Technical Officer (GIS and Spatial Analysis) – P4  

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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.WHE brings together and enhances WHO’s operational, technical and normative capacities in outbreaks, emergencies and risk analysis to address all health hazards across the risk management cycle in a predictable, capable, dependable, adaptable and accountable manner. WHE is designed to operate within the broader humanitarian and emergency management architecture in support of people at risk of, or affected by, outbreaks and emergencies, consistent with ways that strengthen local and national capabilities.The Health Emergency Information and Risk Assessment (HIM) programme area is responsible for identifying new public health events, assessing risks to public health, conducting epidemiological surveillance and field investigations, monitoring public health interventions, and communicatingpublic health information to technical partners.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities:1. Lead the team and provide technical input into data management for HIM, coordinate GIS mapping of data about events for the WHE, and conduct statistical analysis of epidemiological data from public health emergencies; 2. Collaborate and coordinate activities with staff at all levels in the data management, mapping, and analytics team of HIM, to foster:a) Elaboration and implementation of producing information product for a technical audience in a timely way; b) Management of data about multiple public health events and responses; and c) Conduct required GIS and statistical analysis of epidemiological data.3. As delegated, play a key role in activities such as but not limited to:a) Developing new and updating current standard operating procedures (SOPs) and strategic policies for event reporting and information-sharing; b) Providing technical guidance about data management, GIS, and data sharing across all levels of the Organization; c) Encouraging or promoting the implementation of new approaches and innovative methods to communicate technical information to international public health professionals, with emphasis on building partnerships networks; d) Elaborating state-of-the-art processes for information-sharing; ande) Enhancing and encouraging world-wide information-sharing as a key component of promoting and nurturing a culture of multidisciplinary and cross-cutting approaches within WHO and with key partners;4. Conduct emergency epidemiological missions as required;5. Develop and provide capacity-building and training to colleagues within WHO and partners, including ministries of health, with focus on enhancing epidemiology, information management, GIS, and reporting core competencies; and stimulate collaboration with officials at the regional and national levels, to ensure a coordinated response using standardized, innovative information systems and tools;6. Upon request, provide technical support, backstopping and gap-filling for emergency activities at any level of the Organization or scale of emergency; and 7. Perform other related duties, as requested by supervisor, including provision of support toother areas of work and teams or programme areas within the WHE, as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in epidemiology, public health, international health, complemented by degree or diploma in medicine, pharmacy, veterinary science, midwifery, nursing, medical biology or a related discipline from a recognized university.
Desirable: Training in routine analysis of public health surveillance data.

Experience

Essential: Minimum seven years’ experience, at national and international levels, with successful track record in epidemiology, surveillance and/or control of acute public health events; epidemic surveillance during epidemic or public health crisis at the national and international levels.
Desirable: Experience of routine analysis and reporting of time-sensitive public health data. Field experience in epidemiology, surveillance and/or control of acute public health events experience in resource-limited countries. Experience in interagency collaboration in WHO, UN, UN agencies or other international organisations. In-service training in field epidemiology such as Field Epidemiology (and Laboratory) Training Programmes, the European Program for Intervention Epidemiology Training, the Centers for Disease Control Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) programme, or equivalent experience.

Skills

Demonstrated ability to interact in complex situations involving technical, cultural and political elements. Sound analytical and organizational skills. Knowledge of the use of GIS. Demonstrated knowledge of emerging diseases and public health emergencies in international contexts. Willingness to deploy at short notice in support of international emergency health interventions.Excellent presentation and communication skills, with emphasis on writing skills. Proven ability to work and produce results under pressure in critical situationsAbility to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Promoting innovation and organizational learning
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: 

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 3106 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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
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