Technical Officer, Digital Health for emergencies and GIS

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the Division of WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) is to build the capacity of Member States to assess, prevent and manage health emergency risks, and lead and coordinate the international health response to contain all hazard emergencies, as described under the IHR (2005) and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. The WHE Division brings together and enhances WHO's operational, technical and normative capacities in health emergencies and risk analysis to address all health hazards across the risk management cycle in a predictable, capable, dependable, adaptable and accountable manner. The Programme 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 European Centre for Preparedness for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies (PHHE) aims at strengthening WHO/EURO Member States' capacities in preparedness for humanitarian and health emergencies through innovative, collaborative and sustainable approaches to capacity building, including through the development and implementation of training opportunities in emergency and disaster risk reduction, the provision of tailored country support in sustainable capacity building, and the facilitation of access to capacity building resources in the Region.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned the following duties:

1. Contribute to the development of the WHO/Europe digital health for emergencies roadmap, in alignment with the Regional Digital Health plan of action.

2. Collaboratively participate and support the development and implementation of new concepts, tools and strategies to support digital health in emergencies.

3. Contribute to the establishment of the Regional Geospatial Coordination hub: development of roadmap, development of SoPs, identification of resources needed.

4. Map existing resources (human resources, existing approaches, and tools) related to digital health, including GIS based technologies, that are available within WHO, Member States and among partners in WHO/Europe Region.

5. Assess the needs of WHO country offices and Member States in terms of digital health for the emergencies and GIS-based technologies.

6. Support Member States in developing their GIS strategy and building their GIS capacity, and provide technical support to Member States, WHO country Offices and WHO/Europe Divisions when needed.

7. Provide technical advice to country offices, Member States, relevant Regional WHO teams on the identification of appropriate digital health tools for emergency preparedness/response, as well as GIS methods and tools to support of their programmes.

8. Improve the data use, information sharing and visualization for informed planning and decision making on emergencies.

9. Ensure the availability, subscription and provision of the IT platforms (e.g. Activity Info, Power Bi) and GIS tools to the Emergency operations in the region.

10. In support to WHE/EMO, contribute to the assessment of health information systems and development of Emergency Response Information Management Systems (ERIMS) in countries and by advising counterparts on topics related to the emergency response data management workflow (data collection, consolidation, display, analysis, and reporting).

11. In support to relevant WHE teams, contribute to the monitoring of emergency responses in the WHO European Region through GIS and digital health solutions.

12. Design and conduct training courses for various target audiences on digital health for emergencies and GIS.

13. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First university degree in Informatics, cartography, geomatics, geography, remote sensing, civil engineering, environmental, health information management, urban or regional planning, computer science.
Desirable: Certification or training in one of the above fields and/or a combination of training in emergency preparedness and experience in emergency health information management. Academic courses in public health.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of relevant work experience with international exposure in GIS activities, using computer data capture, storage and analysis complemented experience in health-related mapping, and in development and use of digital tools for health data management. Practical experience in the customization of information systems and other data management tools and mechanisms. Experience in data visualisation and development of static and interactive dashboards.
Desirable: Experience in WHO and its mandate and goals in humanitarian health crisis, or experience in UN organizations/agencies, international institutions, or NGOs.

Skills

1. Demonstrated knowledge in preparedness for humanitarian and health emergencies and emerging diseases in international context.

2. Ability to write and synthesize technical information in a clear and concise manner.

3. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to promote consensus, establish and maintain productive environment.

4. Proven ability to interact in a multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting environment involving technical, cultural and political elements.

5. Excellent knowledge of emergency response frameworks, protocols, and incident management systems.

6. Excellent organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask effectively.

7. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

8. Proficiency in data analysis, visualization and reporting.

9. Certification or training in emergency information management or related fields is desirable.

10. Technical skill to customize and implement Activity Info, PowerBi

11. Coordinate, plan and implement projects and activities with minimum supervision but work equally well as part of a team.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Turkish.

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 64,121 (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 2319 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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• 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.

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• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.

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