National Professional Officer (Data Management), (NO-A), Damascus, Syria (ONLY for Syria Nationals)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to help countries, and to coordinator international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies.

JOB PROFILE SUMMARY

To provide technical expertise and support the immunization and surveillance data systems in the country. This includes collecting, analysing, updating, and maintaining relevant datasets, assisting in the creation of reports maps and other data products, and enabling strategic decision-making for country operations during health emergencies.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will perform the following, and other related responsibilities as required by the needs of the office:

1.Synthesize immunization-related data from multiple sources, providing in-depth analysis to support the WHO Country Office (WCO) and Ministry of Health (MoH) in developing reports, bulletins, and publications. Ensure data accuracy and relevance to inform immunization strategies.

2.Develop data visualizations using appropriate business intelligence tools (including GIS) and contribute to the dissemination of the analyses performed, making data more accessible for decision-makers.

3.Provide technical support to strengthen immunization and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD) surveillance information systems, ensuring data is effectively used for planning, monitoring, and decision-making.

4.Facilitate discussions on integrating data warehouse linkages with critical systems, such as IDS and the national immunization platform through DHIS2, ensuring data interoperability and accessibility.

5.Contribute to the development and implementation of systems for data collection, storage, validation, and backup, ensuring data integrity and availability for strategic use in health planning and response.

6.Assist in the identification and implementation of technical solutions for data management and information systems, supporting the technological needs of the office and partners.

7.Conduct analyses and provide reports on immunization and surveillance data. Support internal and external reporting needs, contributing to situation reports, epidemic bulletins, and health risk assessments.

8.Participate in field immunization and surveillance surveys, including vaccination coverage assessments, Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS) evaluations, and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD) monitoring.

9.Coordinate and verify EPI data from MoH, ensuring consistency and accuracy of the database. Provide analytical support to the MoH's EPI program, including DHIS2 implementation and improvements, database management, and data presentation.

10.Support the development of the EWARS electronic platform, ensuring data accuracy and high reporting performance. Contribute to platform enhancements, including dashboard development and system upgrades.

11.Provide training and technical support to national staff on communicable disease data analysis and reporting, assisting in the development of electronic reporting systems through DHIS2 and generating key health indicators.

RECRUITMENT PROFILE

Core Competencies

1. Teamwork

2. Respecting & promoting individual and cultural differences

3. Communication

4. Producing Results

Functional Knowledge and Skills

1.In-depth understanding of immunization programs, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD), and public health principles, particularly within the context of Syria.

2.Proficient in data collection, management, and analysis techniques, including statistical analysis methods relevant to health data.

3.Knowledge of health information systems, including DHIS2, and experience with data visualization and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

4.Familiarity with epidemiological surveillance systems, including Early Warning Alert and Response Systems (EWARS), and experience in conducting health surveys.

5.Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights for decision-making.

6.Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations.

7. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and the use of complex databases, spreadsheets, and specific software such as: PowerBI, ArcGIS, and QGIS.

Educational Qualifications

Essential:

First level university degree (Bachelor) in Information Technology, Information Management or Computer Science.

Desirable:

Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Public Health Informatics, or a related field.

Work Experience

Essential

At least 1 year of relevant experience in Health Data Management, using different analytic tools. Experience in supporting field data collection in emergency or humanitarian context.

Desirable

Prior experience in immunization and surveillance data management and outbreak response. Prior humanitarian working experience at field level, with WHO/UN agencies, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations or with an international nongovernmental organization.

Language Requirements

Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Arabic.

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 28,868 (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. 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.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• 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.

• 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.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

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