Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Risk Factors Officer

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.

The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region has embarked on a new Global Programme of Work (GPW13) and a new Programme Budget (2020 -2021). Through these two strategic documents, the region aims to deliver public health outcomes through an integrated results-based structure. The new focus of our work will be at the country level where we aim to reach the triple billion goal of 1 billion more people covered, 1 billion more protected and 1 billion more healthier populations. In this regard, the UN Volunteers can work at the Regional Office based in the Republic of Congo, Brazzaville or in any of our 47 country offices.

The areas of work that can be covered is non-communicable diseases risk factors. Globally, Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) are leading causes of death, killing more people than all other causes of death combined. In contrast to the popular assumption that NCDs occurs mostly in developed countries, available evidence shows that 80% of NCDs deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries and NCDs are the most frequent cause of death in most of these countries. Most NCDs are the result of four risk factors: tobacco use, the harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.

This UNV assignment is part of WHO’s project on resilience and recovery from COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to reduce transmission and adopt Public Health Measures were compromised by factors including crowded housing, lack of water and sanitation facilities in homes and public places (including health facilities), lack of relevant information for adoption of appropriate behaviours, and lack of community cohesion. Defeating COVID-19 and future pandemics requires a more holistic approach to public health emergency preparedness, building response capacities, strengthening health systems, tackling the risk factors that drive infection. Another risk factor exposed by COVID-19 is the management of waste accruing from the preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic tools used to control the pandemic. All these issues require a holistic view of population health and wellbeing beyond medical care.

Climate change, environmental and air pollution, unhealthy living conditions that weaken people’s immune systems and wellbeing, rising non-communicable diseases caused by poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to poor health and increase susceptibility to infectious diseases like COVID-19. Recovery from this pandemic and preparing for the next, requires emphasizing an ecological approach to disease treatment, prevention of epidemics and health promotion including a deliberate engagement between health and the sectors that are home to the social, environmental, and economic determinants of health. The unfinished agenda of implementing the humanitarian-development nexus remains central to true preparedness, with resilient individuals, households, and communities as a critical complement to resilient health systems. Therefore, investments in disease prevention and decentralized primary health care will ensure that health systems are not overwhelmed when outbreaks do occur.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of the WHO Country Office or the Director, Technical Cluster in the Regional Office, the UN Volunteer will serve as the focal person for NCDs and will perform the following duties:

• Support the Ministry of Health to develop and implement comprehensive and integrated policies and strategies for the prevention and management of NCDs and their risk factors; • Provide technical support for the development of guidelines to promote use of community-based approaches, affordable strategies and technologies for the delivery of quality care services including primary, secondary and tertiary prevention; • Provide technical assistance to the country for the prevention and control of NCDs and their risk factors integrated into national health policies and strategies, and, beyond the health sector; • Support the country capacity building and provide technical assistance and advice to the Ministry of Health and its partners to develop, implement and evaluate strategies and action plans for the prevention and control of NCDs in line with the NCDs Global Action Plan 2013-2020 and other strategies and frameworks related to NCDs and their risk factors; • Forge partnerships and networks to enhance multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral collaboration to address NCDs and their risk factors in the country; • Contribute to resource mobilization for WCO technical support to the country using existing mechanisms at country level; • Support data collection, research and information dissemination and use for policy and programme development, advocacy and awareness-raising on NCDs and their risk factors; • Work closely with the emergency response and recovery teams to integrate preventive measures in recovery and preparedness plans to help build resilience in systems beyond health; • Work on strengthening partnerships with communities to facilitate acceptance of proved disease prevention measures and to sustain behaviour change for disease reduction beyond COVID-19;
• Work closely with the national authorities and other partners, and liaise with WHO technical staff in the Regional Office; • Support the regional office to communicate science information/recommendations promptly that address critical risks and counter misinformation; • Support regional and country offices to accelerate priority research and innovation in social sciences to support the implementation of public health measures and to ensure participation of at-risk and affected communities; • Support countries to enhance country-level capacity to roll out effective and coordinated RCCE approaches through the identification of capacity needs; • Supporting AFRO/Hubs and COs Offices to effectively counter and manage rumors and infodemic; • Prepare technical and administrative reports and presentations as required; • Perform any other tasks/duties as assigned by supervisors.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day)- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country- Provide annual and end of assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities using UNV’s Volunteer Reporting Application- Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers- Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Integrity • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Working in Teams

Required Degree Level : Bachelor degree or equivalent Education - Additional Comments • Medical Degree. Required experience : 36 months Experience Remark
• Required Experience: At least 3 -5 years working experience in prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and risk factors.

This is a family-duty station for most UN staff despite the limited operationality of health facilities; there is an American International school, a French Lycee and several other private institutions of education. All major cards can be used through a network of automated teller machines (ATMs) throughout the city. There is a wide range of housing options including what WHO offers in its multiple compounds (houses and apartments). An entry visa to the Republic of Congo is mandatory. Visas can be obtained at the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Congo in your country of nationality or residence. If there is no diplomatic representation of the Republic of Congo in your country, it is mandatory to please bring the following: • The waiver provided by WHO, with the circular in French; • A copy of your travel authorization or official letter of invitation.

Congo provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in potentially difficult conditions, involving physical hardship and limited comfort, are essential.