Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Specialist

Volunteering Medical & Health

Overview

Support the implementation of mental health and suicide prevention programs in Bangladesh.

You have:

• At least three (3) years of relevant experience in public health and mental health in international context.
• Knowledge of mental health and well-being in limited resource environments.
• Experience in managing national/international mental health programmes.
• Excellent oral and written skills in English and Bengali.
• Self-motivated and ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally in a challenging environment.

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) including mental health are the major cause of morbidity and mortality globally and in Bangladesh. Mental health is gaining importance in Bangladesh with 18.7% adults and 12.6% children in Bangladesh estimated to be having mental health conditions.

The objective of the NCD- Mental Health program in WHO is to support the government of Bangladesh in adopting evidence-based policies and interventions driven by international best practices and to implement, monitor and evaluate program to achieve the objective of reduction of premature mortality and morbidity due to NCDs and mental disorders in Bangladesh.

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of WHO Bangladesh Programme on mental health and suicide prevention. Focus areas for this position are to reinforce mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life for all.

Under the guidance of the Deputy Head of WHO Country Office, and overall supervision of WHO Representative, the incumbent will be stationed in Dhaka district to :

a) provide technical assistance and liaison to the Government counterparts and other relevant stakeholders to :-

1. Adopt and implement the National Mental Health Strategic Plan 2020-2030, WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health, WHO LIVE LIFE Interventions, and evidence-based policies to promote mental health;

2. Develop and adapt tools, guidance and training resources to improve mental health and suicide prevention as required and strengthen integration of mental health and related services across the health system, and into emergency preparedness, response and recovery plans

3. Strengthen community-based surveillance and interventions to reduce risk of mental disorders, prevent suicide and to promote mental health and wellbeing

4. Support strategic health communication on mental health, substance use and suicide prevention, with a view to reducing stigma and increasing access to support services

5. Provide technical support for research, data collection and surveillance of mental and behavioural disorders, psychosocial factors, and substance abuse, including suicide;

6. Provide technical contribution in preparing policy briefs, report/s, and other documentation, and generate evidence on mental health, suicide prevention and related areas

7. Liaise with concerned technical units/departments of RO/HQ, government, donors, and development partners to coordinate appropriate programmatic and resource mobilization activities, and provide technical contribution in documenting and sharing the best practices in mental health promotion and management of mental health conditions;

8. Adopt and implement the Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PRSEAH) policy and procedures;

b) perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned, including backstopping, to support the objectives of the programme and the Organization.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Experience:

• Essential: At least three (3) years of relevant experience, some of which should have been obtained in an international context in working in the field of public health in low-and middle-income country settings as well as at managerial level in noncommunicable diseases and/or mental health

• Desirable: Experience in managing national/international mental health programmes; relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies, relevant non-governmental organizations.

Skills:

• Knowledge of mental health and well-being, challenges and requirements in limited resource environments, including knowledge of recovery and evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention interventions;

• Knowledge of people-centred care and integrated health service delivery;

• Skills in the management of mental and behavioural disorders including suicide prevention;

• Skills in analysis, planning, management of public health programmes with mental health specificity;

• Ability to work harmoniously with partner agencies, development partners and country counterparts, including report writing and presentation skills;

• Public health, mental health, suicide prevention or other relevant programmes;

• Experience with government or non-government organizations is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;

• Excellent oral and written skills;

• Excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;

• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive;

• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels;

• Familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;

• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment;

• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

• Sound security awareness;

• Have affinity with or interest in NCD and mental health works of WHO, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh along the Buriganga River. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest in the country. It is the centre of political, cultural, and economic life in Bangladesh. The official language is Bengali, while English is the working language of UN Agencies. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen the modernization of services, communications, and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation; this has reportedly made Dhaka one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Good English-speaking medical, dental services, and educational centres are available for internationals. Dhaka is connected to other cities by rail, road, and by air and internationals can move easily from one city to another.

Dhaka has venerable green spaces, including many gardens and parks, historical places, and nice restaurants. The weather is tropical - hot and very humid during the summer monsoon season (April-September) and drier and cooler in the winter (October-March).

Historically, Bangladesh has been a safe country for internationals so far. While Dhaka is not categorized as a hardship station, the volunteer should be prepared for limitations in freedom of movement on foot, by public transport, and to certain locations.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org