Programme Associate for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) and Nutrition

The World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting global health. Our Timor-Leste office is one of 11 country offices under the agency's South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and has been operating since 1999. Our team comprises a diverse group of national and international staff and consultants who collaborate closely with the government and other partners. We receive continuous support from SEARO as well as the WHO headquarters in Geneva. Our work focuses on collaborating with the Timorese government and other partners to develop and implement health programs that address a range of issues. From integrated disease surveillance to capacity building, risk communication, emergency preparedness, and response, we work closely with the government to tackle health challenges on multiple fronts, by leveraging our expertise and resources. Through advocacy and support for health-promoting policies, sustainable development of health systems, and targeted health programs, we aim to reduce the burden of diseases and improve health conditions for all Timorese people. Ultimately, our work also contributes to poverty alleviation and gender equity, in line with Timor-Leste's national health development goals. We are proud to serve Timor-Leste and look forward to continuing our important work towards a healthier, more equitable future.

In Timor-Leste, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), principally cardiovascular diseases, impose a major burden on health and development. Consumption of unhealthy foods and foods with high sugars, salt, and trans-fatty acids remains closely associated with the risk of non-communicable diseases. The NCD, Nutrition and Food Safety unit at WHO Timor Leste provides technical guidance and support to the National government for planning, implementation, and monitoring of interventions for NCD prevention and management, promotion of healthy diets, including policy dialogue on strengthening the regulatory framework. In recent years, the WHO has supported the Government of Timor-Leste to strengthen the national evidence base on NCDs and their risk factors, develop guidance documents and training modules on NCDs and Nutrition, and streamlining food safety mechanisms in Timor-Leste. As part of the 2026-2027 biennial workplan, WHO Timor Leste has identified key activities related to NCD, Nutrition and Food safety, including support to the development of food safety regulations, promotion of healthy diets, and strengthening prevention and control of NCDs. In order to effectively support the implementation of these priority actions, WHO Timor Leste proposes to onboard one UN Volunteer to support planning, coordination, and data management in these areas.

Under the direct supervision of the Technical Officer - Nutrition and the Team lead - NCD, Nutrition and Food safety [Complete with the function of the supervisor], the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Function as part of the NCD, Nutrition and Food Safety unit at the WHO Country office, Timor Leste. The UN Volunteer is envisaged to work in the role of an associate to support activities for healthy diet promotion and prevention and control of NCDs. 2. Support coordination with the Ministry of Health and other relevant ministries and stakeholders on interventions related to healthy diet promotion and prevention and control of NCDs. 3. Support facilitation of meetings and trainings, and support development of training and meeting reports for the above-mentioned priority activities. 4. Assist with knowledge management and data analysis for the NCD and Nutrition unit. 5. Support any other tasks assigned by the WHO Representative, Timor Leste.