Technical Officer (Health Information)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To support countries to attain universal coverage of health services for better and equitable health outcomes. Health systems act as the foundation that both underpins and unifies public health efforts aimed at combating diseases and building healthy communities in an efficient and equitable manner, especially for high priority, excluded and under-served population groups. A strong health system foundation enables effectiveness of individual programmes and efficient use of shared system resources for all programmes. In addition, it also promotes community empowerment and participatory governance as means of integrating equity-enhancing and rights-based approaches as well as addressing the social determinants of health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Coordinator, Health Systems (and Social Determinants), the incumbent will perform the following:

1. Collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other relevant ministries and authorities in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in the planning, implementation and tracking of health information systems.
2. Provide guidance and support in identifying necessary steps to strengthen the use of health information for more accurate, timely reporting including promotion and facilitation of data sharing and integration of information systems.
3. Provide continuous support to country counterparts in developing innovative approaches to strengthen data quality for analysis and data utilization including compilation of different data sources and facilitation of health-related surveys and surveillance.
4. Provide support on the strategic use of health indicators and statistics and other information for planning and policy-making including monitoring and evaluation of health systems and programmes.
5. Provide support on the effective expansion of information and communications technology in health systems in the country, including improvement of the web-based district health information system and implementation of the Digital Health Strategy (2023–2027) for the development of interoperable and standardized information systems across the health sector and related sectors.
6. Prepare and disseminate information on health sector development and health system performance including human resources, technology use, community involvement, and gender and equity issues on health.
7. Collaborate with other development partners and United Nations agencies to develop civil registration and vital statistics systems in Lao People’s Democratic Republic through a multisectoral approach, especially on birth and death notification and registration, and causes of death.
8. Work as focal person on health information systems, facilitating and communicating with the WHO Regional Office and headquarters on health information related issues, and coordinate and assist on health information collection and data reporting as requested.
9. Collaborate with relevant national officials, other United Nations agencies, multilateral and bilateral agencies, and nongovernmental organizations to improve coordination in strengthening information systems and to evaluate progress across health programmes.
10. Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in health-related field with master’s degree in public health, health information or health information management systems.
Desirable: Training or certification in epidemiology or statistics and training in health information management systems such as the district health information system 2 (DHIS2).

Experience

Essential: Minimum of 7 years of experience working in health systems strengthening, with a focus on health statistics or health information management.
Desirable: Working with international organizations in low/middle income countries.

Skills

• Skills in health services management and health information systems including database management, statistical analyses and synthesis of data, and production of quality health information products.

• Skills and expertise in developing and implementing (operations) research.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of UN languages.

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 2294 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.

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