Data Manager

Job details

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the Polio Eradication Initiative is to interrupt the transmission of wild poliovirus globally and ensure long-term biosafety from polioviruses, by leading the global eradication effort of national governments and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The World Health Assembly has declared Polio Eradication a Programmatic Emergency for Global Public Health. WHO and the core Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners have taken a number of steps to put the polio eradication program on an emergency footing, including the development of the Global Emergency Action Plan for Polio Eradication 2022/2026 and the Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan 2022/2024 (GPSAP).The poliovirus surveillance team leads the ongoing epidemiologic analyses and risk assessments, coordinates activities to strengthen poliovirus surveillance at the regional and national level and participates in providing secretariat functions to the Global Polio Certification Commission (GCC) and Regional Certification Commissions (RCCs).

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Oversee, perform and provide technical expertise to ensure timely production and dissemination of key polio updates and outputs. These updates include weekly meeting presentation, Weekly and Monthly Global Updates, Ad-hoc analysis, online surveillance indicator summaries and quarterly WER AFP summaries. It also entails contribution to POB reports, IMB reports, IHR reports, research articles and epidemiological narratives.
• Research, analyze and evaluate to build and maintain robust data analytics system and develop innovative methods to transform data Into information and actionable Insights.
• Perform and coordinate production of epidemiological and spatial analyses, summaries and on-going monitoring report of global AFP surveillance and program indicators.
• Present epidemiological summaries and findings in weekly Wednesday country support group meetings. Identify, acquire, integrate, document and mine AFP, LQAS and SIA data from multiple sources to support evidence generation for global polio eradication certification.
• Acts as the lead data manager for WHO's AFP, Lab and polio data and data management system, as well as associated databases, in collaboration with other polio program staff, Regional and Country offices, Labs and national programs.
• This includes first-line responsibility for AFP and lab weekly cycle of collection, uploading, validation, storage, extraction, analysis, reporting and dissemination of data.
• Conduct regular data quality and consistency assessments and lay plan and work with regional offices and member states to address data discrepancies and issues.
• Lead development and management of global poliovirus containment database and mapping system.
• Act as focal person to strengthen data management capacities of the regional and country offices to manage and analyze AFP and lab data using industry best practices; Identify training needs and provide training on data management and analytics to staff in program and in Regional and Country offices, as appropriate.
• Develop detailed POLIS data quality improvement plan and provide guidance to POLIS development team in feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development and implementation.
• Review and provide key direction for design of data collection forms and data entry screens; algorithm and programming related to upload of data, data extraction, data dissemination and generation of standard reports.
• Engage key stakeholders and maintain collaborative links with GPEI partners, data managers and system experts in other departments and IT support teams in WHO, to ensure that the polio data management system meets the minimum quality and security standards expected by Members States and partners, and is compatible with (and, where applicable, integrated with) other systems (such as the Global Health Observatory) being developed, supported and promoted within WHO.
• Undertake systematic review of various guidelines and revise standards for AFP surveillance and related specifications for electronic recording and reporting systems, and provide strategic and technical advice as well as training to support their implementation at Regional and country level.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

• An advanced university Degree in computer science, information technology, mathematics or related field.

Desirable:

• Post graduate degree/ diploma in epidemiology, demography or other allied public health and social science field.

Experience

Essential:

• At least 7 years' experience in health information system, statistical analysis and data management services with specific experience in managing public health databases and analysis.
• Experience working in infectious diseases preferably with polio eradication.

Desirable:

• Experience of global data, regional and national management in the context of polio eradication and vaccination.
• Experience in WHO, to have a knowledge and understanding of its mandate and related policies and strategies for polio eradication.

Skills

• Proven expert knowledge of the optimum use of databases as an information/management tool.
• Proven expertise in database programming, data management, user interface design, browser-based and web application development with role-based access control as well as report layout and design technologies and techniques, including experience of complex query design, stored procedures, and views and functions using T-SQL within MS SQL-Server.
• Expert knowledge of Relational Databases Management principles, database design and normalization, development methodologies and use of SVN version control.
• Proven experience in using VBScript, Python, VBA, R, HTML and/or T-SQL to develop applications.
• Proven use of SQL-Server.
• Excellent MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access and ArcGIS skills.
• Ability to utilize health informatics theories, principles, concepts, and standards.
• Skilled in all aspects of the statistical and database programming, development, and operation of health information systems.
• Knowledge of standard polio data analysis and reporting procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills combined with the ability to synthesize and present facts in a clear and logical manner.
• Ability to produce results under pressure.
• Ability to be proactive/take initiative, and to work with a high degree of independence.
• Excellent at working as part of a multidisciplinary team, and with people from a wide range of countries and backgrounds.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

• Intermediate knowledge of French.
• Intermediate knowledge of WHO official language.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 77,326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 5413 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion)are strongly encouraged to apply for WHO jobs.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

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