Position Description________________________________________________________________________

Post Title:National Professional Officer/Non-Communicable Disease

Grade:NO-C

Contract Type:Special Service Agreement

Position No.N/A

Reporting to:WHO Representative (WR)/Lesotho

Duty Station:WHO Country Office, Lesotho

Duration of Contract:1 year

Closing Date:TBC

JOB SUMMARY

A key purpose of the WHO Universal Health Coverage for Communicable Diseases and Non-Communicable Diseases (UHC CND) is to ensure all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. This includes the full spectrum of essential, quality health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care across the life course.

Under the supervision WHO Representative the incumbent is expected to contribute to WHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy in the area of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) by supporting the government to (i) Improve capacity to develop and implement policies, strategies and multi-sectoral action plan for prevention and control of NCDs and their risk factors including Oral health, Eye and Ear Health, violence and injury; (ii) Improve skills at national, regionaland district levels to implement evidence-based interventions for management of NCDs at primary, secondary and tertiary levels; (iii) Improve capacity for development and adaptation of protocols, guidelines and training modules for NCDs interventions; (iv) Increase capacity for policy dialogue, coordination and partnership for multi-sectoral approach for the prevention and control of NCDs and their risk factors; (v) Increase capacity for the surveillance of NCDs and their risk factors and; conduct relevant surveys such as STEPS, GATS, GSHS, GYTS etc.

Under the overall guidance of the WHO Country Representative to Lesotho, the National Professional Officer/NCDs will provide technical advice on NCDs/mental health and substance abuse, and health promotion issues to the Ministry of Health in Lesotho.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Ministry of Health to develop, implement, monitor and assessing comprehensive and integrated policies, strategies and plans for the management of the main NCDs (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and sickle cell diseases) including Oral health, Eye and ear Health, Violence and Injuries and NCD risk factors
• Provide technical support for the development of guidelines to promote use of community-based approaches, affordable strategies and technologies for the delivery of quality care services including primary, secondary and tertiary prevention
• Provide technical assistance to the country for the prevention and control of NCDs and their risk factors integrated into national health policies and strategies, and, beyond the health sector
• Support the country capacity building and provide technical assistance and advice to the Ministry of Health and its partners to develop, implement and evaluate strategies and action plans for the prevention and control of NCDs in line with the NCDs Global Action Plan 2013-2020
• Forge partnerships and networks to enhance multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral collaboration to address NCDs and their risk factors in the country
• Collaborate in resource mobilization for the WCO technical support to the country using existing mechanisms at country level
• Support data collection, research and information dissemination and use for policy and programme development, advocacy and awareness-raising on NCDs and their risk factors
• Work closely with the national authorities and other partners, and liaise with WHO technical staff in the Regional Office and Headquarters when necessary
• Prepare technical and administrative reports and presentations as required

·Perform any other tasks/duties as assigned by supervisors

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: At least a first degree in medicine, dentistry or nursing.

Desirable: Postgraduate degree in Epidemiology or Public Health; Training in Non-communicable diseases prevention and control. Master’s degree in public health or other health-related field.

Experience:

Essential: At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in planning, implementing, monitoring programmatic activities in disease prevention and control at national, regional, or district levels.

Desirable: Working experience with the WHO/UN or other health partner organizations. A minimum of 2 years of working experience in large public health projects would be an asset.

Use of Language Skills:

Essential: Excellent knowledge of the English language

Desirable: Working knowledge of local language(s)

WHO Competencies

1.Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond.

2.Producing results.

3.Ensuring the effective use of resources.

4.Fostering integration and teamwork.

Other Skills (e.g. IT):

1.Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

2.Knowledge of office software applications.

Functional Skills/Knowledge

·Innovative and extensive knowledge and skills in the areas of NCDs including mental health and substance abuse, and health promotion and violence and injury prevention

·Demonstrated competence and skills to assess and analyze data to support national programmes and policies; projects and activities

·Skills in design of studies, analysis of data and writing reports

·Experience working with national/international agencies that deal with health management, monitoring and evaluation of public health interventions across sections

·Sound knowledge of health systems, strategic frameworks in the area of NCDs/mental health and substance abuse, and health promotion.

·The Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Officer will be stationed in WHO country Office – Maseru, Lesotho.

Duration

·The contract will be for twelve (12) months

Salary

·Grade: NOC – 01 payable on a monthly basis

APPLICATION PROCEDURE__________________________________________________________________

·All applications are to be submitted online through the WHO Recruitment Website.

·Note that the UN system in Lesotho provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, diversity, integrity, a healthy balance of work and life, and equal opportunities for all, including persons with disabilities.

·Qualified persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply for UN vacancies and are protected from discrimination during all stages of employment.

·Interested candidates should address an application comprising a detailed Curriculum Vitae, Application letter, copies of certificates/diplomas/degrees, and testimonials via the following link:

·Qualified females are highly encouraged to apply

N.B. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.