NCD Prevention and Management Technical Officer

Host entity: WHO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Public health, immunisation

Application deadline: 12/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations Public Health Organization established in 1948. The objective of the World Health Organization shall be the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.
World Health Organization achieves its goals by performing its essential functions:
1. Take a leadership role in key health issues and create partnerships when joint action is needed;
2. Set research priorities and encourage the acquisition, application and dissemination of useful knowledge;
3. Setting standards and criteria and encouraging and monitoring them;
4. Develop ethical and evidence-based policies
5. Provide technical support, be an agent of change and build institutional capacity in a sustainable way;
6. Monitor health status and assess health trends.

Assignment context

The African Region is facing a rapidly growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, alongside persisting infectious diseases. NCDs are driven by modifiable risk factors including tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and environmental exposures, placing increasing strain on health systems and economies. In line with the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013–2030 and SDG target 3.4, WHO/AFRO is implementing an integrated programme to strengthen national capacities for NCD prevention and management, mental health, violence and injuries, and rehabilitation, through evidence based policies, WHO “Best Buys” interventions, and people centred service delivery. This UNV assignment will support the NCD Team in providing technical guidance and programme support to Member States to advance these regional priorities.

Task description

1- Technical Support to Member States
• Provide technical assistance to countries in the development, implementation and monitoring of national strategies, policies and action plans for the prevention and control of NCDs and other priority public health conditions including, rehabilitation, violence and injuries where relevant.
• Support integration of NCD prevention and management, violence and injury prevention, and rehabilitation services into primary health care and universal health coverage frameworks.
• Assist countries in implementing WHO “Best Buy” interventions for NCDs.

2- Risk Factor Prevention and Control
Provide technical guidance on evidence-based policies and interventions addressing major risk factors and determinants of NCDs, violence and injuries, including:
• Tobacco use
• Harmful use of alcohol
• Unhealthy diet
• Physical inactivity
• Environmental and social determinants of health

3- Programme Monitoring and Data Systems
• Support strengthening national NCD surveillance, monitoring and information systems related to NCDs, violence and injuries.
• Assist countries in monitoring indicators related to NCD, violence, and injuries aligned with global and regional targets and the SDGs.
• Contribute to regional reports, data analysis and knowledge products related to NCD, violence and injuries and rehabilitation.

4- Capacity Building and Knowledge Management
• Support development of training materials and technical guidance for health workers and policymakers.
• Organize regional or national workshops and technical consultations.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and dissemination of best practices across Member States.

5- Partnerships and Multisectoral Engagement
• Support collaboration with ministries of health, finance, transport, education and other sectors involved in NCD prevention and control, violence and injury prevention and rehabilitation.
• Engage civil society, academic institutions and development partners in NCD-related initiatives.

6- Cross-programmatic support
• Contribute to the implementation of regional initiatives and technical cooperation activities related to NCDs, rehabilitation, violence and injuries, as required, including the development of technical products, policy guidance, capacity-building activities and support to Member States.

Skills and experience

Educational Qualifications

Required:
• Medical degree (MBBS, MD, or equivalent) from a recognized university.
• Advanced university degree (master’s level or higher) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Policy, Health Systems, Preventive Medicine, or another relevant public health discipline.

Desirable:
• Specialized training or demonstrated experience in the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), health promotion, violence and injury prevention, rehabilitation, emergency care, primary health care, or system strengthening.
• Clinical and public health experience in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and surveillance of NCDs and injuries, preferably within national health systems or international public health settings.
• Experience supporting the development and implementation of evidence-based policies, guidelines, and programmes aligned with universal health coverage and primary health care approaches.

Experience

Required:
• Four (4) years of combined experience working in prevention and management of NCDs, Violence and injuries, health promotion, or related public health programmes in low resource settings
• Demonstrated experience in addressing one or more major NCDs risk factor or determinants of health such as tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets, or physical inactivity.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, monitoring or evaluation of public health policies, strategies or programmes.
• Experience working with governments and national stakeholders in developing or implementing NCD and related public health policies, strategies or programmes, in low- or middle-income countries.
• WHO/ UN/ International NGO experience

Skills/Knowledge
• Strong technical knowledge of epidemiology, prevention and control of NCDs and related public health priorities, including rehabilitation, violence and injuries.
• Sound understanding of health promotion, risk-factor reduction, health systems strengthening, and primary health care approaches.
• Expertise in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of public health programmes, policies and interventions.
• Strong analytical, research and policy analysis skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex scientific and technical evidence into clear policy-relevant recommendations.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across sectors and disciplines.
• Ability to work in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments, while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living conditions

The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region. The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-West, Cameroon and Central Republic Africa in the North and Northeast, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, Angola and Atlantic Ocean in the South. Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove to the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas. Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and Pointe-Noire (economic capital). The cost of living is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious. According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other areas major are secure. The Republic of Congo is a unique country. It provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.