UN Volunteer for National Tobacco Control Strategy

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded in 1948 and is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its mission is to connect nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, ensuring that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage and coordinates the world’s response to health emergencies. The organization promotes healthier lives from pregnancy care through old age and has set ambitious Triple Billion targets to achieve good health for all, using science-based policies and programs. WHO operates globally, working to ensure that a billion more people have universal health coverage, protect a billion more from health emergencies, and provide a further billion with better health and well-being.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer (UNV) will play a crucial role in supporting Djibouti’s Ministry of Health in strengthening its tobacco control policies. This position involves finalizing the National Tobacco Control Strategy, ensuring it reflects a multisectoral approach and addresses contemporary tobacco-related challenges. The UNV will work closely with key stakeholders, collect feedback, and prepare comprehensive materials for the strategy’s official launch. The objective of the assignment includes incorporating stakeholder feedback, preparing necessary materials for the launch, and supporting the Ministry of Health in revising the multisectoral committed decree on tobacco control. The UNV will ensure that the strategy aligns with international best practices, including MPOWER policies and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UNV will undertake several key tasks:

• Review and finalize the National Tobacco Control Strategy Document, including conducting an in-depth review of the current draft strategy, identifying gaps, and refining the document to align with best practices and national objectives.
• Engage and consult with stakeholders from various sectors such as health, education, finance, media, and customs, distributing the draft strategy for feedback and organizing consultations.
• Prepare launch materials and facilitate the launch event, developing necessary materials and supporting the Ministry of Health in organizing the event.
• Support the Ministry of Health in revising the multisectoral committee and preparing supporting documents for the ratification of the protocol. Finally, submit a comprehensive report summarizing the work conducted, feedback received, and the final strategy document, including recommendations for implementation and sustaining stakeholder engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate should also have a good understanding of public health policies, particularly in tobacco control, and be able to engage effectively with various sectors. Creativity, adaptability, and professionalism are essential qualities for this role, as well as a commitment to accountability and self-management.

Educational Background:
A degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field is required. Additional qualifications or certifications in tobacco control or health policy would be advantageous. Candidates should have a solid understanding of health promotion and disease prevention strategies, particularly in relation to tobacco use and control.

Experience:
The position requires prior experience in public health, policy development, or program implementation, particularly in tobacco control or related areas. Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of engaging with stakeholders and facilitating consultations to gather feedback and build consensus.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in French is highly desirable, given the context of Djibouti. Knowledge of local languages would be an asset, as it would facilitate communication with various stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the contract may be extended subject to the availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. Travel to the duty station may be required, and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided if the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adapt to the prevailing culture and traditions.