Mission and objectivesThe objective of the WHO Bangladesh Country Office is to implement the Country Cooperation Strategy by supporting the Bangladesh Government in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of national health policies, strategies and plans and developing and managing WHOโs technical cooperation programmes. WHO provides guidance and technical support in organizing the humanitarian health response and in revitalizing the capacity of the health sector to rebuild and recover from emergencies in appropriate and sustainable ways. The Country Office develops a two-way collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh in support of their efforts of achieving national health goals; of ensuring the attainment of universal health coverage and of contributing to global and regional public health action by providing need-based technical assistance in national level policy formulation, setting norms and standards, improving knowledge dissemination and management, monitoring country health situation and building sustainable institutional capacity, to play a greater leadership role in different national level policy and technical forums. The position is based in Strategic Priority 3: Addressing the challenge of noncommunicable diseases, mental health, violence and injuries, and disabilities.
ContextNoncommunicable diseases (NCD) including mental health are the major cause of morbidity and mortality globally and in Bangladesh. Mental health is gaining importance in Bangladesh with 18.7% adults and 12.6% children in Bangladesh estimated to be having mental health conditions. The objective of the NCD- Mental Health program in WHO is to support the government of Bangladesh in adopting evidence-based policies and interventions driven by international best practices and to implement, monitor and evaluate program to achieve the objective of reduction of premature mortality and morbidity due to NCDs and mental disorders in Bangladesh. This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of WHO Bangladesh Programme on mental health and suicide prevention. Focus areas for this position are to reinforce mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life for all.
Task DescriptionUnder the guidance of the Deputy Head of WHO Country Office, and overall supervision of WHO Representative, the incumbent will be stationed in Dhaka district to : a) provide technical assistance and liaison to the Government counterparts and other relevant stakeholders to :- 1. Adopt and implement the National Mental Health Strategic Plan 2020-2030, WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health, WHO LIVE LIFE Interventions, and evidence-based policies to promote mental health; 2. Develop and adapt tools, guidance and training resources to improve mental health and suicide prevention as required and strengthen integration of mental health and related services across the health system, and into emergency preparedness, response and recovery plans 3. Strengthen community-based surveillance and interventions to reduce risk of mental disorders, prevent suicide and to promote mental health and wellbeing 4. Support strategic health communication on mental health, substance use and suicide prevention, with a view to reducing stigma and increasing access to support services 5. Provide technical support for research, data collection and surveillance of mental and behavioural disorders, psychosocial factors, and substance abuse, including suicide; 6. Provide technical contribution in preparing policy briefs, report/s, and other documentation, and generate evidence on mental health, suicide prevention and related areas 7. Liaise with concerned technical units/departments of RO/HQ, government, donors, and development partners to coordinate appropriate programmatic and resource mobilization activities, and provide technical contribution in documenting and sharing the best practices in mental health promotion and management of mental health conditions; 8. Adopt and implement the Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PRSEAH) policy and procedures; b) perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned, including backstopping, to support the objectives of the programme and the Organization.
Competencies and valuesโข Accountability โข Adaptability and flexibility โข Creativity โข Judgement and decision-making โข Planning and organising โข Professionalism โข Self-management
Living conditions and remarksDhaka is located in central Bangladesh along the Buriganga River. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest in the country. It is the centre of political, cultural, and economic life in Bangladesh. The official language is Bengali, while English is the working language of UN Agencies. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen the modernization of services, communications, and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation; this has reportedly made Dhaka one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Good English-speaking medical, dental services, and educational centres are available for internationals. Dhaka is connected to other cities by rail, road, and by air and internationals can move easily from one city to another. Dhaka has venerable green spaces, including many gardens and parks, historical places, and nice restaurants. The weather is tropical - hot and very humid during the summer monsoon season (April-September) and drier and cooler in the winter (October-March). Historically, Bangladesh has been a safe country for internationals so far. While Dhaka is not categorized as a hardship station, the volunteer should be prepared for limitations in freedom of movement on foot, by public transport, and to certain locations.