OBJECTIVES
The consultant will be expected to achieve the following objectives according to their areas of expertise:
Strategic Plan Development: Assist countries in developing, updating, and implementing national NCD strategic action plans aligned with global frameworks like the WHO Global Action Plan for NCDs.
Implementation of WHO Packages: Facilitate the adoption and scaling of WHO initiatives like PEN, PEN-Plus, HEARTS, and mhGAP for effective management of NCDs at primary healthcare levels.
Improve Data Systems & Digital Health: Strengthen health information systems (e.g., DHIS2) and deploy digital health technologies to enhance NCD monitoring and management.
Capacity Building & Service Delivery: Train healthcare providers on integrated NCD management and service delivery, with a focus on CVDs, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic conditions.
Multisectoral Collaboration & Health Promotion: Promote multisectoral efforts to reduce NCD risk factors through health promotion, prevention campaigns, and public policy advocacy.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the supervision of the NCDs management team lead and overall coordination of the director of the UHC communicable and non-communicable disease cluster in AFRO, the incumbent is required to have extensive ongoing contacts with officers in the NCDs management team especially technical officer for oral health to exchange information for the implementation of the agreed duties. The incumbent will exchange information with a broad range of experts, policy makers and national chief dental officers, WHO country offices as well as the WHO collaborating centres to deliver programmes and advice to maximize AFRO impact in integrated disease control.
The incumbent will also cultivate partnerships with bilateral agencies, academia, intergovernmental organizations, institutions, and NGOs for the successful attainment of the objectives and expected results.
The anticipated range of activities for which the incumbent will be responsible for, will include but not necessarily limited to the following:
Integrated NCDs Management / Service Delivery Expert
Role/Objective: The consultant focuses on improving the management and delivery of NCD services within health systems. They support the development of integrated approaches to ensure continuity of care from prevention through to treatment and rehabilitation. Their role includes working with health ministries to optimize service delivery models, ensuring equitable access to essential NCD services, and strengthening primary health care. They provide technical assistance for the integration of NCD management across various levels of the health system, with an emphasis on person-centered care and multisectoral collaboration.
Cardiovascular Diseases Expert
Role/Objective: The cardiovascular diseases (CVD) consultant provides technical expertise to guide the prevention, diagnosis, and management of CVDs in line with global standards, such as the WHO HEARTS technical package. They assist governments in developing and implementing strategies to reduce the burden of CVD through enhanced screening, treatment protocols, and public health interventions. Their role includes building capacity in health systems for early detection and management, particularly at the primary health care level.
Diabetes Expert
Role/Objective: The diabetes expert consultant focuses on supporting countries to strengthen their capacity in diabetes prevention and management. They help develop national diabetes action plans and protocols for early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The consultant works on integrating diabetes care into broader health systems, promoting access to essential medicines like insulin, and improving patient education on disease management.
Chronic Respiratory Diseases Expert
Role/Objective: This consultant provides expertise in the management of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They guide health systems in adopting evidence-based treatment guidelines, improving access to essential medications, and building capacity for CRD management in primary and secondary care settings. The consultant also advises on public health campaigns aimed at reducing CRD risk factors like tobacco use and air pollution.
Cancers Expert (Breast, Cervical, Childhood, Prostate, Liver, colorectal)
Role/Objective: Cancer specialists in this category provide technical assistance to support the development and implementation comprehensive cancer control strategies. This encompasses the entire continuum of cancer care, from prevention to diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. The specialist will collaborate closely with national health programs to strengthen screening initiatives, such as those for breast and cervical cancer, and help establish standardized treatment protocols that enhance patient outcomes. support national programs in implementing screening programs (e.g., for breast and cervical cancer), establishing treatment protocols, and improving access to oncology services. A key aspect of the role building capacity of healthcare providers through targeted training and mentorship, promoting early detection, and ensuring integration of cancer services care into national health systems.
Sickle Cell Disease and Other Genetic Disorders Expert
Role/Objective: This consultant specializes in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) and other genetic disorders. They assist health systems in implementing screening programs, developing treatment protocols, and ensuring patient access to appropriate therapies, such as hydroxyurea. The expert also supports the development of community education programs to raise awareness about SCD and improve patient outcomes through early detection and consistent care.
Ear and Hearing Care Expert
Role/Objective: The ear and hearing care consultant provides technical support in developing national strategies for the prevention and management of hearing impairments. They assist in strengthening hearing screening programs, expanding access to hearing aids, and training healthcare workers in ear care. The expert plays a key role in integrating hearing care into primary health care and ensuring access to quality services, especially for vulnerable populations.
Eye Health Expert
Role/Objective: This consultant supports the development of eye health programs, focusing on preventing and treating conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Their work includes advising on national strategies for eye care, improving access to essential ophthalmic services, and training healthcare providers in vision screening and surgical interventions. They also support public awareness campaigns to reduce preventable blindness and vision impairment.
Oral Health Expert
Role/Objective: The oral health consultant plays a vital role in promoting the integration of oral health into primary care and public health initiatives. They provide expertise on the prevention and management of common oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease, and support the development of national policies for improving access to dental care. They also promote the inclusion of oral health in NCD programs, given the links between oral diseases and other NCDs.
Education
Essential: A university degree in medicine with a specialization in one of the NCDs areas, or a master’s degree in public health or health-related fields.
Desirable: An advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in medicine, public health/epidemiology, or any specialized field related to NCDs, such as Integrated NCD Management/Service Delivery, Epidemiology, Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, Cancers (e.g., breast, cervical, childhood, prostate, liver), Sickle Cell Disease and Genetic Disorders, Ear and Hearing Care, Eye Health, Oral Health.
Experience
Essential: At least 5 years of relevant work experience in the area of expertise applied for. This could include NCD management, integrated service delivery, specific NCD fields (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular diseases), health information systems, data management, data science, quantitative analysis, and data visualization.
Apply via :
careers.who.int