National Professional Officer (Tobacco Control, Non Communicable Diseases)

Vacancy Notice No: 2012/NPO/230175 Title: Temporary National Professional Officer (Tobacco Control, Non Communicable Diseases) Grade: NO-C Contract type: Temporary Appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 Duration of contract:  Maximum of 12 months	Date: 17 January 2013 Application Deadline: 16 February 2013 (17 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  Bangkok, Thailand   Organization unit: WHO Representative Office, Thailand
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : In 2006, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a $125 million global tobacco initiative with a special focus on 15 developing countries that account for two-thirds (66%) of the world's smokers. The grants will support projects that lead to substantial, Sustainable improvements in tobacco control laws, regulations, policies, and programs. WHO has been identified as one of five partners to help implement the Bloomberg Global Initiative (BGI), along with the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation, Johns Hopkins University, and the World Lung Foundation. The specific objective of the programme is to develop, implement and evaluate Bloomberg tobacco control projects and activities in Thailand.
Description of duties: Under the direct supervision of WHO Representative, Thailand, technical guidance of Regional Adviser (Tobacco Free Initiative) and with broad guidance of Director, Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH), the incumbent will work as a member of the Country Office team to contribute to the implementation of the BGI in Thailand. The (MOPH) and relevant government agencies, CDC, and related partners, for the purpose of planning, implementing, and monitoring of the WHO Thailand Tobacco Control Programme. 1. Support the WHO Representative to Thailand in programme management, training, and communication, and provide technical assistance: a. Enhance government tobacco control capacity; b. Assist the Government of Thailand in designing, strengthening, implementing and evaluating national tobacco control action plans, evidence-based policies and/or legislation and programmes consistent with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC); c. Strengthen evidence-based tobacco control programmes that are supported by a broad coalition of governmental and non-governmental organizations, and foster the creation and/or expansion of these coalitions; d. Assist government and other qualified entities to apply for grants under the Bloomberg Initiative, monitoring the implementation of these grants and ensuring that the key findings, recommendations and insights arising from these grants are incorporated into national tobacco control policy development; e. Establish and sustain comprehensive strategies for continuing education and training, and media and communications as they relate to tobacco control activities under the Bloomberg Initiative and the WHO FCTC; 2. Contribute to capacity building for country-level monitoring, evaluation and research in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and Bloomberg partners to: a. Assist the government in adhering to reporting requirements set by the Conference of Parties; b. Coordinate with other WHO programmes and units, Government of Thailand and other partners to link tobacco control research findings to related areas of work, such as cancer prevention and Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs); c. Provide technical assistance for country level research projects, including generation of economic analysis for advocacy and policy Setting/capacity building for Thailand, particularly in the area of tobacco product taxation; d. Analyze, and with guidance of WR and/or Technical Officer (TFI), communicate, and disseminate policy-relevant research findings to key government leaders and partners; 3. Report periodically as required on regional-level/country-Ievel progress and impact indicators for the Bloomberg Project and the WHO FCTC; 4. Maintain and update website information in the area of work; and. 5. Perform other relevant duties as required by the supervisors.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Post graduate degree in Public Health, social sciences or related field.
Skills:  Knowledge & Skills: Knowledge, direct experience and established ability in capacity building, programme planning/development, implementation/management, monitoring/evaluation, and grant writing. Proven aptitude for effective verbal and written communication; Capacity for providing effective leadership; Knowledge of the WHO FCTC and technical expertise in evidence based public heath approaches to prevent and control tobacco use. Ability to think strategically and work under tight deadlines on a results-oriented basis; Ability to develop innovative approaches and solutions; Ability to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills by working harmoniously as a member of a team, adapting to diverse educational, socio-political and cultural backgrounds and maintaining a high standard of personal conduct. Competencies: 1. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond 2. Producing results 3. Creating an empowering and motivating environment 4. Promoting WHO's position in health leadership 5. Communicating in a credible and effective way
Experience: Essential: At least 5 years national work experience in the planning, implementation and management of public health programmes, particularly in the areas of tobacco or non-communicable diseases control or related field. Desirable: Established track record in tobacco control programme management. Familiarity with the UN system, in general, and the WHO system, in particular, desirable.
Languages: Expert knowledge in reading, writing and speaking Thai Expert knowledge in reading, writing and speaking English
Additional Information: THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO LOCAL RECRUITMENT AND WILL BE FILLED BY A THAI NATIONAL FROM WITHIN THAILAND.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) Baht 15,41,570 at single rate
A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.