Advisor, Mental Health - WHO

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 Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Department promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities, directed at the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and related risk factors, mental, neurological and substance use disorders and disabilities, and promotion of optimal nutrition and road safety, that are evidence-based and appropriate for the political and sociocultural context in which they are implemented. It raises political and public awareness and understanding of the burden of the most common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental and neurological health and substance use disorders, related risk factors and conditions and leads multi-sector and multi-stakeholder strategic and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Member States' capacity to promote and protect health through public policies, programs, and services. This will reduce risks and disease burden and contribute to improving the physical, mental and social well-being of the population.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health(NMH) and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief of Mental Health and Substance Use (NMH/MH), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following duties:

a)   Provide technical, strategic advice and programmatic direction for the implementation of the program of work for mental health and suicide prevention; advise in the preparation and implementation of mental health suicide prevention policies, plans, legislation and services, as well as, the creation and dissemination of effective programs to decrease the burden of mental health disorders and suicide; collaborate in the strengthening of national mental health and suicide prevention programs with emphasis of health services and the inclusion of mental health and suicide prevention as a component of primary health care;

b)   Advise, support and coordinate the sub-regional technical cooperation programs/activities related to the development and implementation of national mental health and suicide prevention programs and services leading to the restructuring of the mental health systems in the English-speaking Caribbean countries and territories;

c)    Contribute to the process of collecting and disseminating updated scientific and evidence-based technical information; advise and support the development and implementation of comprehensive national mental health information systems and suicide surveillance; create reporting tools to monitor mental health and suicide prevention programs;

d)   Advise and participate in the analysis of the regional situation on mental health and suicide prevention; consolidate and disseminate information related to situations and trends in mental health and suicide prevention;

e)   Participate in discussions on mental health with governments, donors and other partners, at national and international levels, including civil society, in particular mental health services users and families;

f)    Support, promote, and strengthen national or international networks directed to improve and implement mental health and suicide prevention plans, programs and projects; participate in the coordination of Collaborating Centers in the field of mental health and suicide prevention;

g)   Provide advice, support and promote technical cooperation among countries in the field of mental health and suicide prevention;

h)   Collaborate in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Organization’s Strategic Plan, emphasizing activities under the associated area of work strategic objectives; promote greater effectiveness of program activities and appropriate resources utilization; collect and consolidate regional information to respond to WHO’s requests for information;

i)     Mobilize international and national political, technical and financial resources and extra-budgetary funds in support of national and regional programs.

j)    Represent the Organization at national and regional technical meetings and in inter-agency consultations on areas of responsibility.

k)   Contribute to develop, define and establish the objectives, strategy, plan and budget for mental health and suicide prevention. Ensure an Organization-wide approach and strategies and objectives that are aligned with the Organization’s mission, vision, values, policies, strategies, business needs and priorities, in order to maximize results.

l)     Formulate and recommend policies, plans, strategies, and budgets, in support of the Governing Bodies’ mandates related to mental health and suicide prevention; report to Governing Bodies, through executive presentations and reports, on the status or results of the activities;

m)  Participate in the preparation of the Unit’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP), budget and technical evaluation reports;

n)   When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities;

o)   Perform other related duties, as assigned.