Technical Officer (Mental Health)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Division of Country Health Policies and Systems (CPS) assists countries in the Region in the development and implementation of appropriate health policies and systems to strengthen universal health coverage. It works to strengthen data-driven, evidence-informed, contextually tailored health 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 centered, 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 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.     he mental health flagship programmed is responsible for the implementation of the WHO European Framework for Action on Mental Health 2021-2025and collaborates closely with units and divisions across the Regional Office on initiatives aimed at promoting mental health and improving prevention and treatment of address mental health conditions which are a leading cause of suffering and disability in the European Region. In September 2021, a pan-European Mental Health Coalition was launched as a network of experts, organizations and leaders dedicated to strengthening mental health systems across the WHO European Region. It will serve as the main vehicle for a synergetic implementation of the WHO European Framework for Action on Mental Health 2021-2025 and will prioritize the following six areas of work: tackling stigma & discrimination and preparing leaders to champion reforms; building up the support of children, adolescents and young people in mental health systems; promoting healthy ageing, including dementia prevention, in older adults; developing workplaces that promote and protect mental health and well-being; protecting mental health in emergencies; and ensuring that everyone can access good quality mental health services

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

To provide technical advice on mental health advocacy/awareness raising, including in formulation and implementation of advocacy and communications strategies to increase the understanding, impact and awareness towards mental health policy, in knowledge dissemination, and in providing a comprehensive and positive media coverage in the European Region Under the supervision of the Regional Adviser, the incumbent will assume the following core responsibilities and achieve the stated tasks:

·         Coordinate consultations for a regional anti-stigma toolkit as a resource to policymakers, service providers, and people with lived experience and advocate for use of the toolkit to build mental health literacy capacity and combat stigma, discrimination and violation of human rights, and social exclusion at the country, sub-regional and regional level.

·         Provide technical assistance to the implementation of anti-stigma programmes in support of reducing stigma and discrimination in mental health in the WHO European region and develop regional mental health awareness initiatives in collaboration with Member States and WHO Country Offices.

·         Transfer research, evidence and WHO guidance into publications and other material understandable to a wide array of regional audiences and members of the public, aiming at building national and international advocacy networks and mental health literacy, while also maximizing outreach and dissemination of WHO mental health policy guidance.

·         Synthesize and disseminate emerging scientific evidence ensuring continuous knowledge transfer to Member States and regional partners in the area of mental health policy implementation, reducing stigma and discrimination, and mental health service transformation.

·         Provide technical input on advocacy and awareness raising as well as general support for the organization 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 in line with WHO and European Union mental health policies and guidelines.

·         Performing other duties as assigned by the Mental Health Regional Advisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First university degree (Bachelor’s level) in a mental health and/or related field, such as psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing.
Desirable: Advanced university degree (Master's level) in any of the above fields or in media and communications.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of professional national and international experience in areas relevant to mental health knowledge transfer and dissemination, including writing on mental health advocacy in papers or producing communications material for awareness and literacy purposes.
Desirable: Relevant experience within WHO, the United Nations or other international organizations in the area of mental health policy, services, and advocacy.

Skills

·         Solid knowledge of mental health policies at the national, regional and global levels.

·         Ability to critically review and advice on relevant subject matters including on mental health promotion and prevention, reducing stigma and discrimination, improving mental health literacy

·         Excellent writing skills.

·         Ability to identify and manage one's own emotions, as well as helping others do the same.

·         Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced environment.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French, Russian, German.

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 4269 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
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