Consultant - Database Development (IARC Monographs)

BACKGROUND

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is the cancer research agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is based in Lyon France.

AREAS OF REVIEW

1. Advice on table structure for relational database of key information contained within IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans
2. Advice on software to be selected for pilot phase of Monographs database development
3. Consultation with IARC Monographs staff on the content, including input and output formats, of Monographs database
4. Consultation with select external users of Monographs database on fields and reports of greatest interest to user community
5. Implementation of pilot phase of relational database, to include population of database for at least 10 agents evaluated in IARC Monographs

TASKS AND DUTIES

1. Confer with IARC scientific and technical staff and develop a table structure for a relational database that will permit the capture of key information (pertaining to exposure, human cancer, cancer bioassay, and mechanistic evidence) for agents evaluated within published IARC Monographs.
2. Evaluate widely available database software (e.g., Microsoft Access) to identify the most cost-effective, flexible, and sustainable software solution to propose for the pilot-phase of the relational database.
3. In consultation with IARC Monographs scientific and technical staff, propose a set of fields and their attributes to be included in the relational database tables.
4. Assess utility of database information for Monographs Working Groups and public health organizations by conducting a survey of select external users (to be identified by IARC staff).
5. Implement pilot phase of database, using the software tools, table structure, field content, and input and output methodology as described in tasks 1-4 above. Population of data in database for at least 10 agents selected in consultation with IARC staff.

EXPECTED OUTPUT/ DELIVERABLE

1. Relational model for database, showing table structure and relations for agents evaluated by IARC Monographs
2. Proposed database software to be used for implementation of pilot phase
3. List of fields and field attributes for each table to be developed during pilot phase of database development
4. Results of survey of select database users from external community, and associated proposal for adaptation of database fields or structure
5. Pilot-phase version of database, containing populated data for at least 10 agents, which could be further populated by IARC staff.
6. Documentation of pilot-phase database, including tables and fields.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: Doctorate degree in exposure science, epidemiology, toxicology, or health sciences

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential: A strong foundation in one of the core sciences covered by the Monographs (exposure, epidemiology, or toxicology). At least 2 years’ experience in developing or adapting databases containing information about carcinogenic hazards, such as those covered by the IARC Monographs. Familiarity with a broad range of agents evaluated by the IARC Monographs, including chemical, physical, and biological agents, complex mixtures, or exposure circumstances.

Desirable: Deep familiarity with IARC Monographs Programme and its evaluation process. Experience in occupational or environmental exposure assessment, epidemiology or toxicology. Experience working in a diverse scientific research environment.

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Essential: Advanced/Mother Tongue English

SKILLS

Specific skills required: Excellent IT literacy skills in Microsoft Office 365 applications, Microsoft Access or other database software, SharePoint

REMUNERATION

Renumeration is in line with WHO consultant payment rate. Consultant contractual modalities are subject to income tax.

DURATION

1 March to 31 August

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• We only accept applications submitted via our online recruitment tool, which should be filled out in English
• 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.
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