Short-Term Consultant (STC) - Mental Health and Substance use (MHS)

BACKGROUND

Mental health and substance use disorders, including child and adolescent disorders, suicide risk, and neurological disorders such as dementia affect over 200 million people in the Western Pacific Region. While progress has been observed across several areas, significant gaps in access to quality care remain and investment in mental health is still inadequate to fully address the burden. Furthermore, the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on population mental health, and its subsequent disruption to service delivery, has increased the demand for services and highlighted the need to integrate mental health in COVID-19 response and recovery plans.

The conclusion of the implementation period of the Regional Agenda for Implementing the Mental Health Action Plan in 2020 and the endorsement by Member States of For the Future: Towards the Healthiest and Safest Region – WHO’s blueprint for public health priorities and actions in the Western Pacific in the coming years – represent a strategic opportunity to create the vision for the future of mental health through the development of a new regional framework. This new framework is envisioned to support Member States in developing national plans and policies on mental health, strengthen political advocacy for greater resources and commitment, encourage coordination and collaboration by identifying mental health priorities, and help build back better towards mental health systems that are more resilient to future health emergencies.

In July 2021 an expert consultation on the future of mental health in the Western Pacific Region was convened to define a strategic approach to advancing mental health in the region, and from early 2022 formal Member State consultations will commence with the aim to build on and refine the approach and gain consensus on the content of the new Framework incorporating key priorities identified by the expert consultation as well as previous informal Member State discussion.

One of these priority areas of the framework will be addressing rising suicide rates across many countries in the region and supporting implementation of suicide prevention policy and interventions aligned with the WHO LIVE LIFE package. Identified evidence-based interventions in the package include limiting access to means of suicide, responsible media reporting of suicide, fostering socio-emotional life skills in adolescents, and early identification, management, and follow-up of those presenting with suicidal behaviors.

The consultant will draw on the insights and recommendations gained through the Framework consultation process to-date, alongside other relevant literature and guidance documents, to develop the Framework components related to suicide prevention.

Furthermore, acknowledging the importance and challenges of implementing regional policy guidance into practice at the country level, the consultant will contribute to the development of a draft implementation plan to support Member States to implement the actions identified in the Framework and monitor progress.

PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The Mental Health and Substance use (MHS) unit of the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WHO WPRO) seeks to contract a Short-Term Consultant to support the development and implementation of the new Regional Framework for the Future of Mental Health in the Western Pacific Region.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The consultant will be expected to:

• • Develop the suicide prevention component of the Regional Framework for the Future of Mental Health in the Western Pacific Region, incorporating data and insights gathered through the regional expert consultation process and MHS unit collaborations in 2021, and the WHO LIVE LIFE guidelines.
• • Contribute to development of a draft implementation plan to support Member States to implement the Regional Framework for the Future of Mental Health in the Western Pacific Region following endorsement in 2022.
• • Contribute to Member State consultation activities and other related tasks as determined by the Division.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY AND LIST OF OUTPUTS

To inform the delivery of the contract outputs, the consultant will review and incorporate scientific literature, relevant policy documents and reports developed throughout the framework development process to date and will consult and collaborate with members of the MHS Unit and other relevant technical units at WPRO.

Output 1: Informed by scientific literature, relevant policy documents and reports developed throughout the Framework development process to date, develop the suicide prevention component of the Regional Framework for the Future of Mental Health in the Western Pacific Region – with a focus on developing life skills and service provision incorporating early intervention for mental health difficulties.

Output 2: Contribute to the development of a draft implementation plan to support Member States to implement the Regional Framework for the Future of Mental Health in the Western Pacific Region following endorsement in 2022.

Deliverables: Monthly progress report on work performed and achieved.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

• • Essential: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, medicine, social sciences or related fields, from a recognized university listed in World Higher Education Database (WHED).
• • Desirable: Postgraduate training in mental health, public health or global health.

SKILLS/TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• • Research, technical writing, and coalition building. Knowledge of relevant global and regional tools and mandates related to mental health in emergencies.

EXPERIENCE

• • Essential: At least 2 years of work experience in public health, psychology, emergency preparedness and response.
• • Desirable: Experience with the UN system or international organizations, particularly in mental health
• • Experience working with governments, and intergovernmental organizations, including the World Health Organization, will be considered.

LANGUAGES

• • Written and spoken fluency in English (Read – Write – Speak / "Advanced" level) is essential. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

COMPETENCIES

• • Teamwork
• • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• • Communication
• • Producing results
• • Moving forward in a changing environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Duration of contract:

6 months starting 17 January 2022

Place of assignment:

The consultant will not be required to be based at WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (Manila, Philippines) to perform the tasks related to this activity but will require interaction with the technical unit (Mental Health and Substance Abuse) on the development of the deliverables.

Medical clearance:

The selected consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Travel:

The Consultant is not expected to travel during the assignment.
 

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 25 November 2021. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 154848 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.