Roster for Data Assistant - Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD)

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objective

WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies and plans aiming at promoting access to and utilization of affordable and quality health services and improving the financial protection against health-related risks.

The Country Office contributes to providing technical support in developing national policies, strategies and activities in the area of health systems strengthening including, (i) advocating for Universal Health Coverage and building up national capacity in UHC-related matters (ii) facilitating the adoption of evidence -based public health interventions as well as appropriate reforms/changes with a view to promote equity and accelerate the movement towards universal health coverage.

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO

WHO’s mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage (ii) health related sustainable development goals (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005) (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.

The South – East Asia Region (SEAR) of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.8 billion people, with India’s population of 1.3 billion. All the Member States of WHO/SEAR (Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Maldives, Timor Leste, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Thailand), share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation.

Mission of the WHO Country Office for India

The mission of WHO India is to improve the quality of life of the 1.3 billion people in India by supporting the country in eliminating vaccine preventable and other communicable diseases, reducing maternal and neonatal mortalities, promoting healthy lifestyles, addressing determinants of health, preparing and responding to health emergencies and strengthening health systems for universal health coverage.

In pursuit of the above goals, the Neglected Tropical Diseases network of WCO-India was launched in 2017 to work closely with the Union and State governments to support elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis, Kala Azar and Leprosy in India.

NTD support to states presently include surveillance of the three diseases, planning and monitoring of prevention activities such as mass drug administration, indoor residual spraying, capacity building for activities related to lymphatic filariasis, leprosy and kala azar, drug supply chain management, planning, monitoring and training on transmission assessment surveys, and operational research.

In the context of the 13th General Programme of Work and within the framework of the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (2019-23), the mission of the WHO Country Office is to support India in:

• Accelerating progress on universal health coverage
• Promoting health and wellness by addressing determinants of health
• Better protect the population against health emergencies
• Enhancing India’s global leadership in health

Description of Duties:

Under the managerial oversight of Team Leader Communicable Diseases and day-to-day supervision of State Coordinator-NTD (SC), with a view to achieve the expected results set out in the relevant WCO-India work plans in accordance with the WHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy with India, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities in her/his assigned area of work:

• Maintaining data on Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), Leprosy, Trachoma, Soil Transmitted Helminths, Rabies, Snake bite and other NTDs for the state as per the WCO India guidelines.
• As per the State priorities and requirement, prepare data related to Indoor Residual Spray for Kala Azar, analysis of district-wise monthly case reporting and campaign related data for Leprosy, preparatory & implementation phase of Mass Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filariasis and monitoring activities both in hard and soft copy, for the state according to WCO-India guidelines.
• Collect, collates and analyze all data related to NTDs Surveillance and Monitoring from Zonal Coordinators NTDs (ZC) within the State and update records from time to time.
• Compile and enter data into the project specific system accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and up to date line list for LF morbidity cases in the state verified by SC & ZC NTDs
• Timely reporting of compiled data to the WCO-India on a weekly/monthly/as and when required basis.
• Analyze data, generate, state and Zonal Coordinator wise reports, as well as any additional reports as required by the State NTD Coordinator and WCO-India.
• Coordinate with the data team at WCO-India and resolves any discrepancies in data with WCO-India and keep the State NTD Coordinator posted about the modified updates.
• Ensures that the quality standards for data is maintained at all times.
• Undertake field visits for strengthening LF, VL & Leprosy related activities when required under the guidance of State NTD Coordinator.
• Provide support/ training to field staff as and when required.
• Maintain proper data, administration and finance records at State NTD office and assist State Coordinator for administrative work related to NTDs.
• Provide, data related and administrative support to Zonal NTD Coordinators as and when required.
• Coordinate and collaborate with local WHO teams as a for team building and cross learning.
• Provide assistance in planning of budget for technical activities; and
• Undertake any other tasks/duties as assigned by supervisor(s).

Qualifications required

Education:

Essential: Completion of secondary school education or equivalent.

Desirable: Graduate degree from a recognized university. Training in computer applications with working knowledge of EPI 6, EPI INFO, WORD, EXCEL, POWER POINT, ARC VIEW, ACCESS or SQL.

WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions. The list can be accessed through this link: http://www.whed.net/

Experience:

Essential: At least three (3) years' relevant experience in administrative support function in a government department/public sector undertaking, in a multinational corporation, reputed private organizations or NGOs.

Desirable: Experience of working in other international organizations or UN Agency in the preferred Duty Station (State) would be an added advantage.

Competencies:

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

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

• Database management skills
• Ability to prepare routine administrative paperwork
• Clerical, word processing, and/or office skills

Remuneration

Monthly remuneration will be range from INR 46,485 - 56,950 taxable as per Indian laws and the appointment will be through Special Services Agreement (SSA) extendable subject to satisfactory performance and continuing need for the function. S/he could be posted anywhere in India as per the project needs.

Additional information

• The Data Assistant - Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) is a national of the country (India) in which he/she is to serve, is recruited locally and is not subject to assignment to any official station outside the home country. Only Indian Nationals should apply.
• This Vacancy Notice may be used to fill similar positions at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and interviews will be used as a form of screening
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• 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.
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