OBJECTIVES OF OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
To achieve the control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases throughout the Western Pacific Region  by targeting the reduction of morbidity and mortality of such conditions and diseases. The Division supports  integrated people-centred care approaches by strengthening primary health care services for prevention, diagnosis,  care and treatment of target diseases and conditions along the life-course, while ensuring to reach the unreached and achieving universal health coverage.

Mental Health and Substance Use (MHS)

To assist Member States to promote mental well-being, prevent mental disorders, protect human rights, provide care, and enhance recovery for people with mental and substance use disorders. Emphasis is placed on scaling up mental health programmes through implementation options (core, expanded and comprehensive) that are country-specific. Capacity in countries will be enhanced through health systems and whole-of-government approaches as well as strategies to enable the health sector to consolidate support for a social movement for action on mental health and well-being.

For the Future: Towards the Healthiest and Safest Region is a strategic document that articulates WHO's vision of public health and its priorities in the Western Pacific. It highlights mental health and dementia, alongside noncommunicable disease and ageing, and health inequity, as a significant public health priority. Guided by these principles, the Regional Framework For the Future of Mental Health in the Western Pacific 2023-2030 has been put in place. The Regional Framework supports Member States in developing national plans and policies, strengthening political advocacy for greater resources and commitment, and encouraging collaboration across all stakeholders through new ways of working. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Provides technical support to Member States in the Western Pacific Region to promote mental health and well-being, prevent mental disorders, provide care, enhance recovery, promote human rights, and reduce the mortality, morbidity, and disability for persons with mental disorders.

Under the supervision of the Coordinator, Mental Health and Substance Use, and guidance of the Director, Programmes for Disease Control, the incumbent performs the following duties: 

1.    Provides technical support to Member States in the development and implementation of mental health and substance use policies, strategies and plans with some particular focus on reaching the unreached and vulnerable population groups;
2.    Collaborates with Member States to strengthen national technical capacity in developing plans and activities for mental health and substance use and suicide prevention, which involves collaboration and advice on analysis of specific situations and identifying potential areas for WHO support and monitoring activities;
3.    Provides technical support for research, data collection and surveillance of mental and behavioural disorders, psychosocial factors, and substance abuse, including suicide;
4.    Builds and maintains effective working relationships with government agencies, donors, and development partners to coordinate appropriate programmatic and resource mobilization activities;
5.    Ensures effective management of human and financial resources under his/her supervision; and 
6.    Performs other related duties, as required. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: University degree in medicine, nursing, psychiatry, psychology, social work or behavioural sciences from an institution or university recognized in the International Association of Universities’ World Higher Education Database.
Desirable: Postgraduate (master's level) qualification in related field of mental health or public health.

Experience
Essential: Minimum five years' work experience in mental health programme including but not limited to, public health measures to prevent and control mental health and behavioural disorders including exposure to international level.
Desirable: Experience in managing national mental health programmes; relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies, relevant nongovernmental organizations.

Skills
Knowledge of mental health and well-being, challenges and requirements in limited resource environments,  including knowledge of recovery and evidence-based mental health interventions and experience with policy and strategy development processes;  knowledge of people-centred care and integrated health service delivery; skills in the management of mental and behavioural disorders;  skills in analysis, planning, management of public health programmes with mental health specificity; ability to work harmoniously with partner agencies,  development partners and country counterparts; including report writing and presentation skills.

WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Knowing and managing yourself
Producing results

Use of Language Skills
Essential: Written and spoken fluency in English is essential.
Desirable: Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

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 64,121 (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 2453 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.
• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
• 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.
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• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion)are strongly encouraged to apply for WHO jobs.
• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. 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.
• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. 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.
• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• *For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.
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