Short-Term Consultant (STC) - Mental Health and Substance use (MHS) Provision of high-level strategic guidance to advance the mental health agenda

BACKGROUND

Good mental health is the foundation of well-being. It enables people to fulfil their potential, remain resilient in the face of adversity, be productive, and form meaningful relationships in their communities. COVID-19 has brought the future of mental health forward and has shown that mental health is about everyone's well-being.

Home to over a quarter of the world’s population, the Western Pacific is a large and diverse region of 37 countries and areas. This diversity is also reflected in the wide range of health system capacities across the Region, from highly advanced systems to remote and small island communities. Similarly, the Region is also characterized by a diverse range of social vulnerabilities and pressures that have significant implications on mental health. Over 200 million people are affected by mental and substance use disorders in the Western Pacific Region. The burden is felt disproportionately by certain groups and is predicted to increase over the coming years, driven in part by social factors and pressures such as rapid and unplanned urbanization, aging populations, poverty and other economic pressures, substance misuse and abuse, and climate vulnerability, among others.

Inspired by For the future, and aligned with the global mental health and sustainable development agenda, the a new Regional Framework for the Future of Mental Health in the Western Pacific 2022–2030 will be submitted for consideration by WPR Member States during the 73rd Session of the Regional Committee Meeting. Informed by backcasting and co-created through dialogue and consultation, the new framework extends the vision behind For the Future to the mental health agenda and is envisioned to support Member States in designing national strategies, plans, and policies on mental health, strengthen political advocacy for greater resources and commitment, encourage coordination and collaboration by setting priorities, and help build back better towards mental health systems that are more resilient to future health emergencies.

In order to finalize the new Regional Framework and support its implementation, through the development of technical tools and resources, establishment of regional networks and platforms, and engagement with Member States and other stakeholders, expert support is needed for forthcoming activities.

PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Under the supervision of the Technical Lead for Mental Health and Substance Use (MHS), and the guidance of the Director of the Division of Programmes for Disease Control (DDC), the incumbent is expected to provide high-level strategic guidance to advance the mental health agenda in the Western Pacific in line with For the future and the new Regional framework for the future of mental health.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The consultant is expected to:

• • Review of the unit's core technical outputs;
• • Participation in regular teleconferences (frequency to be determined) with MHS/DDC for the duration of the assignment;
• • Delivery of high-level technical presentations and remarks during meetings and consultations;
• • Provide high-level strategic advice on the design, delivery and implementation of key projects and activities;
• • Participation in country support activities, with duty travel as necessary; and
• • Other tasks or assignments that may be assigned as appropriate.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY AND LIST OF OUTPUTS

Output 1.1: Contribute to the finalization of the new Regional framework for the future of mental health by providing overall technical guidance and oversight; and delivering high-level remarks during the 73rd Session of the Regional Committee Meeting in October 2022.

Output 1.2 Provide technical oversight in the development of an implementation toolkit for the new Regional framework for the future of mental health.

Output 1.3: Provide technical leadership to support a regional mental health network and implementation of the new Regional framework for the future of mental health.

Deliverable: Quarterly summaries on work performed and achieved.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

• • Essential: Postgraduate degree in medicine, social sciences; preferably with knowledge of psychiatry, psychology, behavioural science, sociology and/or public mental health.
• • Desirable: Postgraduate training in public health.

EXPERIENCE

• • Essential: At least ten years of work experience in public health, psychiatry, psychology, behavioural medicine and/or programme management.
• • Desirable: Experience with the UN system or international organizations.

SKILLS/TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• • Public mental health, psychiatry, health system development, research and technical writing, and networking.

LANGUAGES

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

COMPETENCIES

• • Communication: Expresses oneself clearly in conversation and interaction with others, actively listens. Produces effective written communication and ensure that information is shared.
• • Producing results: Produces and delivers quality results. Is action-oriented and committed to achieving outcomes/outputs.
• • Moving forward in a changing environment: Is open to, and proposes, new approaches and ideas. Adapts and responds positively to change.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Contract duration

241 days starting 1 April 2022

Place of assignment

The selected consultant will be working remotely to perform the tasks related to this activity but will require interaction with the technical unit via teleconference on the development of the aforementioned deliverables.

Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Travel

The Consultant is expected to travel to carry out mission/s, if needed and as conditions allow in light of COVID-19.

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.

Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 7 March 2022 (1700 GMT+8 Manila). 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 166946 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.