Technical Lead

World Health Organization

Manila, Philippines

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

  • The Division of Healthy Environments and Populations works to support countries to take sustained, systematic and effective action to reduce common risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and conditions (including injuries), address health risks caused by environmental factors, and support WHO stakeholders and countries to address the social and commercial determinants of health, in particular gender and inequity.
  • NCD Prevention and Health Promotion (PND)
  • To support Member States in preventing and controlling noncommunicable diseases (NCD) and their risk factors through comprehensive and multisectoral approaches, including promoting evidence-based policy interventions, developing and implementing national plans and programmes, monitoring and reporting progress, as well as promoting health and well-being at national and subnational levels (including community and individual levels) to slow down and reverse the adverse trends of NCDs and risk factors.
  • Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI)
  • To support Member States to accelerate full implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), including the demand-reduction measures specified in the MPOWER technical package, as well as the Regional Action Plan for Tobacco Control in the Western Pacific (2020-2030), in order to reduce tobacco use and protect people from second-hand smoke exposure, thereby preventing and mitigating tobacco-related disease and premature death. Additionally, work with the FCTC Convention Secretariat in promoting the ratification, approval and implementation of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. Emphasis is placed on addressing tobacco control policy gaps and establishing sustainable programmes for tobacco control while tackling persistent and the new challenges.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Coordinator, NCD Prevention and Health Promotion, and guidance of the Director, Healthy Environments and Populations, and Director, Programme Management, the incumbent performs the following duties:

  • Lead implementation and evaluation of the Regional Action Plan for Tobacco Control in the Western Pacific (2020–2030);
  • Assist Member States in designing, implementing, strengthening, and evaluating national tobacco control action plans, evidence-based policies (including legislations and regulations) and programmes consistent with the WHO FCTC;
  • Collaborate with different technical programmes e.g., NCD, child health, health promotion and environmental health;
  • Provide technical support and coordinate with other partners in the development and implementation of comprehensive, evidence-based research and related tools supporting measures to reduce tobacco use and exposure to the harmful effects of tobacco use;
  • Develop, in cooperation with others, media and advocacy campaigns and tools to promote tobacco control, and support for the implementation of WHO FCTC;
  • Engage partners in promoting the implementation of WHO FCTC and developing new partnerships to advance tobacco control efforts at regional and/or country level;
  • Provide guidance on technical work, mobilize resources, and facilitate and coordinate technical collaboration in the team;
  • Manage the team's financial and human resources and ensure continuity and synergy of the team in relation to the three levels of the Organization (e.g., Headquarters, Regional Office and country offices); and
  • Undertake related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Essential: Advanced university degree in medicine, public health, social science (e.g. law, economics, political science) or other health-related fields from a recognized university.
  • Desirable: Advanced degree in administrative or health law, public health, health policy development or related training.

Experience

  • Essential: Minimum of seven years’ relevant work experience in tobacco control and/or NCD risk reduction at national and international level.
  • Desirable: Two years of experience in tobacco control and advocacy in multiple countries or at an international organization.

Skills

  • Broad and solid knowledge and technical ability in dealing with issues related to tobacco control, particularly in relation to analysing issues and identifying solutions.
  • Advocacy experience in promoting public health policies, including ability to understand political contexts, policy-making processes and ability to conduct stakeholder analysis.
  • Skills in developing strategies based on analysis of problems, identifying and prioritizing solutions, and driving forward to implement the strategies.
  • Knowledge in public health law, regulations/legislations.
  • Developing and evaluating proposals.
  • Managing projects.
  • Developing and enhancing tobacco control capabilities.
  • Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

Use of Language Skills

  • Essential: Written and spoken fluency in English is essential. 
  • Desirable: Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2302608&tz=GMT%2B05%3A30&tzname=Asia%2FCalcutta