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Advisor, Mental Health

Join us and help advance mental health and suicide prevention across the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a highly motivated, strategic, and results-oriented Advisor, Mental Health to support countries in strengthening mental health systems and services, advancing suicide prevention initiatives, and promoting evidence-based policies and programs that improve mental health and well-being throughout the Region.

Under the general supervision of the Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH), the direct supervision of the Unit Chief of Mental Health and Substance Use (NMH/MH), and the administrative supervision of the PWR/ECC, the selected candidate will:

• Provide technical, strategic advice and programmatic direction for the implementation of mental health and suicide prevention programs.
• Support Member States in the development and implementation of mental health policies, plans, legislation, services, and evidence-based interventions.
• Strengthen national mental health systems and services, with emphasis on primary health care and community-based approaches.
• Promote the development of mental health information systems, suicide surveillance, monitoring tools, and reporting mechanisms.
• Foster partnerships and collaboration with governments, international organizations, civil society, universities, collaborating centers, and other stakeholders to advance mental health priorities.
• Mobilize technical, financial, and political resources to support national and regional mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.
• Represent the Organization in technical meetings, consultations, and interagency initiatives related to mental health and suicide prevention.

For a complete list of functions, please see the post description.

What is required for this position?

Education

Essential: A university degree in a health-related profession and a master’s in mental health, public health, or a related field from a recognized university.

Experience

Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in the planning and management of mental health services and programs, including mental health formulation and implementation and reorganization of mental health services.

Languages

Fluency in English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential.

Competencies and Skills

For a complete list of competencies and skills, please refer to the post description.

The skills required are:

• Technical expertise in current and emerging concepts related to mental health and suicide prevention programs.
• Expertise in the development, implementation, and evaluation of mental health services and public health interventions.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to assess complex public health issues in multicultural environments.
• Knowledge and skills in project planning, management, evaluation, resource mobilization, and grant management.
• Ability to build partnerships and collaborate effectively with government authorities, international organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, diplomacy, and communication skills.
• Expert knowledge of global mental health initiatives and partnerships.
• Ability to influence and promote the implementation of national and regional mental health strategies and programs.
• Strong professional oral and written communication skills, including report writing and technical presentations.

Duration of Contract

Post of limited duration. First year, probationary period.

DISCLAIMER 

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade and level. 

• All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post. 

• Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. 

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the official degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. PAHO, considers official higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in one of the following databases: 

                - World Higher Education Database (WHED), list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

                   The list can be assessed through the link: http://whed.net/

                - Council for Higher Education Accreditation chea.org

                 - College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, nces.gov to support the validation process. 

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

PAHO/WHO is committed to: 

• PAHO supports an environment of mutual respect and dignity for all applicants. All interested individuals who meet the requirements of this position are encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. To do so, email us at: [email protected]

• Maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

• Promoting a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of misconduct.  

• Providing a smoke-free environment. 

• Protecting the people in the communities we serve.  Therefore, we have zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.