Programme Manager, Health Information

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The main objective of the Health Monitoring, Analysis and Dissemination (HMA) Unit is to ensure within EURO the collection of health statistics (data and estimates on mortality, morbidity, disability, health levels, risk factors, health service coverage, and health systems) for policy-making, coordinating health information activities across major stakeholders, and ensuring information (statistics and estimates) which can be disseminated and used by the EURO Office, WHO headquarters, Member States, and WHO partners and related organizations.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

- Lead, coordinate and manage the activities and staff of the HMA unit and provide strategic advice to the director on the direction and relevant activities in health information in the European Region.- Plan and coordinate regular annual collection of available mortality and other defined data sets from all European Member States and other sources. Work closely together with the network of national counterparts in all Member States to ensure the quality and timelines of reported data.- Supervise data processing, validate and update corresponding databases under programme responsibility such as the European Health for All Database (core indicators covering various health domains); European Mortality Database, including contribution to the global mortality database maintained at WHO headquarters; and the European Hospital Morbidity Database (hospital discharge data) and any new EURO health information portals which are currently under development.- Work together with technical programmes in EURO and WHO headquarters to ensure integration and exchange of statistical information available throughout the Organization and define standards for certain programme-specific data. To advise other WHO technical programmes on statistical aspects, including integration of programme-specific statistical information into one coherent system.- Represent EURO with other international agencies in strategic health information activities, including developing common definitions and harmonizing data collection from joint Member States, in particular the EC and OECD. To develop common international definitions and requirements for basic health indicators and to coordinate international health data collection in collaboration with relevant WHO technical programmes and other international agencies, primarily EC and OECD.- Support countries in using ICD-10 and other international standards for improving the data quality and comparability.- Provide technical support to countries in developing their national health indicator databases and strengthen other components of their national health information systems (mostly through BCAs), including systematic capacity building efforts, such as dedicated workshops.- Develop new tools and approaches to support more efficient data collection, processing, dissemination and use of statistical information, both in countries and in the Regional Office.- Advise and contribute to the production of other information products, in particular leading the publication of the European Health Reports and other statistical publications.- To provide strategic and programmatic advice to the Director DIR on the direction and platforms for health information in EURO and at the European Region level.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Advanced university degree in biostatistics or epidemiology, or medical/science/public health degree with postgraduate training in biostatistics and epidemiology.
Desirable\: Additional post-graduate training courses in advanced epidemiology and biostatistics. Post-graduate training in statistical programming languages. Formal certification in management (e.g. PRINCE2)

Experience

Essential\: At least 10 years of experience at progressively senior positions in the field of biostatistics and epidemiology, including 5 years at the international level. Experience in processing and analysis of large and complicated data sets.
Desirable\: Experience in WHO or UN system organizations.

Skills

- Excellent knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and biostatistics.- Proven ability to process, analyse and interpret epidemiological surveillance data; to apply statistical/epidemiological methods to planning, analysis and evaluation of public health activities at local, national and international level.- Proven skills in initiating and directing studies in public health and statistical systems.- Proven abilities in the design and delivery of national and international seminars, workshops and training activities.- Proven abilities to provide sound technical advice to institutions and governments, and to engage senior health policy makers in constructive dialogue.- Knowledge of political, social and health systems of countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), with direct work experience in these countries an asset.- Proven programme and team management and coordination skills at the international level.

WHO Competencies

Communication
Producing results
Teamwork
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Driving the Organization to a Successful Future

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of 1 EURO or WHO language.
Desirable\: Basic knowledge of Russian.

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 85,543 (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 4612 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 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.

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

• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

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

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.