International Consultant for NCDs

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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has more than 7,000 employees worldwide. WHO works with countries to address health challenges, strengthen health systems, and improve health outcomes for all individuals, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant for NCDs will play a crucial role in supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Timor-Leste in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension. The consultant will work under the guidance of the WHO Representative and the Technical Officer for Nutrition. The primary focus will be on implementing the second phase of the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) project across five municipalities. This involves strengthening the diagnosis and management of diabetes and hypertension, enhancing national and sub-national capacities, and establishing sentinel surveillance sites for Type 1 diabetes. The consultant will collaborate closely with MoH staff, municipal heads, and various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the project and improve health service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing technical support for the development of guidelines and capacity building for healthcare workers on the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT).
• Conducting baseline assessments for sentinel surveillance of Type 1 diabetes in national and referral hospitals.
• Developing training calendars and packages in consultation with MoH, incorporating orientations and refreshers.
• Supporting the procurement and distribution of diagnostics and medications for diabetes and hypertension.
• Monitoring project progress and preparing reports on the implementation status and indicators.
• Facilitating training sessions for healthcare workers and community health volunteers (CHVs) across municipalities.
• Documenting and reporting on the outcomes of training and capacity-building initiatives.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the integration of diabetes and hypertension services into the national health system.
• Developing awareness-building materials and case studies to promote NCD prevention and management.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of a first university degree in medicine, public health, or a related discipline from a recognized university. An advanced degree in medicine or public health is desirable. The consultant should have at least five years of experience in the prevention and control of NCDs and risk factors. Knowledge of the Timor-Leste health system and cultural context, as well as experience working with WHO, UN, or other international development organizations, is preferred. Strong analytical, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in MS Office applications.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a first university degree in medicine, public health, or a related field from a recognized institution. An advanced university degree in medicine or public health is highly desirable, as it indicates a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in public health and NCD management.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors. Experience working within the Timor-Leste health system or similar low-income country contexts is advantageous. Familiarity with WHO or UN operations, as well as previous involvement in WDF projects, will be considered a strong asset.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory, with excellent communication and writing skills. Intermediate knowledge of Tetum or Portuguese is desirable, as it would facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the consultant's work in the field.

Additional Notes:
The position is based on-site at the WHO Country Office in Dili, Timor-Leste. The consultant is expected to travel approximately five days per month to various municipalities for training, program monitoring, and field assessments. Full medical clearance is required for travel, and the selected consultant must provide a medical certificate of fitness for work. The remuneration for this position ranges from USD 3,955 to 6,980 per month, depending on the consultant's experience and educational qualifications. Living expenses will be provided according to WHO rules for international consultants. The expected duration of the contract is 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance.