National Professional Officer (Non-Communicable Diseases) at the World Health Organization (WHO)

World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: National Professional Officer (Non-Communicable Diseases)

Ref No: 1800783
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Grade: NO-C
Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-Term Appointment
Contract Duration: 12 Months
Organization: AF_NGA Nigeria
Schedule: Full-time

Objectives of the Programme

• Improve capacity to develop and implement policies, strategies and multi-sectoral action plan for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors including mental health, violence and injury
• Improve skills at federal and state levels to implement evidence-based interventions for management of non-communicable diseases including mental health at primary, secondary and tertiary levels
• Improve capacity for development and adaptation of protocols, guidelines and training modules for NCDs interventions
• Increase capacity for policy dialogue, coordination and partnership for multi-sectoral approach for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors
• Increase capacity for surveillance of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors and conduct of relevant surveys such as STEPS, GATS, GSHS, GYTS e.t.c.

Description of Duties

• Working under the overall leadership of the WR/Nigeria and the direct supervision of the CDS Cluster Lead, the National Professional Officer, Non-Communicable Diseases/Conditions (NCD) will serve as the focal person for NCDs under the CDS Cluster of the WHO Country Office in Nigeria.

Specifically, the post holder will:

• Support the Ministry of Health to develop and implement comprehensive and integrated policies and strategies for the management of the main chronic non-communicable diseases and their risk factors: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, oral health, chronic respiratory diseases and sickle cell diseases
• 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
• Contribute to resource mobilization for 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
• Prepare technical and administrative reports and presentations as required
• Perform any other tasks/duties as assigned by supervisors

Required Qualifications
Education:

• Essential: Medical Degree from a recognized University
• Desirable: Master of Public Health from a recognized University

Experience:

• Essential: At least 5 years working experience in prevention and control of non communicable diseases and risk factors
• Desirable: Working experience in related areas with WHO, other UN agencies or other recognized international organizations

Skills:

• Demonstrated innovative, analytical and problem- solving skills; statistical, monitoring and evaluation skills; ability to lead policy level dialogue, advocacy and partnerships on non-communicable diseases and their risk factors

WHO Competencies

• Producing results
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Use of Language Skills:

• Expert knowledge of English.

Application Closing Date
21st March, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the Degree(s)/Diploma(s)/Certificate(s) required for this position
• WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/ Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.