Technical Officer, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health

**Grade**: NO-B

**Contractual Arrangement**: Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4

**Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days)**: 31 December 2025

**Job Posting**: Jul 11, 2025, 2:40:29 PM

**Closing Date**: Jul 25, 2025, 4:59:00 PM

**Primary Location**: Brazil-Brasilia

**Organization**: PAHO/WHO Representation, Brazil

**Schedule**: Full-time


**OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE**

The Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Department promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities, directed at the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and related risk factors, mental, neurological and substance use disorders and disabilities, promotion of optimal nutrition and road safety, and violence prevention, that are evidence-based and appropriate for the political and sociocultural context in which they are implemented. It raises political and public awareness and understanding of the burden of the most common NCDs and mental disorders, related risk factors and conditions and leads multi-sector and multi-stakeholder strategic and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Member States' capacity to promote and protect health through public policies, programs, and services. This will reduce risks and disease burden and contribute to improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of the population.

The incumbent is responsible for providing technical support to the country in the area of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) prevention and control and the promotion of mental health, in close collaboration with the NCD and Mental Health Advisor. The incumbent will assist with the development and implementation of work programs and projects of national, subnational, regional and subregional nature, to be implemented at the country level. In performing his/her duties, the incumbent, in collaboration with the Advisor will follow the guidelines of PAHO/WHO’s General Program of Work; the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), PAHO’s Strategic Plan and its Biennial Work Plan (BWP); policy orientations; mandates of the Governing Bodies; manuals, strategies and other directives regarding technical cooperation. The incumbent, alongside the Advisor, will collaborate with the Global, Regional and Country Offices of the Organization and develop and maintain strategic alliances in Brazil with key stakeholders. Some relevant external stakeholders include governments (at all levels of government); private sector; NGOs; community/user representatives; academic institutions; professional associations; multilateral and bilateral agencies; donors/foundations; amongst others. These responsibilities require an incumbent with a good understanding of technical concepts and strong communication skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

**DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES**

Under the general supervision of the PAHO Representative, and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention and Determinants of Health, the incumbent is responsible for, but not limited to, the following assigned duties:

- Provide technical support and contribute to the development and implementation of the technical cooperation program of work for the prevention and control of NCDs and their risk factors, and the promotion of mental health, working closely with regional and global teams; following a multidisciplinary integrated approach, in collaboration with the regional/global levels of the organization
- Provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and other institutions of the national and subnational level for the diagnosis of health problems related to NCDs, risk factors and mental health, and help identify effective prevention and control strategies within the framework of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and its governance structure
- Contribute to developing evidence-based, cost-effective policies, strategies and plans to address NCDs, risk factors and mental health within the SUS, including functions related to the community level, social participation, integrated programs, local health systems, and local intersectoral collaborations
- Provide support for the design, implementation and evaluation of inter-sectoral public policies and legislation, regulations or similar measures for the prevention of NCD risk factors
- Collaborate in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of prevention programs and health services for the control of NCDs and mental health, with emphasis on strengthening of the integration, continuity and quality of the health services, expanding access to essential medicines and technologies, and leveraging innovation and digital transformation
- Provide technical support on how to integrate mental health and psychosocial support and improved management of NCDs during emergencies
- Promote and support in collaboration with the Advisor, the development of relevant networks, alliances, and multi-stakeholder pa