Advisor, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (CPCP)

Description Of Duties
Under the technical guidance of the Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) and the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

• Provide leadership and serve as country focal point for matters related to noncommunicable diseases, including Nutrition and Food Safety; Tobacco and Reduction of Other Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors; Violence, road safety or Injuries, Rehabilitation and Disabilities, and mental health and substance use, ensuring that the activities are carried out efficiently and effectively;
• Provide technical expertise to advise the government and national stakeholders on the development of national strategies and policies and the formulation, management, and implementation of the respective NMH work program(s);
• Coordinate the adaptation and implementation of evidence-based norms, standards, guidelines, and tools in the broad program areas related to noncommunicable diseases;
• Develop and monitor NMH work plans and budgets, and follow up on the implementation of planned activities, in consultation with national counterparts;
• Mobilize and optimize resources for the respective projects and programs including through partnerships with donors and development partners (United Nations, other multilateral and bilateral);
• Develop, coordinate and implement programs for capacity building in the respective NMH areas;
• Establish innovative action plans for the inclusion of noncommunicable disease prevention and control and mental health interventions across the life course and continuum of care;
• Advise on and ensure the adoption of norms, standards, guidelines and tools to support the implementation of NMH projects;
• Manage the operational aspects of related operational research, surveillance, epidemiology and health surveys for noncommunicable diseases;
• Guide and facilitate the implementation of projects for the control of the respective diseases, including the procurement of safe, efficacious, and affordable medicines and technologies; guide the documenting and dissemination of best practices and partners' experiences;
• Analyze and evaluate a diverse range of data and information related to noncommunicable diseases and mental health and the implementation of preventative and control measures;
• Monitor the national burden of noncommunicable diseases, risk factors, and mental health especially through health information systems and health research activities.
• Act as a technical advisor to the public concerning noncommunicable diseases in the country; and establish new community outreach activities concerning the prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of noncommunicable diseases and mental health;
• Advocate, build and strengthen partnerships and networks to enhance multi-sectoral collaboration and mobilize resources to address integrated, noncommunicable disease prevention and control, including mental health;
• Participate in the formulation and negotiation of, and consultation on, project proposals funded by external agencies; collaborate in the implementation, monitoring and reporting of those projects; contribute to the preparation of the Representation´s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities;
• When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities;
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Essential: A university degree in a health-related profession and a master’s degree in public health or in any other area related to the functions of the post, from a recognized institution.
• Desirable: A degree in medicine would be an asset.

Experience

• Essential: Nine years of combined national and international professional experience in the development and evaluation of programs for prevention and control of NCDs, including disease surveillance and health care planning; management of health services for NCDs, including in primary and secondary health care settings as well as experience in inter-sectoral approaches to address the underlying determinants essential for noncommunicable diseases.