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, taking into account the constraints and opportunities posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE

Support 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. Importantly during the period these include development and passage of the Tobacco Bill, the new Mental Health Bill, and the new National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative, and day to day direction by the Coordinator Basic Package of Essential Health Services Cluster, the Consultant will undertake the following:

Coordination, representation and policy development

Establish and maintain credible and productive relationship with national health authorities, other relevant sectors, national and and International NGOs, and UN agencies;
Facilitate and support development of the Tobacco & Mental Health Bills, and the National Cancer Control Programme
Support multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms for the prevention and control of Non-communicable diseases; in particular for WHO FCTC, Mental Health, and Cancer Prevention and Control
Support the development and implementation of technical packages to address risk factors through multi-sectoral action
Represent WHO and participate in meetings and other fora on health/NCD/MH/VI as delegated by the WR

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

Support orientation and capacity building of key actors in the application of WHO and IASC tools and guidance for the MHPSS response in the context of COVID-19
Support assessment of capacity needs and establishment of appropriate training courses for human resources required for the prevention and control of NCD/MH/VI/Cancer Control
Support the development of health promotion packages for use through various channels – interpersonal, media
Work with MoHS to develop management capacity for national and district health management teams and primary care workers for delivery and provision of comprehensive NCD/MH/VI/Cancer care services.

NCD/MH/VI/Cancer Prevention and Control

Support the WHO FCTC SSA to implement all activities related to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, (WHO FCTC), national strategy and implementation plan
Coordinate technical assistance for the development and finalization of the new Mental Health Bill with WHO AFRO and HQ as appropriate
Participate actively in the development of the new National Cancer Control Programme, including supporting the Secretariat function to the NCCP TWG; contribute to a desk review, and work with IAEA international experts to develop a strategic and implementation plans
Support NCDs and Mental Health advocacy at national and sub-national level for NCD prevention and control;
Support the dissemination and implementation of national policies, laws, regulations, and guidelines by MoHS
Provide technical support and participate in activities for accelerating NCD/MH/VI prevention and control;

NCD/MH/VI/Cancer Surveillance

Support establishment and/or strengthening surveillance for NCD/MH/VI and use of the data to inform prevention and control efforts.
Work with national authorities and partners to ensure availability of up-to-date data on the status of the NCD/MH/VI/Cancers
Provide technical support to the MoH to conduct and institutionalize relevant population based NCD/MH/VI/Cancer surveys including STEPS

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

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;
Work with MOH and other stakeholders to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of NCD/MH/VI/Cancer activities;
Ensure monitoring & evaluation of project activities, including compiling and analyzing documents and preparing regular reports of results achieved against plans

Supporting Resource Mobilization & 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;

Methodology

The Consultant will work under the day to day guidance of the Director of NCDs and Mental Health of the MoHS and closely coordinate with the BPEHS Coordinator at WHO
The main instrument of delivery will be the WHO biennial workplan and the FCTC 2030 implementation plan
S/he will be in regular contact with the various NCDs and MHPSS TWG and COVID-19 MHPSS response teams and other stakeholders and work towards regular meetings to execute, monitor and report back on the WHO workplan
S/he will coordinate periodic teleconferences with external stakeholders to facilitate joint monitoring of the workplans

Deliverables

Monthly progress reports
Quarterly progress reports
End of mission report

Technical Supervision

Under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative to the Sierra Leone Country Office and direct supervision of the WHO Country Office the Basic Package of Essential Services Coordinator and Reproductive Health Team Lead, and in close collaboration with the Technical Officer MNH, the incumbent will work with the national authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential:

• First University Degree in Public Health or related field such as Community Health, Social Sciences

Desirable

• A clinical background. Formal training and/or experience in Noncommunicable or communicable disease prevention and control

WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an accredited institution. The list can be accessed through this link: http://www.whed.net/

Experience:

Essential:

• At least 5 years’ experience developing/designing and implementing public health programmes at national and/or decentralized levels

Desirable:

Previous experience working on Noncommunicable or Communicable disease prevention and control efforts
Experience working with the MoHS at national or decentralized levels, WHO or other UN entities, Health NGOs or CSOs

Essential Skills: