..

Qualifications

Position Title: Technical Officer, Non-Communicable Diseases

Duty Station: Maseru, The Kingdom of Lesotho

Type of Contract: Special Service Agreement (SSA), NOC level

Duration: 12 months

Supervisor: WHO Country Representative, Lesotho

1. Background

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a growing public health challenge in Lesotho, with significant contributions to morbidity and mortality. Common NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions, driven by risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity. The burden is further exacerbated by co-morbidities with HIV and TB, limited healthcare access in rural areas, and weak surveillance systems for monitoring and policy development. In response, Lesotho has developed an NCD Strategic Plan aligned with the WHO Global NCD Action Plan and implemented policies to address key risk factors. Efforts to integrate NCD care into primary healthcare and improve community awareness are underway, supported by international partners.

However, significant gaps remain in health workforce capacity, infrastructure, and data systems. Strengthening primary healthcare, investing in resources, and enforcing risk factor policies are critical to reducing the NCD burden and ensuring equitable health outcomes.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Ministry of Health of Lesotho, is committed to strengthening the health system to address the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), with funding from the Hemsley Charitable Trust (HCT), has launched a three-year project aimed at implementing the PEN-Plus strategy.

PEN-Plus seeks to decentralize the prevention, diagnosis, and management of severe NCDs, including Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), and Acute Rheumatic Fever/Rheumatic Heart Disease (ARF/RHD). The strategy integrates these services into primary healthcare (PHC) and district hospital systems to improve equitable access to care in underserved and rural areas.

To ensure effective implementation in Lesotho, the WHO Country Office for Lesotho seeks to hire a National Technical Officer to coordinate, guide, and oversee interventions to address NCDs, paying special attention to PEN-PLUS activities and ensuring alignment with the country’s health priorities.

2. Purpose

The Technical Officer will provide technical support for the effective implementation of PEN-Plus, ensuring that the strategy is integrated into the national healthcare system and addressing the unique needs of the country in responding to the NCDs burden.

3. Objective

The primary objective of the Technical Officer is to support the Ministry of Health and partners in implementing interventions to address the burden of NCDs in the country with special attention to the PEN-Plus strategy by:

1.Coordinating a national baseline assessment to document the current situation of decentralized, integrated outpatient services for severe NCD care at implementation sites.

2.Facilitating capacity building for healthcare workers at district and PHC levels.

3.Strengthening the integration of PEN-Plus into existing healthcare services.

4.Supporting the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of PEN-Plus activities to ensure measurable outcomes.

4. Scope of Work

The National Technical Officer will be responsible for the following:

4.1. Coordination and Planning

•Develop a detailed PEN-Plus implementation plan, including timelines, resource allocation, and milestones.

•Facilitate coordination between the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to ensure smooth and impactful implementation.

•Support the integration of PEN-Plus into national NCD strategies and existing health programs.

•Coordinate with other WHO colleagues and support implementation of other evidence-informed interventions to address NCDs in accordance with national priorities.

4.2. Capacity Building

•Coordinate training sessions for healthcare workers on PEN-Plus guidelines and protocols.

•Support MOH and partners and facilitate development and dissemination of training materials, clinical guidelines, and standard operating procedures for managing severe NCDs.

4.3. Service Delivery Strengthening

•Support the establishment of PEN-Plus service delivery points at district and primary healthcare levels.

•Provide technical guidance on the management of chronic and severe NCDs, ensuring quality and equity in service delivery.

4.4. Monitoring and Evaluation

•Facilitate development of an M&E framework for tracking the progress and impact of PEN-Plus activities.

•Facilitate and participate in regular field visits to monitor implementation of NCD interventions

•Provide ongoing technical support to MOH and all healthcare facilities.

•Compile and submit quarterly progress reports, including challenges, best practices, and lessons learned.

5. Deliverables

1.PEN-Plus Implementation Plan: A comprehensive plan with clear objectives, timelines, and responsibilities.

2.Training Reports: Detailed documentation of capacity-building activities conducted for healthcare workers.

3.M&E Framework: A robust framework to assess the progress and outcomes of PEN-Plus implementation.

4.Progress Reports: Quarterly and annual progress reports on PEN-Plus implementation, including field visit findings and recommendations.

6. Qualifications and Experience

Required:

•A degree in medicine, Nursing, Public Health or any other related field of study

Essential:

•Postgraduate qualification (master’s or higher) in Public Health, Medicine, Nursing, Health systems management, or a related field of study.

•At least 5 years of experience in health system strengthening, NCD or any other health program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, or PHC service delivery.

•Knowledge of WHO PEN and PEN-Plus strategies.

Desirable:

•Previous experience working with WHO, the Ministry of Health, or other international organizations.

•Demonstrated expertise in capacity building and health program coordination.

•Experience in monitoring and evaluation of health programmes.

Skills and Competencies:

•Strong technical knowledge of NCD prevention and management.

•Excellent planning, organizational, and coordination skills.

•Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and M&E tools.

•Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

7. Reporting and Supervision

The consultant will report to the WHO Country Representative, Lesotho.

8. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their application through the WHO online Platform, Stellis, using the standard template.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements