Jobs - 57272- WHO Junior Professional Officer (JPO)

WHO Junior Professional Officer (JPO) - Technical Officer (Mental Health and Substance Abuse)

Location :

Geneva, SWITZERLAND

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Oct-2015

Application Deadline :

05-Jul-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-2

Duration of Initial Contract :

one year extendable

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Initially one year with the possibility to extend up to 3 years

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

IMPORTANT NOTE: This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands and is addressed exclusively to candidates with the Dutch Nationality.

For criteria see the website of Nedworc Foundation: http://www.nedworcfoundation.nl/Index.htm?hoofdpath=/NL/JPO/General%20Information.htm&hoofdhash

Please read the criteria and FAQ on the Nedworc website carefully before considering applying.

About WHO: Please see our website http://www.who.int/about/en/.

The goal of the department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse in WHO is to strengthen and promote mental health and reduce the burden associated with mental, neurological and substance use disorders. WHO is working with governments to integrate the effective strategies and interventions into national policies and plans. The department’s objectives are to promote effective strategies and interventions, increase the commitment of governments, international organizations and other appropriate stakeholders to implement effective mental health promotion, prevention and treatment interventions and to achieve significantly higher coverage with key interventions in resource-poor countries.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Junior Professional Officer will support the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse in its work with Governments, NGOs and academic partners to promote psychosocial well-being and prevent and treat mental disorder in populations exposed to conflict, displacement, natural disaster or other adverse events involving trauma and/or loss.

The focus of the work will be on developing and testing low-intensity psychological interventions among people exposed to adversity.

Responsibility 1

Summary of duties

Supporting the Department’s work on developing innovative face-to-face and e-methods to improve the availability of basic but evidence-based psychological care for people exposed to conflict, natural disaster or other adverse events, including sexual violence, with the aim to reduce a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress as well as client-generated outcomes
Supporting the Department’s work on research on the effectiveness of psychological interventions for people exposed to sexual violence and/or other adversity

Expected output

A report on the development and testing of innovative WHO tools to support people exposed to adversity

Responsibility 2

Summary of duties

Supporting the Department’s work on promoting the implementation of existing WHO and IASC policies on mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies
Carrying out activities related to mental health and the Department’s mhGAP programme applied in communities affected by violence and other adversity

Expected output

A report on the implementation of (a) relevant WHO and IASC policies and (b) mhGAP program in communities affected by violence and other adversity

Competencies

Key competencies

Expresses oneself clearly in conversations and interactions with others; listens actively. Produces effective written communications. Ensures that information is shared.
Produces and delivers quality results. Is action oriented and committed to achieving outcomes.
Is open to and proposes new approaches and ideas. Adapts and responds positively to change.
Demonstrates the ability to work constructively with people of all backgrounds and orientations. Respects differences and ensures that all can contribute.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Master degree or equivalent in public health or mental health (e.g psychology, psychiatry, social work)
Desirable: (a) a PhD in clinical psychology, (b) training in public health and in mental health, (c) training in cognitive-behavioural therapy.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with qualifying experience (4 years of relevant working experience, but not more than 5 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Working experience

Two to a maximum of 4 years relevant working experience.
Desirable: Experience in a psychosocial or mental health project or activity, including (a) experience in conducting and publishing research on psychological interventions and (b) field experience in low or middle income countries affected by emergencies.

Languages

Minimum: Fluent/Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking)
Desirable: good knowledge of a second UN language

Nationality

This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands and is addressed exclusively to candidates with the Dutch Nationality.

For criteria see the website of Nedworc Foundation: http://www.nedworcfoundation.nl/Index.htm?hoofdpath=/NL/JPO/General%20Information.htm&hoofdhash

Please read the criteria and FAQ on the Nedworc website carefully before considering applying.

Application process

Please complete the P11 form http://sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_Personal_history_form.docx and attach it with a cover letter to your online application.

For more details about this vacancy and the JPO Programme, please visit http://www.jposc.undp.org/