Job Advertisement

Position Title: Consultant for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)
Location: Manila
Country: Philippines
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Division of Healthy Environments and Populations (DHP) at the Western Pacific Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) is dedicated to addressing Public Health challenges in the region. Established to support Member States in improving health outcomes, DHP focuses on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The organization operates across multiple countries in the Western Pacific, engaging in various health initiatives and collaborations to enhance Health Systems and promote healthy environments.

Job Overview:
The consultant position is aimed at supporting the development and implementation of strategies and interventions to combat the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the Western Pacific region. The consultant will work closely with Member States to accelerate actions based on evidence-based policies and interventions, such as the NCD Best Buys, and to implement the Regional Action Framework for NCD Prevention and Control. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities and development partners, to ensure effective responses to NCDs. The consultant will be supervised by the Coordinator of the NCD Prevention and Health Promotion unit and will contribute to the overall goals of the DHP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting Member States in enhancing laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines to address key NCD risk factors. This includes developing national Nutrition guidelines, creating reports on public health interventions for alcohol control, and assisting in the development of policies targeting unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and tobacco use.
• Promoting multisectoral action by drafting or updating the National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan on NCDs and coordinating multi-sectoral working group meetings.
• Providing additional support related to the NCD program, which includes developing funding proposals, creating communication materials, and submitting monthly progress reports on various outputs. The consultant will be expected to deliver high-quality work that aligns with WHO's standards and contributes to the overall mission of reducing the burden of NCDs in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong academic background with a first university degree in natural or Social Sciences. A postgraduate degree in public health, nutrition science, health policies, or a related field is desirable. Essential qualifications include a minimum of five years of relevant experience in public health interventions, particularly in NCD prevention and nutrition or food policies at both national and international levels. Previous experience with WHO or other UN agencies is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication, analytical, planning, and organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team with limited supervision.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a first university degree in a relevant field, with a strong emphasis on natural or social sciences. A postgraduate degree in public health, nutrition science, health policies, or a related discipline is highly desirable, indicating a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in public health and NCD prevention.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in public health interventions, specifically in the area of NCD prevention and addressing associated risk factors. Experience in nutrition or food policies at both national and international levels is essential. Candidates with prior experience working with WHO or other UN agencies will have a competitive advantage, as this experience provides familiarity with the organization's operations and standards.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. This ensures effective communication with stakeholders and the ability to produce high-quality reports and documentation. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is based on-site at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila, Philippines, or at a WHO country office in the region. The expected duration of the contract is six months, from December 2024 to June 2025, with a remuneration of USD 6,000.00 per month. The consultant may be required to travel within the Western Pacific Region as needed to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the terms of reference. The WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must adhere to WHO's ethical standards and may be subject to background verification to ensure integrity in the recruitment process.