NCDs & Mental Health Officer (Special Services Agreement)

About the role

The Special Services Agreement (SSA) NCDs & Mental Health Officer will support the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy in Rwanda. Reporting to the Diseases Prevention and Control cluster team leader, the officer will work closely with WHO regional and headquarters offices to strengthen national capacity for non‑communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health prevention and control.

Key responsibilities

• Assist the government in developing and implementing policies, strategies and multi‑sectoral action plans for NCDs and mental health, including oral, eye and ear health, violence and injury prevention.
• Build capacity at central and district levels to deliver evidence‑based interventions across primary, secondary and tertiary health services.
• Support the adaptation and dissemination of protocols, guidelines and training modules for NCD and mental health programmes.
• Facilitate policy dialogue, coordination and partnership building for a multi‑sectoral approach.
• Strengthen surveillance systems and conduct surveys such as STEPS, GATS, GSHS and GYTS.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, health policy or a related field.
• Significant experience in NCDs, mental health, or health systems strengthening in low‑ and middle‑income settings.
• Proven ability to work with government ministries, NGOs and international partners.
• Strong analytical, reporting and monitoring‑evaluation skills.

Required skills

• Knowledge of WHO Global Action Plan for NCDs and Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan.
• Experience with health surveillance tools and population‑based surveys.
• Ability to develop policy briefs, guidelines and training materials.