Technical Officer

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 communicating public health information to technical partners.

Duties:

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of geospatial programmes and activities in the Region working across teams in the Regional Office and with all levels of the Organization.
• Manage GIS systems, collect, analyse, update, edit and maintain geospatial datasets, and conduct statistical analysis in order to support operational and programmatic objectives.
• Participate in incident response and support incident management teams as and when required either remotely or in the field.
• Coordinate field data collection, create maps and other cartographic products in the context of health emergencies or other programmes as required, using standardized and/or innovative information management systems and tools.
• Support risk mapping and vulnerability assessment in collaboration with disaster risk reduction and other relevant programme areas of WHO.
• Develop and provide capacity-building and training to colleagues within WHO, Member States and partners, with a focus on enhancing epidemiological, analytical, information management, GIS, and communication skills, and raising awareness of how spatial analysis can contribute to operational and programmatic outcomes.
• Support Member States and WHO country offices in their GIS and health information needs, including training and capacity-building, GIS software/licensing, geospatial analysis and presentation and interpretation of geospatial and statistical evidence.
• Deliver bespoke GIS solutions to support reports, publications and presentations, including dashboards. Encourage or promote the implementation of new approaches and innovative methods to communicate technical information, with an emphasis on spatial analysis.
• Provide technical support to Member States’ implementation of the IHR 2005 core capacities using APSED III as a strategic framework, and guided by For the Future.
• Act as IHR Duty Officer, as required.
• Upon request, provide technical support, backstopping and gap-filling for emergency activities at any level of the Organization or scale of emergency.
• Perform other related duties, as requested by the supervisor, including provision of support to other areas of work and teams or programme areas with WHE, as required.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

Essential:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in epidemiology, public health, geographic information systems, geography, computer sciences, information systems or a related discipline from a recognized university.

Experience:

Essential:

• Minimum seven years’ experience, with successful track record in geospatial analysis using different analytical/mapping and online data management packages such as ArcGIS. Must be conversant with information management software such as Advanced Excel, Python, Power BI and other relevant tools. Experience in using statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, “R” and SAS. Experience in supporting field data collection and analysis during outbreaks or other public health emergencies.

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

• Demonstrable experience with geospatial information management and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to interact in complex situations involving technical, cultural and political elements.
• Strong analytical, information management and interpretive skills. High level of attention to detail. Excellent problem solving skills.
• Strong presentation skills with excellent ability to use visualization software and tools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of emerging diseases and public health emergencies in international contexts.
• Ability to synthesize and effectively communicate scientific and technical information.
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to use tact, diplomacy and courtesy to communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders in an international environment.
• Strong writing abilities, including the ability to prepare briefing notes and talking points tailored to different audiences.
• Proven ability to multitask and produce high quality products under very tight deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in an environment that requires flexibility.
• Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

Language :

• Excellent level of written and spoken English is essential. Working knowledge of other UN language is an advantage.