Advisor, Information Systems and Digital Health

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health (EIH) is responsible for leading the Organization into the modern era of information for health, including data management, forecasting and scenario setting, using cutting edge information technology. EIH will be responsible for setting models, norms and standards for strengthening governance mechanisms for information systems for health in line with the Organization’s policies and strategies for integrated and interoperable systems. The Department will participate in the monitoring of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and measurement of inequity and inequality in health. The Department will gather and provide strategic information and intelligence to develop and support the implementation of evidence-based policies and sound decisions on public health matters in collaboration with all Pan American Sanitary Bureau (PASB) entities, Member States and partners. EIH will coordinate internal PASB efforts, and collaborate with WHO, and other UN and Inter-American system agencies to support the needs of Member States and the Secretariat in the areas under its responsibility.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general guidance of the Director, Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health (EIH), and the direct supervision of the Senior Advisor, Information Systems for Health (EIH/IS), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Provide technical, strategic and programmatic advice and guidance for the strengthening of information systems and improved digital capabilities among national health systems, to support Member States in decision and policy making in health;
2. Strengthen national capacities on information systems and digital health by providing technical cooperation and support to Country Offices and Ministries of Health;
3. Provide technical support in vital and health statistics to national authorities and technical programs, with emphasis on the use of new technologies for improving data management, analysis and forecasting;
4. Provide technical advice in the context of the Information Systems for Health (IS4H) Framework; support and provide advice on project development and program activities required for the development and implementation of regional, national, and subnational IS4H-related projects, following the technical direction of the Senior Advisor, Information Systems for Health;
5. Support technical cooperation programs and strategies to strengthen national capacities in the Region for the design, adoption, implementation, and evaluation of information systems for health using information and communication technologies;
6. Provide technical advice for the implementation of the Organization’s regional strategies on eHealth and IS4H;
7. Develop and coordinate subregional technical cooperation and horizontal cooperation to strengthen Information Systems for Health through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the Region;
8. Collaborate in the development and reinforcing of alliances and networks that contribute to the strengthening of IS4H (such as the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Strengthening Health Information Systems);
9. Provide in-depth advice on technologies and internationally recommended best practices related to optimizing the implementation and overall functioning of health information systems;
10. Provide technical support in the implementation of the Health Information Platform for the Americas (PLISA by its Spanish acronym) by recommending tools and methods for data management and dissemination;
11. Provide technical advice and develop and implement work plans to implement the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025, PAHO’s Plan of Action for the Strengthening of Information Systems 2019-2023, and PAHO’s Plan of Action for the Strengthening of Vital Statistics 2017-2022, including the development of a corporate conceptual model, communities of practice, and thematic networks in support of this Program;
12. Formulate study designs, surveys, and other approaches that contribute towards optimizing of ICTs;
13. Provide technical cooperation and support to improve the analytical use of public health information and vital statistics systems, including public health surveillance activities at all levels;
14. Participate in the preparation of the Unit’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP), budget and technical evaluation reports;
15. When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities;
16. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A university degree in a social or health science, information systems, systems engineering or related field and a master’s degree in public health, medical informatics, epidemiology, statistics or any of the fields related to the functions of the position, from a recognized institution.

Desirable: A PhD degree in any of the fields listed above would be an asset.

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/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in designing, implementing, managing and/or assessing health information systems, public health data platforms, and/or digital health strategies and interventions.

Desirable: Demonstrated experience with emerging technologies applied in health such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain would be an asset.

SKILLS:

PAHO Competencies:

• Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Relates well to diversity in others and capitalizes on such diversity. Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
• Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve and build rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the team’s successes and shortcomings.
• Communication: /Share knowledge - Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization.
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment: Provide direction - Manages individual and group projects and ensures that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clearly defined, understood and accepted; delegates work appropriately to achieve best results.
• Producing Results: Work efficiently and independently/Deliver quality results - Monitors own and others’ work in a systematic and effective way, ensuring required resources and outputs. Aligns projects with Organization’s mission and objectives. Consistently solves own and team’s problems effectively as needed. Proactively engages in projects and initiatives, accepting demanding goals, in line with Organizational Strategies and Program of Work. Demonstrates accountability for work of team and sets an example, while explicitly articulating lessons learnt for own and team’s benefit.
• Ensuring effective use of resources: Strategize and set clear objectives/Monitor progress and use resources well - Sets specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely objectives for own team and/or the Organization; systematically analyses and anticipates priority projects for own team and allocates necessary resources to achieve them; identifies the cross-Organizational resources needed for large- scale projects in line with key Organizational objectives. Anticipates foreseeable changes and adapts own and team’s projects in the face of unforeseen circumstances and/ or challenges; creates measures and criteria to monitor progress of overall projects against key Organizational objectives; creates cost-effective solutions for the Organization.
• Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond: Develop networks and partnerships and encourage collaboration - Builds and negotiates strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of key stakeholders to ensure Organizational results and success. Creates innovative opportunities for promoting synergies inside and outside the Organization to improve Organizational success.

Technical Expertise:

• Expertise in the development and evaluation of health information systems (HIS). Practical expertise in developing and implementing strategies for data management (including quality, timeliness, etc.) and coverage.
• Expertise in developing and evaluating different sources of structured and non-structured data from HIS (e.g. routine information systems, censuses, surveys, and big data as feasible, among others).
• Expertise in assessing HIS and data management processes.
• Knowledge and skills for assessing and developing strategic and operational plans for strengthening HIS (taking into consideration key aspects for HIS, such as key components, organizational structures, and mechanisms).
• In-depth knowledge and use of practices for training and developing standards related to the implementation of HIS and data management.
• Demonstrated skills in coordinating the preparation and compilation of technical materials and written outputs for inclusion in publications or other health or social science-related initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal skills; diplomacy, tact and ability to effectively communicate with senior level officials, multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Strong professional oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across multi-disciplinary areas, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize electronic health records and related applications (such as decision support systems, among others) and knowledge of relevant electronic systems and/or platforms for health information systems, electronic medical records, data management for health, and other relevant areas. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as ArcGIS would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

US$ 74,913.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment: 49.6% of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

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.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org

PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

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

PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance). Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy.

Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post. The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.