Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Specialist

WHO, as the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations system, adheres to the UN values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. The values of the WHO workforce furthermore reflect the principles of human rights, universality and equity established in WHO’s Constitution as well as the ethical standards of the Organization.

These values are inspired by the WHO vision of a world in which all peoples attain the highest possible level of health, and our mission to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable, with measurable impact for people at country level. We are individually and collectively committed to put these values into practice.

Noncommunicable 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.

Under 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.