Non-Communicable Diseases 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 the Global Programme of Work (GPW13) and with a Programme Budget. Through these two strategic documents, the region aims to deliver public health outcomes through an integrated results-based structure. The 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 and their risk factors. The main Risk Factors for NCDs include tobacco use, the harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets. 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.

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 their Risk Factors and will perform the following duties: • Support countries to develop and implement comprehensive and integrated policies and strategies for the prevention and management of the main chronic non-communicable diseases 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 countries for the prevention and control of NCDs and their risk factors integrated into national health policies and strategies, and, beyond the health sector; • Support 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 and their risk factors in line with the NCDs Global Action Plan 2013-2030; • Forge partnerships and networks to enhance multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral collaboration to address NCDs and their risk factors; • Contribute to resource mobilization for technical support using existing mechanisms; • 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 national authorities and other partners, and liaise with WHO technical staff in the Regional Office • 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 • Producing results

prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and/or their risk factors including tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.

Languages: Fluency in English and Working knowledge in French or Fluency in French and Working knowledge in English

The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region. The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-West, Cameroon and Central Republic Africa in the North and North East, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, Angola and Atlantic Ocean in the South. Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove to the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas. Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and Pointe-Noire (economic capital). The living cost is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious. According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other areas major are secure. The Republic of Congo is a unique country. It 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 harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.