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Technical Officer, Health Information Systems

Copenhagen

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Copenhagen
  • Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Public Health and Health Service
    • Information Technology and Computer Science
    • EU/DIR Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation
  • Closing Date: Closed

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

All Member States of WHO in the European Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the General Programme of Work. The 13th General Programme of Work defines the mission of WHO as one to promote health, to keep the world safe, and to protect the vulnerable. 
The GPW calls for heightened accountability, prioritising impact and outcome at country level, and to improve the lives of three billion people, through universal health coverage, through addressing health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations.WHO's mandate revolves around six core functions\: 
(i) providing leadership on global health matters; 
(ii) shaping the health research agenda; 
(iii) setting norms and standards; 
(iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; 
(v) providing technical support to countries; and 
(vi) monitoring and assessing health trends. The European Region (EURO) of WHO is made up of 53 countries, with over 880 million people. 

The diversity of people and health situations requires, on the demand side, a solid understanding of the emerging socio-economic, epidemiologic and demographic patterns and trends at both aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of the society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems, the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate and, more specifically, how these bear upon the way the health system stewardship function of health ministries is carried out.The Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation (DIR) coordinates the work in health information, research and use of evidence in policy-making through the WHO network the European Health Information Initiative (EHII). Under the direction of the Director, the Division is the secretariat for the EHII. 

The objective of the Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation (DIR) is to facilitate production of health information as a corporate function of the Organization. All activities of DIR are conducted under the principles and work plan of the European Health Information Initiative, EHII. The EHII is a high-level mechanism which embodies the strategic direction of the division in the Regional Office and which has the support of Member States, the European Commission, the OECD and non-state actors. DIR provides Member States and EURO staff with reliable health information derived from health statistics and other sources of evidence on topics that are of interest both for Member States and the Organization. The DIR manages the programmatic knowledge about information and evidence in the WHO/Europe office, including databases and information platforms in order to position WHO/Europe as a leading reference in the field of international health. It coordinates health statistics and health information systems among WHO/Europe Technical Units and with WHO Country Offices, and collaborates closely with national and international partners to harmonize and avoid duplication of efforts. DIR fulfills this function through maintaining databases, issuing publications, participating in professional networks, conducting research and providing knowledge and evidence platforms. This includes also the translation, publication and dissemination of information by various means. The DIR maintains communication with National Counterparts in order to facilitate the flow of information from and to Member States. It closely links information, knowledge and evidence to the field of monitoring health status and facilitating health research.Under the umbrella of the EHII, the main objective of the Health Monitoring, Analysis and Dissemination (HMA) Unit within the Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation (DIR) is to ensure 
(i) the collection of health statistics for policy-making; (ii) coordination of health information activities across major stakeholders; and (iii)adequate dissemination and use of statistics and health information by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, WHO headquarters, Member States, and WHO partners and related organizations. The Unit also supports capacity building activities as well as the creation and implementation of multi-country and multi-stakeholders health information related networks in the Region.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the umbrella of the European Health Information Initiative (EHII), the purpose of the post is to contribute to the implementation of the strategy and activities in the area of health information, innovation and statistics. More specifically, focus will be to support the development and strengthening of integrated health information systems in Member States and support multi-country health information-related networks. 

The incumbent will advise Member States in how to develop and improve their health information systems, information management, health informatics, big data, and support data analysis and dissemination activities using appropriate tools and methods.Furthermore, the incumbent will provide country support in relation to health information system assessment and strengthening, and maintain and develop tools and strategic approaches for management of health information systems at the Regional level. Under the and guidance of the Programme Manager, the incumbent contributes to the implementation of the strategy and activities of the HMA unit, especially by\:
1. Implement the organization, implementation and delivery of capacity building activities in the Region. In particular the incumbent will co-organize and facilitate the Autumn School and the Advanced Course on Health Information and Evidence-Informed Policy;
2. Providing advice to Member States and other WHO/Europe technical units on health information and statistics, including monitoring health systems performance assessments, monitoring migration and health indicators and the action area 1 of the European Action plan to strengthen the use of evidence, information and research in policy-making;
3. Providing technical support to DIR, other divisions and Member States in planning and implementing activities related to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities and programmes in health information systems, health informatics and big data in the Region;
4. Support countries in using ICD-10, ICD-11 and other international standards for improving the data quality and comparability.
5. Providing technical support to health information networks under the EHII as well as Member States in the understanding and application of health information systems (HIS) assessment frameworks, tools, guidelines and procedures;
6. Working with national experts, other international agencies and technical partners in planning and implementing programmes and activities related to developing/strengthening vital registration systems, and improving country and regional health information access and use;
7. Working with other DIR units to implement joint activities including the development of an online data exchange platform that meets the Data Warehouse and the European Health Information Gateway's requirements, and systematically including digital health aspects in all national HIS assessments; 
8. Working closely with the national experts for the development and implementation of workplans developed by regional health information networks; 
9. Contributing to analytical processes of health information and leading the publication and dissemination of corporate products such as the Country Profiles, the Highlights on Health and the Core Health Indicators reports; 
10. Carry out other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Advanced university degree (Master's level) in biostatistics, epidemiology, demography, health informatics or medical/public health degree with postgraduate training in biostatistics, demography or epidemiology.
Desirable\: Additional post-graduate training courses in advanced epidemiology and biostatistics. Post-graduate training in statistical programming languages, such as SAS or R. Post-graduate training in health informatics or data science.

Experience

Essential\: At least 7 years' experience in Health Information related areas, such as health information systems (HIS), Statistics, Demography, Epidemiology, Health Informatics, Big data including at least 3 years' relevant experience at the international level. Experience providing technical advice to countries. Experience conducting capacity building workshops in any of the above mentioned areas.
Desirable\: Relevant WHO / UN experience. Experience managing Health Information related projects and teams.

Skills

- Very good knowledge of the assessment, planning, development and implementation of projects and programmes on statistics, health information systems, health informatics and big data. 
- 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 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
- Excellent writing skills for health information reporting.
- Technical expertise in the application of qualitative and quantitative techniques in data analysis.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Knowing and managing yourself

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate 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 71,332 (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 3305 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.
  • 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.
This vacancy is now closed.
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