Mental Health Specialist - (2400947)

Within the context of the WHO Country Office, the incumbent will contribute to country programmes to scale up prevention and treatment of mental, neurological, substance use disorders and support the promotion of mental health with particular focus on affected population. 

Under the overall guidance of the WHO representative, the incumbent will:

Contribute to the assessment of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs, resources and capacities within the country and planning and implementing response to the needs identified.

Assist in planning, introducing, development, monitoring and evaluation of mental health services in both specialized and non-specialized settings.

Promote an inter-sectoral, multi-layered and coordinated approach in the area of MHPSS and promote “do no harm” principles.

Work with counterparts in the Ministry of Health, National Coordination Center for Mental Health and other national and local entities/institutions to improve the capacity in the MHPSS response and strengthening mental health system and services.

Provide technical support to partner civil society organizations and other entities, on MHPSS activities.

Prepare technical briefing notes, reports, information products and content on mental health topics.

Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Essential: University degree (Bachelor's level) in Psychiatry, Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health Project Management, Medicine, Public Health, or related field.

Desirable: Advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in Psychiatry,  Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health Project Management or related field. Specialized training or certification in (a) public health (b) clinical psychology or psychiatry and/or (c) MHPSS in emergency and humanitarian crises(d) mental health project management.

Essential: At least two years of relevant experience working in the area of Mental health,  social work, public health, , MHPSS or related field.

Desirable: Experience working in the area of humanitarian and/or emergency response and recovery context. Demonstrated experience in planning and coordination of mental health projects and programme implementation in both humanitarian and development context. Experience working in WHO, other UN agencies, international on-governmental organizations or recognized humanitarian organizations.

Technical skills and knowledge in the area of mental health, MHPSS, capacity building and mental health project management. 

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of key WHO policies, documents and guidance materials on MHPSS and mental health system and services, as well as situation with human rights in the area of mental health. 

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the country context and developments with regards to mental health and related areas such as coordination of emergency response, non-communicable diseases, substance use disorders, human rights, with good understanding of relevant country's needs, priorities and policies. 

Emotional intelligence: Ability to identify and manage one's own emotions, as well as helping others to do the same.

Teamwork

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Communication

Moving forward in a changing environment

Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Bulgarian.

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at BGN 61,411 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

If you are interested in the position, please apply on the following link: