SSA/NCDs/Mental Health

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, mental health, and health systems strengthening.

Job Overview:
The SSA/NCDs/Mental Health position is designed to support WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy in addressing Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health issues in Rwanda. The incumbent will work closely with the government to enhance their capacity to develop and implement effective policies and strategies for the prevention and control of NCDs and mental health conditions. This role involves improving skills at various levels of the health system to implement evidence-based interventions, developing guidelines and training modules, and fostering partnerships for a multi-sectoral approach to health. The position also emphasizes the importance of surveillance and data collection to inform policy and program development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will report to the Diseases Prevention and Control cluster Team Leader and will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Supporting the Ministry of Health in developing and implementing comprehensive policies for managing major NCDs and mental health conditions.
• Providing technical support for the creation of guidelines that promote community-based approaches to healthcare.
• Assisting in the integration of NCD and mental health strategies into national health policies.
• Building capacity within the country to develop and evaluate strategies for NCD and mental health prevention.
• Establishing partnerships to enhance collaboration across sectors.
• Collaborating in resource mobilization efforts for WHO technical support.
• Supporting data collection and research initiatives.
• Liaising with national authorities and WHO technical staff.
• Preparing technical and administrative reports. 1
• Performing any other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Medicine, with a postgraduate degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related fields being desirable. Specialization in Internal Medicine or a related area from an accredited institution is also preferred. Essential qualifications include a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in public health program planning and implementation. Experience working with WHO or other health organizations is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team and under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Medicine as a minimum qualification. A postgraduate degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related health program management field is desirable. Specialization in Internal Medicine or one of the main NCDs from an accredited institution is also preferred, indicating a strong foundation in health-related disciplines.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant professional experience in planning and implementing public health programs. This experience should include work related to NCDs and mental health, demonstrating the ability to manage and evaluate health initiatives effectively. Desirable experience includes working with WHO or other international health organizations, which would provide valuable insights into global health practices and policies.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is essential for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within WHO. A working knowledge of French is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders in Rwanda, where both English and French are used in official contexts.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Kigali, Rwanda, at the WHO country office. The expected duration of the contract is three months, with a monthly salary based on Grade NOC and 30 days of annual leave per year. This vacancy notice may also be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be part of the screening process. Applicants must provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications, which must be from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). WHO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization maintains a smoke-free environment and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse.