Job offer : HPR/Social Determinants Officer

The world health organization is looking for an HPR/Social Determinants Officer.

• Grade: NO-C
• Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment
• Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): 2 Years
• Job Posting: May 8, 2024, 12:18:52 PM
• Closing Date: May 21, 2024, 11:59:00 PM
• Primary Location: Cameroon-Yaounde
• Organization: AF_CMR Cameroon
• Schedule: Full-time

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The goal of the health promotion and health determinant in the Country is to:

• Strengthen and guide health systems to address prevention, early detection and appropriate management of diseases and comorbidities of communicable and noncommunicable diseases through people-centered primary health care and community engagement to increase coverage of the universal health.
• Contribute to reducing risk factors for communicable and noncommunicable diseases and underlying social determinants by supporting the development of strategies and interventions to create health-supportive environments, in line with intersectoral action plans related to different health programmes”
• Strengthen institutional capacity to develop health promotion policies and implement appropriate programs and provide effective response to prevention and control of public health events.
• Strengthen quantitative and qualitative research in health promotion, determinants of health, intersectoral action for health, and health in all policies; document experiences and best practices, and disseminate results.
• Undertake advocacy and coordination for the implementation of health promotion interventions in the health sector and related sectors, in order to address the underlying factors affecting the health of the population while applying the health promotion approach "Health in all policies", intersectoral action strategies, health education interventions, etc.
• Strengthen partnerships among health, development and other partners to promote healthy environments, particularly healthy cities, healthy schools, healthy communities, etc. Promote multisectoral collaboration with partners to support the country's development or implementation of strategic actions for health promotion, disease prevention and response to public health emergencies and problems.
• Promote partnerships and national networks for innovative actions for health promotion, and involve stakeholders and non-state actors to reduce /control risk factors for diseases.
• Increase the capacity of Member States to use health promotion (HP) strategies to address the determinants of health and help communities take control and improve their health through integrated action.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will: Develop and maintain good and regular working relationships with relevant national and state authorities and other stakeholders to promote health promotion through policies, strategies, legislation, regulations, fiscal and administrative interventions related to health and safety, prevention and control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases; Collaborate and support the country in the development, implementation of multisectoral national plans for the prevention and control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases; Provide advice on the development / review of national policies, programs and structures for health promotion; Collaborate in the development, implementation and evaluation of national strategies, policies and plans for health promotion programs with national authorities and multi-sectoral partners; Contribute to the strengthening of technical support to the government to reduce risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and underlying social determinants by creating supportive environments for health, implementing strategies and relevant interventions in the national multisectoral action plan;Provide technical advice and technical support to the government in line with the guidance of the WCO Senior management to strengthen health promotion capacity, as well as the prevention, early detection and appropriate management of community-based interventions for communicable and noncommunicable diseases. Promote health in all policies and provide technical support for the development of healthy cities, other healthy settings and the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity; Ensure collaboration and work with international and national partners, together with the IPO Officer to improve surveillance, monitoring and evaluation of noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors. Coordinate data compilation and validation for the National NCD Capacity Survey. Coordinate with relevant partners to strengthen the implementation of the surveillance, monitoring and research component of the National Multisectoral Action Plan on Noncommunicable Diseases; Support priority health programs to strengthen community engagement, social mobilization, behavior change communication, and support multisectoral actions to address health inequities; Increase individual, community and societal participation in health action through empowerment; Provide technical support for the application of methods such as health education, communication for behavioral change, health education, social mobilization and advocacy in health programs; Provide technical support for the development of guidelines to promote the use of community-based approaches, affordable strategies and technologies for quality service delivery, particularly primary and secondary prevention, including the promotion of health in disease management; Assist the Ministry of Health and its partners in the development, implementation and evaluation of NCD policies, strategies and action plans, in line with the Global Action Plan for noncommunicable diseases 2013 - 2020 ; Create partnerships and networks to strengthen multidisciplinary and multisectoral collaboration to combat communicable and non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in the country; Support the collection of disaggregated data, quantitative and qualitative research and dissemination of information and their use for policy and program development, advocacy and awareness on emergency public health event, outbreaks, NCDs and their risk factors; Contribute to the development and implementation of public health communication interventions for the collaborative program with other partners; Provide technical support for the application of methods such as communication for behavioral change, health education, advocacy and advocacy in health programs;Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the WHO Representative.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education

• Essential: University degree in health, public health, social sciences or a related field from a recognized university such as health education, health communication, sociology / medical anthropology, teaching, population studies with a good knowledge of theory and the practice of health promotion, determinants of health and / or training in epidemiology or social epidemiology
• Desirable: Knowledge or qualification in health-related disciplines, editorial skills, implementation of multi-sectoral interventions, policy-making skills.

Experience

• Essential: At least 5 years experience in public health and disease control program management, working with national / international organizations involved in health promotion, public health or development.
• Desirable: Experience in planning, implementation, monitoring / evaluation of major disease control programs, and experience with the United Nations or international non-governmental organizations.

Skills
The incumbent must identify with the core values of the World Health Organization;In-depth knowledge of policies, strategies and guidelines in the field of public health, communicable and noncommunicable diseases including neglected tropical diseases, as well as WHO guidance on risk communication and community engagement. NCDs' risk factors also include the prevention of visual and auditory disorders and the application of mobile health, with a good understanding of the needs and priorities of the country.Good knowledge of prevention of communicable disease outbreaks and health protection through community engagement and multisectoral action.Strong analytical skill and literacy of sociopolitical, economic, and policy environment of the countryStrong technical and political advice skills, based on evidence. Leadership, coordination and supervisory skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with government and colleagues in a national and international team, share information and data, and make oral and written presentations on technical issues. Good ability to establish and maintain relationships and network with national authorities and other stakeholders in relevant sectors. Understanding of potential motivators in the national context and ability to adapt to new approaches in an increasingly complex environment;Modern management skills (planning and evaluation, etc.) Ability to convey information and options in a structured and credible manner; ability to speak and write clearly.Effective communication and ability to use / initiate evidence-based health promotion interventions; Technical expertise in public health; Ability to work effectively with colleagues at sub-national, national and international levels;Demonstrate leadership, collaboration, innovation, analytical and problem solving skills;Excellent understanding of participatory learning and development, strategic data and information, including the design of research studies.Ability to lead policy dialogue, advocacy, communication with partners on health promotion, noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Knowing and managing yourself
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

• Essential: Intermediate knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of French.
• Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Local Languages.
• The above language requirements are interchangeable.

REMUNERATION
Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at XAF 31,435,000 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int
An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.
This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.
In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates

HOW TO APPLY?
Click here to apply