Technical Officer, Mental Health

Contract

This is a P-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 89,836 USD and 122,019 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) is responsible for promoting, coordinating, and implementing technical cooperation activities related to the prevention, control, and surveillance of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders, including their risk factors, disabilities and rehabilitation, road safety and unintentional injuries, as well as prevention of and response to violence in all its forms. NMH raises political, public, and professional awareness and helps policymakers, health authorities, practitioners, and communities understand the burden of the most common NCDs, their related risk factors, and associated conditions. NMH promotes multi-sector and multi-stakeholder strategies that strengthen the capacity of Member States to promote and protect health through public policies, programs, services and surveillance, that reduce risks, improve NCD prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and self-management support to reduce the disease burden and improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of the population.

Within the PAHO/WHO Country Office, the incumbent will be part of a multidisciplinary team, providing technical cooperation to the country in the area of mental health. The incumbent will provide support for the development and implementation of work programs and projects of a national, regional and subregional nature to be implemented at the country level. In carrying out his/her functions, the incumbent will follow the guidelines of the PAHO/WHO General Program of Work; the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), PAHO's Strategic Plan and its Biennial Work Plan (BWP); policy guidelines; agreements with the Governing Bodies; technical cooperation manuals, strategies and other directives. The incumbent should exercise a high degree of independence of judgement and initiative and should assume leadership and initiative in the program and with colleagues both internal and external to the Organization, including liaison with the Organization's regional and global offices. Some relevant external stakeholders include governments (at all levels of government); private sector; NGO; community/user representatives; academic institutions; professional associations; multilateral and bilateral organizations; donors/foundations; etc.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general guidance of the Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) and the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), the incumbent is responsible, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned functions:

1. Provide support for the implementation of the technical cooperation program of work for the promotion and comprehensive care of mental health with a human rights approach, in order to strengthen national capacities to respond adequately to the burden of mental illness;
2. Collaborate and provide technical support to implement an integrated approach to the promotion of mental health and comprehensive care with community and PHC-based approach, addressing the determinants of mental health, following a multidisciplinary team approach, linking with the regional/global levels of the Organization;
3. Provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and other institutions of the national and subregional health system and political integration for health promotion, diagnosis of health problems, as well as the identification of risk factors, methods and technologies for their control; collaborate in technical cooperation activities particularly related to mental health;4.
4. Collaborate in the development, implementation and evaluation of programs for the promotion and comprehensive care in mental health, with emphasis on strengthening the integration, continuity and quality of health services at different levels of care and the various comprehensive providers of the health system;
5. Collaborate and support the development of training materials pertinent to mental health; assist with capacity building activities, where required;
6. Conduct research on NCDs in the country; analyze data and contribute actively to the preparation and dissemination of reports and communication materials on the NCD situation to promote and raise the visibility of the work of the Organization;
7. Collaborate in mobilizing extra-budgetary resources, financial and non-financial; cooperate and collaborate with other projects to achieve efficient coordination of activities and contribute to the coordination of delivery of the Organization’s technical cooperation programs, working as part of the team of professionals assigned to the Country Office;
8. Promote and support the development of relevant multi-stakeholder networks, alliances and partnerships, necessary to successfully address prioritized mental health issues and their determinants, based on the 2030 National Health Goals; collaborate with national authorities and relevant technical staff within the Organization to ensure achievement of stated objectives;
9. Support the expansion of the coverage and quality of mental health services and the prevention of psychoactive substance abuse;
10. Collaborate in the preparation, monitoring and evaluation of the Representation’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of national technical cooperation;
11. Prepare and maintain all documents and progress reports pertaining to the mental health projects being implemented at the country level;
12. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health science related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

Desirable: Postgraduate studies in public health, mental health or a related field would be an asset.

If your candidacy is retained for an interview, you will need to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an accredited/recognized institution in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the following link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp and the College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Five years of combined national and international experience in mental health program development, including health care planning; managing of health services, including primary and secondary health care.

Desirable: Experience in health promotion, community-based health programs, mental health research and its socio-environmental determinants will be valued.

SKILLS:

PAHO Competencies:

Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.

Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others. - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues.

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.

Communication: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Write effectively/Listen/Shares knowledge - Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience. Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers. Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans). Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed.

Knowing and managing yourself: Manages stress/Invite feedback/Continuously learn - Remains productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self- awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance. Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps.

Producing Results: Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own timelines effectively and efficiently. Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project’s expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary. Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.

Moving forward in a changing environment: Propose change/Adapt to change - Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise. Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

• Theoretical and practical knowledge in all aspects related to the promotion and comprehensive care of mental health, as well as knowledge of epidemiology, prevention methods and control of risk factors.
• Knowledge and skills in project planning, management and evaluation, including resource mobilization and grant management.
• Knowledge of the policies and administration of mental health services within the framework of the community approach model and the PHC strategy.
• Strong public health and strategic thinking background showing resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive areas.
• Ability to analyze factors, trends, and forecast scenarios based on current surveillance systems, and ability to develop and plan innovative and appropriate solutions for their improvement.
• Strong interpersonal skills and tact to effectively communicate with senior level officials, multiple stakeholders, and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential.

REMUNERATION

Monthly Salary: (Net of taxes)

$4,198.08 (Salary is non-negotiable)

Post Adjustment:

$1,960.50 This amount is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates to fill other similar short-term professional positions, at the same grade level.
• Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this position as a form of screening.
• The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.
• For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org
• PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• PAHO is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.
• PAHO also promotes a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of abusive conduct.
• PAHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.
• PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are encouraged.
• All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.