Consultant – Mental Health/Suicide Prevention Strategies, WPRO/DDC

Purpose of the Consultancy

The consultant will provide operational and technical support in strengthening suicide prevention activities in the Western Pacific Region.

Background

Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700, 000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for countries to take action to prevent suicide through a comprehensive national suicide prevention strategy. LIVE LIFE is an approach developed by WHO to guide countries in developing evidence-based strategies and interventions for suicide prevention (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240026629). It details the practical aspects of implementing four key evidence-based interventions for suicide prevention and six cross-cutting pillars which are crucial for their implementation. Key effective evidence-based interventions for suicide prevention include limiting access to means of suicide; interacting with the media to promote responsible reporting for suicide; fostering socio-emotional life skills in adolescents; and early identification, assessment, management, and follow-up of anyone affected by suicidal behaviors.

The Regional framework for the future of mental health in the Western Pacific 2023-2030 (who.int) recognizes suicide prevention as a priority for the future of mental health. Aligned with the Global Mental Health Action Plan, the Regional Framework recommends embedding mental health in the settings and journeys of daily life by engaging and empowering communities.

Following the recommendations from the Core Expert Meeting on the Implementation of the Regional Framework held on 29-31 March 2023 and the leadership and capacity-building workshop held on 30 October to 3 November 2023 in Seoul, Republic of Korea, key strategic priorities on suicide prevention are being supported in Palau, Cambodia and Mongolia.

To support countries in engaging communities in suicide prevention and optimize psychosocial support from available community resources for those who self-harmed or who attempted suicide, and for people bereaved by suicide, the unit seeks to engage a consultant to provide operational and technical support in strengthening suicide prevention activities in the Western Pacific Region.

Deliverables

Under the supervision and guidance of the technical lead of the Mental Health and Substance Use (MHS) unit of the Division of Disease Control (DDC), in coordination with relevant country national focal points, WHO Country Offices, Health Ministries in the Western Pacific Region, HQ/Mental Health Department, and other relevant partners, the consultant will perform the following activities:

Methods to carry out the activity

1. Provide technical guidance to at least 3 countries in developing national suicide prevention strategies and in implementing, monitoring and evaluating LIVE LIFE suicide prevention interventions and pillar according to strategic priorities.
2. Provide training/workshop related to LIVE LIFE suicide prevention interventions and pillars.
3. Engage with key country offices, relevant government representatives and partners.
4. Contribute to communications tasks related to products, suicide prevention web pages and communication campaigns in-country.
5. Write donor reports.

Outputs
1. Stakeholder meeting/workshop and technical support provided in written, through online calls, or on site. To be delivered in fourth quarter of 2024 and first quarter of 2025.
2. Training provided in at least one country, with particular focus on situation analysis and surveillance of suicide and self-harm. To be delivered in first quarter of 2025.
3. Content for suicide prevention drafted. In-country suicide prevention awareness campaign supported. To be fourth quarter of 2024 and first quarter of 2025.
4. Donor report written in April 2025.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications

Essential: First university degree in public health, epidemiology, mental health, psychology, social sciences, medicine, or related field
Desirable: Training in suicide prevention

Experience

Essential: Up to 5 years of relevant experience in mental health and/or suicide prevention, and working experience in low- and middle-income countries.
Desirable: International experience as well as working experience with governments and the UN; worked on at least one of the four key evidence-based interventions and at least one of the six cross-cutting pillars of LIVE LIFE; experienced training and drafting communications materials; worked in public health programme implementation and evaluation; experienced writing and editing technical documents and policy guidance.

Skills/Knowledge

• Sound technical knowledge of suicide prevention in the Western Pacific Region
• Excellent technical writing skills
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders across different cultures and technical sectors
• Strong data analysis, data interpretation, data presentation and data visualization skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent organizational and scheduling skills
• Self-discipline with the ability to work with autonomy and as part of a team
• Knowledge of technical tools for suicide prevention
• Knowledge of surveillance systems for suicide and self-harm
• Knowledge of international policies, laws and mandates as pertaining to pesticides suicides
• Knowledge of national guidelines for the media for responsible reporting on suicide
• Knowledge of school-based interventions for suicide prevention

Languages and level required

Essential: Expert knowledge of English

Place of assignment

On site: Western Pacific Regional Office, Manila, Philippines

Travel

The work may require travel to countries in the Region, in particular to:
1) Palau; 2) Cambodia; and 3) Mongolia
The travel will support the MHS Team in coordinating MHS Programs and participating in the integrated country missions

Remuneration and budget

Remuneration: Band level A, USD 5,000/month
Expected duration of contract: 6 months, October 2024 to April 2025

Additional Information

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