The Division of Country Health Policies and Systems (CPS) assists countries in the Region with the design and implementation of appropriate health policies and systems to strengthen universal health coverage. It works to strengthen data-driven, evidence-informed, contextually tailored policy development and implementation at national, regional and local levels, taking an inclusive approach across the life course. The Division advocates strengthening of public health leadership, focusing on implementing policies that are people centred, promote health, prevent illness, and address the social and economic determinants of health, while fostering leadership on equity, human rights and gender mainstreaming in health. It focuses on building capacity for health systems innovation to enable the sustainable delivery of high-quality primary health and community services that are effectively linked to hospitals, and mental health, public health and social care services. To do so, CPS supports country efforts to facilitate access so as to leave nobody behind, to improve financial protection, to strengthen the health workforce, to increase access to affordable medicines and technologies, and to promote the uptake and implementation of digital technology.
The mental health flagship (MHF) initiative will work with units and divisions across the Regional Office to address mental health conditions which are a leading cause of suffering and disability in the European Region. Priority areas to be addressed at regional level include the mental health fall-out of the COVID-19 crisis, a surge of diseases of despair, the persistent prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders among young people, the growth of self-harm and suicide, and the unmet needs of people with dementia or autism spectrum disorder, the mental and psycho-social support needs of health workers, the need for supporting the resilience of communities affected by conflict. The Mental Health coalition which will be developed and anchored through this flagship initiative will raise awareness to combat stigma and discrimination, advocate for investment in mental health and promote mental health research. At country level the emphasis will be on support for services transformation. This will require working with and through clinicians involved in the delivery of mental health services as well as partnering with service user organizations. Key areas of activity will include; support for prevention of mental illness.
The incumbent will provide expert technical advice on mental health and psychosocial support in the European Region. She/is to work on the implementation of activities to deliver the objectives of the mental health flagship by supporting the integration of MHPSS in the national emergency preparedness, response and recovery plans, development of regional policies in the area of mental health, advocating for investment in mental health and providing direct country support in the development and implementation of mental health strategies and projects as a means to improve universal health coverage, protect people in health emergencies and promote health and well-being.
Under the supervision of the Regional Adviser, the incumbent will assume the following core responsibilities and achieve the stated tasks:
In cooperation with national and international stakeholders including Ministries of Health, civil society organizations and other UN Agencies, co-develop and oversee the development, implementation and monitoring of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS)action plan(s) for catering to the needs of affected populations.
Promote a system-based approach to integrate MHPSS in health and related social sectors, including: mapping of local actors and service providers; determination of optimal MHPSS strategies, opportunities and responses; mobilisation of new partners and resources; and monitoring - and revising as needed in the face of new challenges -implementation efforts and outcomes.
Provide technical assistance with the development of mechanisms, instruments and tools (such as national health strategies and policies, monitoring and evaluation, performance assessment and performance management and approaches to enhance effectiveness of stakeholder involvement) as well as the estimation of the required resources (human, financial, infrastructure and technological) and knowledge (i.e. through research, evaluation, performance measurement and knowledge management) to build understanding and capacity for improving and assessing mental health policies and services.
Build mental health literacy capacity at country level and develop and support global and regional mental health awareness initiatives designed to combat stigma, discrimination and violation of human rights, and social exclusion.
Advocate for investment in mental health and actively seek to mobilise resources for mental health programmes and projects taking an active part in the formulation of selected BCAs' workplans and report on programme activities within EURO, to HQ and donors.
Synthesize and disseminate related knowledge to build the evidence base for dissemination to Member States and regional partners as required including knowledge transmission and advice for the enhancement of the capacities in the area of mental health and health promotion.
Provide technical input and support for the organisation of national, sub-regional and regional activities including policy dialogues, conferences and expert meetings.
Work to mainstream mental health as part of the health and well-being agenda across the life course.
Performing other duties as assigned by the Regional Adviser.
Essential: Advanced University degree (Master's level) in a mental health related field or equivalent.
Desirable: Doctorate in mental health.
Essential:
At least 7years of professional experience in areas relevant to mental health of which at least 2 years at the international level.
Prior experience in coordination of MHPSS activities and implementation of MHPSS tools in (post-) emergency settings (e.g., WHO/UNHCR MHPSS assessment toolkit, psychological first aid field guide, mhGAP Humanitarian Intervention Guide, scalable psychological interventions such Problem Management Plus, Self HelpPlus and Doing What Matters in Times of Stress).
Desirable: Relevant experience within WHO, the United Nations or other international organizations in the area of mental health/MHPSS .
Solid knowledge of mental health policies at the national, regional or global levels.
Ability to critically review and advice on relevant subject matters including on mental health promotion and prevention.
Knowledge of political systems, social and health systems, culture in the European countries.
Ability to identify and manage one's own emotions, as well as helping others do the same.
Ability to work comfortably in fast-paced environment.
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Producing results
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French, Russian, German.
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 77,326 (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 5355 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.
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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment 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.
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