1. Background and Justification *Purpose of the Position:
Within the context of the WHO Country Office and health policy advisor, the incumbent will contribute to country programmes to scale up prevention and treatment of mental, neurological, substance use disorders and support the promotion of mental health with particular focus on affected population.
2. Job Description *Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objective:
The objective of WHO Somalia programme is to reduce mortality and morbidity through increasing access to quality health care services. The main focus of the programme will be on strengthening the health system in Non communicable diseases (Mental Health) and supporting the health sector recovery and transition.
*Organizational context
(Describe the individual role of incumbent within the team, focusing on work environment within and outside the organization):
Under the direct supervision of the Insert Responsible Officer, under the overall guidance of Head of WHO Country Officer, and Regional Advisor on Mental Health, , and in close collaboration with the respective technical leads in the respective regional office and HQ, the incumbent will support activities in the areas of Mental Health and Psychosocial support. S/he will support operations to ensure the timely delivery, effective and efficient implementation of the activities, to achieve the best attainable health status for the populations that WHO serves. The incumbent will work with counterparts in national health authorities, other public sector ministries, emergency and development partners, UN agencies, civil society organizations and academic institutions.
*Summary of Assigned Duties
(Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected)
1. Contribute to the assessment of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs, resources and capacities within the country.
2. Assist in development of mental health service organization plans, with initial focus providing mental health and psychosocial programming in the country.
3. Promote a system based approach to integrate MHPSS in health and related social sectors, in coordination with relevant agencies and entities.
4. Work with counterparts in the Ministry of Health and other national entities/ institutions to improve capacity in the MHPSS response at national level.
5. Provide technical input to partner civil society organizations and other entities, on MHPSS activities.
6. Participate in the development of community-based mental health services.
7. Monitor the integration of mental health in the primary health care service of the country.
8. Prepare briefing notes, meeting reports, information products and content on mental health topics.
9. Perform all other related duties as assigned.
3. Recruitment Profile
Competencies: Generic
Describe the core, management or leadership competencies required
(See WHO competency model – list in order of priority, commencing with the most important ones.)
Teamwork;
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences;
Communication;
Functional Knowledge and Skills
*Describe the essential knowledge and the skills specific to the position
• Technical skills and knowledge in providing mental health and psychosocial support.
• Strong skills in providing support in mental, neurological, substance use disorders and other mental health related areas.
• Demonstrated skills in capacity-building activities in MHPSS.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in emergency and humanitarian response activities and how it relates to MHPSS.
• Good knowledge of country level situations with regard to Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases with good understanding of relevant country’s needs, priorities and policies, along with WHO’s policies, practices, guidelines and procedures in the related areas and ability to apply them in the country office setting.
Education Qualifications
* Essential
A first level university degree in Medicine (with emphasis in Mental Health), Psychology or Public Health (with an emphasis in Mental Health).
Desirable
Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Social Work or related field. Specialized training or certification in (a) public health (b) clinical psychology or psychiatry and/or (c) MHPSS in emergency and humanitarian crises.
Experience
* Essential
At least two years of relevant experience providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).
Desirable
Experience working in the area of humanitarian and/or emergency response. Experience in WHO, other UN agencies, relevant nongovernmental, health cluster partners or recognized humanitarian organizations.
4. Use of Language Skills
Excellent knowledge of English and excellent knowledge of the official local language. Working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset (depending on the country of assignment).
Other Skills (e.g. IT)
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications.
Your application should be sent to the below email address, please indicate the title of the position you have applied in the email subject by close of business Tuesday 14 February 2023. It should include a cover letter & a detailed CV (as one document in PDF format) with your contact details.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
