Job Opening at World Health Organization

Job description

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The main objective of the program is to provide technical assistance in the development implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in South Africa. The program supports establishing and disseminating norms, standards and guidance on all aspects of non-communicable disease control, including public policies for prevention and reducing risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, salt, exercise, diet, and other high risk behaviours); addressing risk of violence and injuries; health systems interventions for care and treatment of non-communicable diseases; and community-based interventions.

Description Of Duties

Under the supervision of WHO Representative, the NPO will carry out the following duties:

• Carry out activities to strengthen the capacity of local and central policymakers, and relevant institutions to in support of planning, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national policies and strategies for non-communicable disease control and health systems development in South Africa, including injuries and violence, mental health, and risk factor reduction (thereafter referred to as “NCDs”)
• Disseminate global and regional commitments and best practices, identify their application in South Africa, and develop country specific and locally appropriate action plans for implementation, including for WHO regional committee resolutions and WHA resolutions and action plans. Provide support in developing multispectral plans of collaboration in NCDs in line with regional and global frameworks
• Support national counterparts in conducting needs assessments and burden of disease, and collating the evidence-base about the NCD burden in South Africa;
• Support national counterparts in collating evidence globally, regionally, and within South Africa about appropriate policy, public health, environment, and clinical interventions to reduce the burden of NCDs;
• Provide technical support in NCD surveillance, and in high quality analyses for monitoring and evaluating interventions to control NCDs;
• Provide technical assistance and coordination to technical meetings to national counterparts in formulating national policies on addressing NCDs;
• Establish network of technical partnerships within government, regulatory authorities, academic, private sector, non-government organizations, and international agencies. Establish strong linkages with non-governmental organizations and civil society;
• Provide directly and access technical support for the implementation of special initiatives that are a priority for South Africa, including: comprehensive tobacco control policies and FCTC implementation; comprehensive policies on the control of harmful use of alcohol, fiscal policies for NCDs, multisectoral NCD councils, policies for the promotion of exercise and diet for reducing obesity; and integrating NCDs into the primary care health system;
• Collaborate fully within the WHO and across technical teams, with other UN and external agencies including private sector to integrate NCDs prevention and control into their programs of work. Develop a program of work with other UN agencies;
• Collaborate with relevant government institutions, non-governmental organizations, donors, external support agencies, bilateral agencies and other UN organizations on technical activities and coordination activities;
• Facilitate communication and exchange of up to date information on technical activities between the government and WR office, AFRO, and HQ; and keep WHO up to date on government policy initiatives;l
• Provide technical and administrative support to the implementation of regular budget and extra-budgetary activities;
• Draft and assist in the collection of data, preparation, and presentation of technical and managerial in relevant areas of policy, program and project activities Contribute to the preparation of reports, policy notes, project documents and submissions to government for use in discussions with government, UN health partners and other agencies and organizations;
• Provide technical support in the organization and conduct of project seminars and training workshops;
• Participate fully in country office routine meetings and contribute to routine reporting requirements, and media communications and reports;
• Perform other related duties, as required.

Required Qualifications

Education

Essential: Degree in medicine or dentistry (MBChB, MBBS, or equivalent from a recognized University). Plus postgraduate qualification in Public health; Internal medicine or similar area.

Desirable: Specialized training in one or more of the main NCDs

Experience

Essential: Essential: At least5 years of practical experience in NCDs programmes at provincial or national levels. Desirable: Experience in working with United Nations, bilateral or other multilateral organizations

Desirable: Experience in working with the private sector an advantage.

Skills

• Knowledge of and experience in planning, project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of various programs in NCD prevention and control and related area.
• Experience and proficiency in working with government and other partners in an effective and culturally competent manner, and ability to advocate negotiate and partner.
• Proven effective verbal and written communication.
• Capacity to work strategically and under tight deadlines on a results-oriented basis.
• Ability to develop innovative approaches and solutions, and solve problems.
• Ability to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills by working harmoniously as a member of a team, adapting to diverse educational, socio-political and cultural backgrounds and maintaining a high standard of personal conduct.
• Basic computer skills including ability to utilize the standard Microsoft Office programs.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Producing results
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment
• Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at ZAR 710,968 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.