Epidemiologist (Global Malaria Programme – Strategic Information for Response Unit)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The strategic objective of the Global Malaria Programme (GMP) is to support Member States to adopt WHO’s malaria-related technical recommendations, and to advance implementation of the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030 (GTS). The major functions of the department as identified in the 2019 transformation process are:

• To play a leadership role in malaria, effectively supporting member states and rallying partners to reach Universal Health Coverage and achieve GTS goals and targets;
• To shape the research agenda and promote the generation of evidence to support global guidance for new tools and strategies to achieve impact;
• To develop ethical and evidence based global guidance on malaria with effective dissemination to support adoption and implementation by national malaria programmes, and;
• To monitor and respond to global malaria trends and threats. The Strategic Information for Response unit (SIR) ensures countries develop and use effective surveillance systems to improve impact of National Malaria Control Programmes.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Working under the direct supervision of the Unit Head of the Global Malaria Programme (GMP) Strategic Information for Response (SIR) unit to provide services under the following areas:

• Surveillance assessment toolkit
  • Lead the comprehensive final user acceptance testing for the digital toolkit. This pivotal role involves a thorough review of all aspects, including user management, the data collection and analysis processes in the desk review and data quality assessment, and the effectiveness of the questionnaires and surveys. Ensure the scorecard and dashboard are functioning optimally.
  • Lead the testing process across all assessment areas, focusing on system functionality, implementing proper validations, and guaranteeing accurate English to French translations. Ensure all outputs, including those in the assessment, scorecard, and global dashboard, are displayed correctly and effectively.
  • Develop an exhaustive user guide for the digital toolkit, providing detailed, step-by-step instructions to enable users to effectively engage with the toolkit and complete assessments. Leverage this guide to create comprehensive PowerPoint presentations for training purposes.
  • Spearhead the consolidation of all training materials, including the implementation reference manual, the step-by-step guide, and PowerPoint presentations, to collaborate with partners in creating informative video tutorials. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance user understanding and engagement with the digital toolkit.
• World Malaria Report.
  • Revise and refine feedback after the launch of the World Malaria Report 2023, integrating the insights gained into the planning for the upcoming year.
  • Participate in the wash-up meeting(s) to discuss the previous report, review data validations for DHIS2, and discuss changes and improvements to streamline the process moving forward.
  • Lead all conversations and activities pertaining to the validation, compilation, and analysis and writing of the final chapter. Update the standard operating procedures for the finance chapter to include the methods for each analysis, which databases were used, focal contact points, and specific notes to incorporate in the following year based on 2023 changes.
  • Support for the development of the digital surveillance assessment toolkit and surveillance system assessments.
  • Lead the User Acceptance Testing of the malaria surveillance toolkit, requiring the collation of feedback within the SIR unit and from countries implementing surveillance assessments, approving all changes internally and with the developers.
  • Coordinate closely with editors, translators, and the SIR unit to finalize the implementation reference guide. Play a critical role in revising and updating the French translations for the elimination toolkit.
  • Produce training materials in preparation for training sessions with WHO staff from regional and country offices.
  • Provide technical support to countries requesting surveillance assessments.
• Support for the WHO Academy:
  • Support the development of a storyboard for the WHO Academy based on the revised health facility analysis guidance material.
• Other:
  • Provide technical guidance and assistance to support WHO Member States on malaria surveillance, stratification, vaccines, and financing.
  • Work with other technical units across GMP, other departments in WHO and regional and country offices to contribute towards the development of key communications products on malaria surveillance and financing.
  • Contribute to technical assistance and capacity-building activities for malaria surveillance in line with WHO guidance and strategies (i.e. Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

• University degree in health, finance, or economics-related field.

Experience

Essential:

• Five years’ experience working on data management and analysis.
• Experience working in the development of global annual health reports, preferably within an international organization. At least four years’ experience working in the field of malaria.

Use of language skills

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.

REMUNERATION

• Daily Net Base Salary: USD 198.52 (net of tax). A variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station will be added to the net base salary.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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