Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health System Expert

Host entity: WHO

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Public health, immunisation, Project management, programme development, strategy

Application deadline: 04/09/2026

Mission and objectives

WHO, as the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations system, adheres to the UN values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. The values of the WHO workforce furthermore reflect the principles of human rights, universality and equity established in WHO’s Constitution as well as the ethical standards of the Organization.

These values are inspired by the WHO vision of a world in which all peoples attain the highest possible level of health, and our mission to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable, with measurable impact for people at country level. We are individually and collectively committed to put these values into practice.

Assignment context

Bangladesh has strengthened its commitment to the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health through national policies, strategies and multisectoral initiatives, including the Joint Declaration on NCD Prevention endorsed by 35 Ministries and Divisions.

The effective implementation of these commitments requires continued strengthening of the health system, including service delivery, primary health care integration, essential medicines and supplies, health information systems, workforce capacity, programme monitoring and coordination across relevant levels of the health system. WHO Bangladesh is supporting the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to strengthen NCD and mental health prevention, early detection, treatment and long-term management, and to integrate NCD and mental health considerations into primary health care and broader health-system strengthening.

There is a need for dedicated technical and implementation support to assist government counterparts in translating policy and programme priorities into practical workplans, implementation actions, monitoring arrangements and timely follow-up.

The National UN Volunteer will support WHO Bangladesh to strengthen implementation of priority NCD and mental health interventions within the health sector, with particular emphasis on MOHFW and DGHS. The UNV will provide technical, operational and coordination support to relevant government units to advance agreed NCD and mental health priorities, including health-system strengthening, service delivery, primary health care integration, essential medicines and supplies, health information systems, workforce capacity and programme monitoring. The UNV will work closely with WHO technical teams, MOHFW, DGHS and other relevant government counterparts to translate agreed priorities into practical implementation actions, identify bottlenecks, facilitate technical inputs, monitor progress and support timely completion of agreed activities.

The assignment may also contribute to implementation of health-sector actions arising from the NCD Joint Declaration, but the primary focus of this position will be implementation within MOHFW and DGHS and strengthening the health-system response to NCDs and mental health.

Task description

The National UN Volunteer will provide technical, operational and coordination support to WHO and government counterparts to strengthen implementation of priority NCD and mental health interventions within MOHFW and DGHS. The assignment will focus on health-system strengthening, primary health care integration, essential medicines and supplies, health information systems, workforce capacity, service delivery, emergency preparedness and healthy ageing. The UNV will coordinate relevant WHO technical inputs, support implementation planning and follow-up, track progress, identify bottlenecks and document results. The UNV will also provide targeted support to selected NCD Joint Declaration/MSAP actions linked to the health sector, in coordination with the multisectoral action function.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Support implementation of priority NCD and mental health health-system interventions

• Support DGHS to translate agreed NCD and mental health priorities into implementation workplans and actions, including strengthening primary health care service delivery, essential medicines and supplies, workforce capacity, referral and follow-up, health information and digital systems, and integration of relevant NCD and mental health interventions into routine services, emergency preparedness and healthy ageing.

• Coordinate relevant WHO technical inputs, support DGHS consultations and implementation reviews, and follow up on agreed actions, timelines and technical requirements.

• Maintain DGHS implementation trackers, identify implementation gaps and bottlenecks, and facilitate appropriate technical support or escalation.

• Prepare and contribute to situational analyses, technical reports, briefing materials, donor reports, meeting documentation and periodic implementation updates, consolidating progress, achievements, gaps and priority follow-up actions.

• Perform other related duties and provide additional support as requested by the supervisor, in line with the objectives of the assignment.

2. Support NCD & mental health Joint Declaration/MSAP implementation

• Provide targeted technical and coordination support to selected Ministries/Divisions, as assigned, to translate relevant Joint Declaration/MSAP commitments into priority actions, timelines and implementation follow-up, with a focus on NCDs, mental health and injury prevention.

• Coordinate relevant WHO technical inputs and follow up with designated government focal points on agreed actions, implementation progress and technical or coordination needs.

• Provide inputs to the overall Joint Declaration/MSAP implementation tracker and reporting, including key progress, bottlenecks and follow-up actions, in coordination with the lead multisectoral focal point.

Key Deliverables:
• DGHS NCD and mental health implementation workplans and trackers covering agreed health-system priorities, with progress, gaps and follow-up actions documented.
• Technical and reporting products, including agreed situational analyses, technical/briefing reports, donor reports and periodic implementation updates.
• Targeted Joint Declaration/MSAP support to selected Ministries/Divisions, including documented technical inputs and follow-up on assigned NCD, mental health and injury-prevention commitments.
• Inputs to consolidated Joint Declaration/MSAP tracking and reporting on assigned health-sector actions, including progress, bottlenecks and priority follow-up actions.

Skills and experience

At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public health, noncommunicable diseases, mental health, health-system strengthening, programme implementation, programme monitoring, health-service delivery, government coordination, or related fields.

Experience working with MOHFW, DGHS, WHO, UN agencies, or development partners is highly desirable.

Required:
• Demonstrated experience in public health programme implementation, coordination and follow-up, preferably in NCDs, mental health or health-system strengthening.
• Strong ability to provide technical and operational support and translate policies and strategies into practical implementation actions.
• Experience supporting government institutions in developing, implementing or monitoring workplans.
• Good understanding of NCD prevention and control, including risk-factor prevention, health promotion, early detection, screening, treatment and long-term management.
• Understanding of health-system strengthening and primary health care approaches.
• Strong coordination, communication, problem-solving and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to identify implementation bottlenecks, coordinate solutions and follow activities through to completion.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain implementation trackers and follow-up systems.
• Ability to prepare clear technical documents, progress updates, meeting records and implementation summaries.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent activities, deadlines and stakeholders with limited supervision.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
• Good computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and online collaboration tools.

Desirable:
• Experience supporting NCD and mental health programmes at national or subnational level.
• Experience with PHC, NCD service delivery, essential medicines, health information systems or workforce development.
• Experience supporting multisectoral NCD initiatives or national action plans.
• Experience in programme monitoring and implementation review.
• Experience developing technical briefs, policy briefs, progress reports or other knowledge products.
• Experience working with WHO, UN agencies, government or development partners.

Competencies and values

• Teamwork: Works effectively with WHO colleagues, government counterparts and partners across technical areas.
• Communication: Communicates clearly with government counterparts and prepares concise and accurate technical documentation.
• Planning and organizing: Plans, prioritizes and follows through on multiple implementation activities and deadlines.
• Stakeholder coordination: Builds effective relationships with MOHFW, DGHS, WHO technical teams and partners.
• Results orientation: Takes proactive action to move agreed implementation activities forward.
• Problem-solving: Identifies bottlenecks and supports practical solutions or timely escalation.
• Technical expertise: Applies relevant NCD, mental health and health-system knowledge to support implementation.
• Adaptability: Works effectively in a changing programme environment.

Living conditions

Dhaka is a rapidly growing megacity and the political, economic, and cultural center of Bangladesh. Home to around 37 million people, it is the second most populated and among the most densely populated cities globally. The city faces significant urban challenges, including traffic congestion, high population density, and limited public service capacity. Volunteers should expect an intense, vibrant, and dynamic urban environment undergoing rapid urbanization, with ongoing strains on water supply, waste management, and transportation systems. Only about two thirds of the city has piped water access, and traffic congestion is considered very high, making daily commuting time consuming. The climate is tropical, characterized by heat and humidity throughout most of the year, including a rainy monsoon season from June to October. Occasional flooding and waterlogging may occur during heavy rainfall.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Dhaka full-time, and be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. Accommodation options for international UN personnel are available in pre-approved neighborhoods, including Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, among others, for security purposes. Healthcare facilities range in quality, with most reliable services concentrated in private hospitals in Dhaka.

Culturally, Bangladesh is conservative and deeply influenced by Islamic norms. Volunteers should be mindful of local customs, including modest dress and behavior – particularly for women. Social interactions place strong emphasis on respect, hierarchy, and community values. While Dhaka offers a rich cultural experience, historical sites, and a welcoming community, the environment can be challenging. Volunteers should be prepared for periods of physical discomfort, occasional environmental hazards, and the need for adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and resilience.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at
https://explore.unv.org/cos.”

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