with WHO, other UN agencies, relevant non-governmental, health cluster partners or recognized humanitarian organizations.
4. Use of language skills
A good knowledge of English and a good knowledge of the local official language. A working knowledge of another WHO official language is an asset (depending on the country of assignment).
Other skills (such as IT)
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications.
How to apply
Please include the title of the position you are applying for in the email subject line by the close of business on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. cover letter and detailed resume (As a single document in PDF format) with your contact information.
emacosomrecruitment@who.int
Only successful candidates will be contacted.
