Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Officer

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Qualifications

Purpose of the Position

To provide technical support to the Ministry of Health in the development and implementation of evidence-based policies, strategies and plans for the prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases/mental health and substance abuse Violence and Injuries, Disability and Rehabilitation as well as to support the implementation of cost effective interventions to mitigate the impact of NCDs thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality and contributing to the achievement of the WHO Global Programme of Work 13, SDGs, National Development Plan and other national targets and provide technical support in the areas of health promotion interventions.  

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate unit or field activity (Overview of the programme):

Assist in the harmonization of national efforts for prevention and control of NCDs/mental health and substance abuse and health promotion through planning, collaboration, coordination and implementation of WHO's technical and operational support to NCDs/mental health and substance abuse, and health promotion. Promote the development and implementation of national legislations, policies, strategies, plans and programmes in order to respond effectively to the rise of NCDs/mental health and substance abuse.

Organizational Context (Describe the work environment, the role of the individual within the team – team member, specialist, adviser, facilitator, coordinator/manager, representative, expert, authority in the field, etc.; available guidelines and degree of independence in decision making, and nature and purpose of contact within and outside the Organization):

Under the overall guidance of the WHO Country Representative to Malawi, the National Professional Officer/NCDs will provide technical advice on NCDs/mental health and substance abuse, and health promotion issues to the Ministry of Health in Malawi.

Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected):

Under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative, the NPO NCD will provide technical support to government and partners to develop and implement comprehensive NCD prevention, treatment, palliative care and rehabilitation services that are in line with World Health Organisation National, Regional, and Global action plans, strategies, initiatives and tools for non-communicable diseases, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Violence and Injuries, Disability and Rehabilitation (NCD/MH/VI/DR). In addition, the incumbent will provide necessary leadership and guidance to the MoH and partners for the development and implementation of cost-effective interventions that will mitigate the impact of NCDs thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality and contributing to the achievement of the WHO Global Programme of Work 13, SDGs, National Development Plan and other national targets.  Specifically, the incumbent will perform the following duties: 

Coordination, representation and policy development

·         Establish and maintain credible and productive relationship with national health authorities, other relevant sectors, national and international Centers of Excellence relevant to NCD/MH/VI/DR National and International NGOs, and UN agencies;

·         Support multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases;

·         Facilitate and support development of relevant national policies, strategies, plans and guidelines for prevention and control of NCD/MH/VI/DR including adaptation of Global and Regional policies, Action Plans, Strategies, and guidelines.

·         Facilitate adequate collaboration with the WCO clusters and programmes and utilize available capacities and   synergies during planning, implementation and evaluation to ensure timely technical support for NCD/MH/VI/DR prevention and control activities.

·         Represent WHO and participate in meetings and other fora on health/NCD/MH/VI/DR related matters at national level as delegated by the WR:     

Support capacity building of National and District Health Teams and Civil Society for NCD Prevention and Control

·         Support assessment of capacity needs and establishment of appropriate training courses for human resources required for the prevention and control of NCD/MH/VI/DR including regulatory and fiscal capacity.

·         Support MOH in development and implementation of regulatory, fiscal and communication capacity building program for NCD Prevention and Control

·         Work with MOH to develop management capacity for district health teams and primary care workers for provision of comprehensive NCD/MH/VI/DR care services.

 NCD/MH/VI/DR Prevention and Control

·         Support advocacy at national and sub-national level for NCD prevention and control;  Provide technical support and participate in activities for accelerating NCD/MH/VI/DR prevention and control;

·         Support the development, dissemination and implementation of national policies, laws, regulations, and guidelines by MOH.

NCD/MH/VI/DR Surveillance

·         Support establishment and/or strengthening surveillance for NCD/MH/VI/DR and use of the data to inform prevention and control efforts.

·         Support MOH to produce annual NCD/MH/VI/DR Reports;

·         Work with national authorities and partners to ensure availability of up-to-date data on the status of the NCD/MH/VI/DR.

·         Provide technical support to the MoH to conduct and institutionalize relevant population based NCD/MH/VI/DR surveys including STEPS

Monitoring,  evaluation and research for NCD/MH/VI/DR prevention and control interventions

·         Work with MOH and other stakeholders to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of NCD/MH/VI/DR activities.

·         Participate in development and formulation of appropriate national, and district level indicators for tracking progress in the implementation of planned activities, including appropriate adaptation of the Global monitoring frameworks.

·         Undertake or catalyse prompt investigation, supportive supervision and mentoring visits as the case may be to improve outputs and overall programme performance.

·         Catalyze development of appropriate research agenda to inform NCD/MH/VH/DR prevention and control.

·         Support and coordinate the implementation of relevant  research.

·         Facilitate documentation, and utilization of research findings to inform policy and programming

Supporting Resource Management

·         Provide technical assistance to conduct a partners’ mapping, in collaboration with MOH and partners;

·         Support planning and development of funding proposals, and work with partners to ensure effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of successful grants;

·         Facilitate reporting of grants implementation progress;

·         Perform any other duties assigned by the WHO Representative

Qualifications, experience, skills, and languages

Education (Qualifications):

Essential: Degree in Medicine from a recognized university.  Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, or related health science 

Desirable: Monitoring and evaluation skills; Training in Non-communicable diseases prevention and control.

Experience:

Essential: At least 5 of experience in Public Health and disease control including policy formulation, implementation and monitoring;

Desirable: At least 3 years of work in the area of Non-communicable diseases prevention and control. Experience in disease surveillance and survey methods, coordination with partners at international, national and sub-national levels; capacity building at national and sub-national levels, advocacy and resource mobilization for public health interventions.

Languages:

Essential: Excellent knowledge of the English

Desirable: Knowledge of other UN language. Working knowledge of local language(s),

Other Skills (e.g. IT):

•           Proficiency in all MS Office software applications.

Functional Skills/Knowledge

·         Innovative and extensive knowledge and skills in the areas of NCDs including mental health and substance abuse, and health promotion and violence and injury prevention

·         Demonstrated competence and skills to assess and analyze data to support national programmes and policies; projects and activities

·         Skills in design of studies, analysis of data and writing reports

·         Experience working with national/international agencies that deal with health management, monitoring and evaluation of public health interventions across sections

·         Sound knowledge of health systems, strategic frameworks in the area of NCDs/mental health and substance abuse, and health promotion.