Roster of Experts Surveillance and Data Management for Non-Communicable Diseases

Objectives of the Programme\:

The goal of the regional NCDs programme is to reduce preventable morbidity, avoidable disability and premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases in the South-East Asia Region. To achieve this goal, a Regional Action Plan has been developed guided by a set of principles. Strengthening surveillance, monitoring and information systems for prevention and control of NCDs is one of the four key strategic areas identified in the Global and Regional Action Plan on NCD prevention and control. A global monitoring framework has also been developed and most of the Member States have also national monitoring frameworks as part of their national multisectoral action plans. WHO will work with Member States to strengthen their capacity to implement their M&E frameworks to monitor the level of implementation and impact of the key NCD policies and programs as well as use the trends data to advocate for more resources for prevention and control of NCDs. NCD surveillance greatly relies on periodic population-level surveys, civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system and development of innovative solutions that leverage information and technology to capture real-time data on continuous basis. Some of the major survey initiatives are integrated NCD risk factor surveys (STEP surveys) and Global School Health Survey (GSHS survey of NCD and other risk factors among school going adolescents).

This is a generic description of duties developed for a roster of consultants and experts. The final terms of reference for the assignment will be based on the specific requirements of the required work/assignment.

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Environmental Health, and technical direction of Regional Advisor, NCD Governance, Policy, and Surveillance (RA-NTS), the consultant will be expected to carry out time bound assignments in one or more of the following areas\:

A. Support field implementation of national household surveys for NCD risk factors

• Collaborate with national and international agencies to facilitate implementation of periodic population-based surveys in the Member States including integrated NCD risk factor surveys (WHO STEPs Surveys), Global school health surveys;
• Provide operational, IT, training (capacity building) and logistic support for implementation of various NCD and tobacco surveillance related population surveys (e.g. STEPs, and GSHS surveys) as and when requested by Member States. Most of the surveys in the Region are conducted using electronic android tablets. Incumbent will provide IT support for programming of survey questionnaires for electronic devices using appropriate software, setup of these devices as per the survey requirement, troubleshooting when the survey teams are in the field to ensure quality of the collected data.

B. Develop and maintain data repositories at the regional and national level

• Maintain and regularly update microdata repository through regular documentation of the data collected through various population-based surveys and uploading them in the repository.
• Develop/maintain various web-based data dashboards and statistical databases to facilitate easy access to data in a usable form under various surveillance initiatives.
• Facilitate extraction and provision of NCD data to other departments/units in SEARO/HQ and the WHO country offices as and when requested under the overall guidance of the concern Regional Advisor.
• Provide technical support for NCD surveillance activities related to budget, coordination of training workshops, and survey implementation and prepare, review, and monitor collaborative agreements, contracts on surveillance and research.

C. Help in analysis of data form large-scale population-based surveys conducted as part of NCD surveillance

• Technical assistance in analysis of data collected as part of national household or school-based survey (STEPS survey or GSHS surveys)
• Development of national or regional analytical products.

2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

5. Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond

1. Ability to analyse data from large household and school-based surveys using appropriate statistical software

2. High level competency in supporting field implementation of household and school-based surveys using electronic data collection devices (e.g. tablets, etc.)

3. Ability to establish good working relations and contribute to a multidisciplinary team

Education (Qualifications)\:

Essential\: For all assignments\: Degree in public health / biostatistics/ demography/ epidemiology/ Social /population sciences, from a recognized university.

Desirable\: Additional degree/certificate/diploma in information and technology or health informatics, advance training in cloud-based data collection and data visualization software and statistical software.

Experience\: At least one (1) to seven (7) years of progressive professional work experience in surveillance, monitoring and evaluation, data management/ data systems. Technical skills and ability to conceptualize and plan NCD surveillance and monitoring systems; skills in data analysis to support policies and programmes for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases; and conduct relevant operational research.

For P1 Grade\: at least one year of relevant experience

For P2 Grade\: At least 2 years of relevant experience in the area of specialization

For P3 Grade\: At least 5 years of relevant experience including some years of international experience

For P4 Grade\: At least 7 years of relevant experience, some of which should have been obtained in an international context

Desirable\: Experience and knowledge of policies, guidelines, laws and legislations related to noncommunicable diseases will be an asset.

• Thorough knowledge of policies, strategies and guidelines in surveillance and monitoring of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors, with good understanding of country's needs and priorities to meet global, regional and national priorities and commitments.
• Proficient in use of statistical software (e.g. STATA, SPSS, R) for analysis of data generated from large-scale surveys
• Experience in supporting population-based surveys using electronic data collection
• Knowledge on ways to work with the government institutions and related departments/agencies and experience of working in an international environment.
• Ability to build and maintain relations and network with stakeholders across relevant sectors with understanding of the potential motivating factors within the regional context and ability to adjust to new approaches in an increasingly changing environment.
• Knowledge of WHO /UN agencies programmes and practices will be an added advantage

Other Skills (e.g. IT)\: Proficient in standard MS Office software applications, data analysis using statistical packages.

Additional Information for VN\:

• The purpose of this VN is to invite qualified professionals with relevant expertise for P1/P2/P3/P4 grades for inclusion in a roster of experts for possible short-term assignments and consultancies which may arise from time to time at the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia or in any of the WHO country offices located in the Member States of the Region namely\: Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
• The grade of the position will be fixed based on the level of responsibilities and complexity of tasks assigned as reflected in the terms of reference.
• The duration of assignment would vary from two weeks to one year. Any extension of contract would be subject to programmatic requirements, performance of the incumbent and availability of funds.
• Please note applications should be submitted through WHO's online recruitment portal. Please visit www.who.int/careers to complete an online profile and to apply to this vacancy.
• A written test and interview may be used to screen applicants.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• In the event 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.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non-and under-represented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• Please visit the following websites for detailed information on salary scales\: http\://icsc.un.org. click on\: Quick Links > Salary Scales > by date