Mental Health Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Mental Health Officer
Location: Dhaka
Country: Bangladesh
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established in 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 a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, focusing on various health issues including noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health.

Job Overview:
The Mental Health Officer position is crucial in addressing the rising concerns of noncommunicable diseases and mental health issues in Bangladesh. The incumbent will work closely with the National Professional Officer for Mental Health and the Medical Officer for NCDs, providing technical assistance to government counterparts and stakeholders. The role involves generating evidence on mental health and NCDs, implementing WHO's Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan, and expanding the mhGAP initiative to ensure mental health care is integrated into primary care. The officer will also strengthen mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support in both emergency and non-emergency situations, adopt evidence-based policies, and implement multisectoral action plans to prevent and control NCDs. The position requires a proactive approach to monitoring and data management related to mental health and NCDs, as well as the ability to perform additional duties as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical assistance and liaise with government counterparts and relevant stakeholders on mental health and NCDs.
• Generate evidence in the areas of noncommunicable diseases and mental health.
• Implement the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan and evidence-based policies to promote mental health.
• Expand mhGAP implementation in the selected district to ensure care for mental disorders through a primary care approach.
• Strengthen Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Adopt and implement policies to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases and promote healthy settings.
• Address social determinants of health through multisectoral action plans.
• Implement the Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PRSEAH) policy and procedures.
• Strengthen monitoring, supervision, and data management relating to NCDs and mental health. 1
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned, including backstopping.

Required Qualifications:
Essential: A university degree in medicine, dentistry, or psychology. Desirable: A postgraduate degree in public health, psychology, or psychiatry. Candidates must demonstrate competencies in teamwork, respect for cultural differences, effective communication, adaptability to change, and result-oriented performance. Proficiency in using computer software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant field such as medicine, dentistry, or psychology. A postgraduate degree in public health, psychology, or psychiatry is considered an asset and is desirable for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of work experience in mental health or public health. Experience working with government or non-government organizations on mental health or public health issues is desirable and will be considered a significant advantage.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Bangla is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by candidates from the local commuting area of the duty station. The monthly salary is BDT 125,194.00 (SSA – 7, Step I), which is non-negotiable. WHO offers locally competitive packages, including insurance, leave, and holidays as per WHO rules. This vacancy notice may be used to fill similar positions at the same level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test and interviews may be part of the screening process. Candidates must provide scanned copies of their required educational qualifications in advance if selected for an interview. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates must adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.