International Consultant - SIMH (Special Initiative for Mental Health), WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, Manila, Philippines

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Purpose of the Consultancy The purpose of this consultancy is to support the implementation of the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health (SIMH) in the Region.

Background

The World Health Organization Special Initiative for Mental Health supports Member States to strengthen mental health systems and scale up quality, rights-based, community-based services integrated within primary health care, contributing to universal health coverage.

In the Western Pacific Region, countries are at different stages of SIMH implementation, from early system development to transition toward national ownership and sustainability. To support this, WHO is organizing a Regional Learning and Exchange Meeting in November 2026, which will serve as a platform for peer learning and knowledge exchange across countries.
The consultancy will support these efforts through coordination, documentation, and technical support to ensure effective delivery of regional and country-level activities.

Deliverables

Under the supervision of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Unit, the consultant will provide coordination and technical support to mental health amid climate change and disasters activities in the Western Pacific Region. The consultant will:

Output 1: Regional coordination and synthesis report on SIMH implementation
Deliverable 1.1: Compile country inputs, organize implementation data, and produce a structured tracking file covering SIMH activities across participating countries.
Deliverable 1.2: Analyze compiled inputs and draft a regional synthesis report summarizing progress, key results, implementation challenges, and lessons learned.

Output 2: Technical documentation for SIMH implementation in the Philippines and Cambodia
Deliverable 2.1: Prepare technical inputs (briefing notes, summaries, or guidance materials) based on country-level activities and consultations.
Deliverable 2.2: Produce mission reports and/or technical briefs documenting activities conducted, key findings, and recommended actions.

Output 3: Documentation of the SIMH Regional Meeting
Deliverable 3.1: Draft the meeting agenda and prepare background materials, including session outlines and presentation inputs.
Deliverable 3.2: Compile session notes and document discussions during the meeting, including key points raised and country inputs.
Deliverable 3.3: Produce a final meeting report (WHO standard), including participant list, summary of discussions, key outputs, and agreed action points.

Output 4: Technical products on SIMH
Deliverable 4.1: Draft and finalize three to five technical products (e.g. briefs, concept notes, summaries) based on programme activities and consultations.

Output 5: Monthly progress report and final consultancy reports
Deliverable 5.1: Prepare progress reports summarizing completed activities, outputs produced, challenges encountered, and next steps at agreed reporting points.
Deliverable 5.2: Produce a final consultancy report summarizing achievements, lessons learned, and recommendations for programme planning.

Qualifications, experience, skills, and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: University degree in public health, mental health, psychology, social sciences, medicine, international development or any health-related field from a recognized institution or university.

Desirable: Postgraduate (master's level or above) training or relevant coursework in mental health.

Work Experience:

Essential: Minimum 2 years of professional experience in mental health, public health, or related fields, and experience working in low- and middle-income country contexts.

Desirable: Experience working with international organizations, including the United Nations and/or government counterparts; supporting regional or multi country initiatives; programme implementation, coordination, monitoring, and/or evaluation; contributing to technical documentation, reports, and guidance materials; supporting meetings, trainings, or learning activities; and demonstrated knowledge and moderate skills in statistical analysis, including basic data analysis, interpretation, and presentation for public health or mental health programmes.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• Sound understanding of mental health systems and public health approaches
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and technical disciplines
• Strong statistical analysis skill as well as qualitative data analysis
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Experience synthesizing information and contributing to reports, summaries, and briefing materials
• Ability to coordinate with external partners as well as work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, including preparation of presentations, data organization, and basic analysis

Language requirements
Expert level of English is essential (Read-Write-Speak). Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Location

The consultant will be working on-site at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, Manila, Philippines

Travel

The consultant may be required to travel to countries in the Region, in particular to: Cambodia and Philippines

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 4,000 (monthly)
• Living Expenses: USD 2,000 (monthly)
• Expected duration of contract: 4 months, August 2026 - December 2026

Additional Information:

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
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