Consultant-Information and Planning (Data Manager) - IMST/WHE/WPRO

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Purpose of the Consultancy

• to provide information and planning technical support to the ongoing COVID-19 response activities in the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO).
• to support effective response operations related to the outbreak of pneumonia associated with COVID-19, with a focus on information and planning functions, as part of the Incident Management System Team (IMST) of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila.

Background

Since 2 January 2020, the three levels of WHO (China country office, Regional Office for the Western Pacific and Headquarters) have been working together to respond to this outbreak of COVID-19. On 30 January, WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). On 11 March, WHO Director General characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.

As cases continue to be reported from new areas, additional preparedness and response efforts are required in the Region. To cope with the situation, the emergency team in the WHO Regional Office is being strengthened, in order to provide technical assistance to Member States for preparedness and response activities.

Given the rapidly evolving COVID 19 situation and strict containment measures, the COVID-19 response operations in the Region are expected to continue for several months.

Work to be performed

Under the overall supervision of the WPRO IMST Incident Manager and the Information and Planning Pillar Lead, the consultant will provide data management and technical and operational assistance to the COVID-19 response activities from the Regional Office.

Output 1******: Manage COVID-19 database including:

i) Providing overall coordination in data management to share information and guide regional action;

ii) Managing the incident databases, including of aggregated reported cases; and

iii) Collecting, collating, managing and analysing data from all partners

Deliverable 1.1: Regular report regarding COVID-19 database which should include in monthly progress report

Output 2******: Develop COVID-19 dashboard and other information product including:

i) Cleaning, consolidating and transforming the COVID-19 datasets in a form that can be uploaded in the ArcGIS online dashboard;

ii) Visualizing transmission stage assessment (TSA) result in WRPO dashboard;

iii******) Supporting managing, updating, maintaining and co-ordinate upgrading the regional COVID-19 dashboard; and

iv******) Providing technical support in developing and maintaining tools and processes for collecting, managing, analysing and presenting geospatial data.

Deliverable 2.1: Regular report regarding COVID-19 dashboard which should included in monthly progress report

Deliverable 2.2: ad hoc information product if possible

Output 3******: Support COVID-19 IMST regarding informed decision making

Deliverable 3.1: Any other ad hoc task related to the dashboard, mapping and visualization as deemed necessary by the I&P Pillar or IMST.

Deliverable 3.1: Perform any other COVID-19 related duties, as required by the respective national health authority and WHO supervisors.

Other Deliverables******:

• Progress report (monthly); and
• End of Mission Technical Report at the end of consultancy.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Education

Essential******: First university degree in public health, information or data management, statistics, business or public administration or other social sciences from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable: Advanced university degree in public health, qualitative surveillance or statistics, business or public administration. Specialized training in epidemiology, health management, or humanitarian interventions

Experience Required

Essential: At least five years' relevant experience, combined at the national or international levels, in data and/or information management. With proven experience in surveillance of communicable diseases, outbreak investigation or implementation of IT solutions for data.

Desirable:

• Previous experience with WHO or other UN agencies
• Previous international experience
• Experience in areas in developing countries. Previous experience working in collaboration with multiple actors in public health surveillance.

Skills / Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Database management/statistical analysis; public health information management
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a team with limited supervision
• Ability to work under pressure

Language requirements******:

• Proficient in written and spoken English.

Competencies

• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Communication
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment
• Teamwork

• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

  Place of assignment

The consultancy will initially take place remotely with travel to Manila, Philippines, if conditions allow.

Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Travel

Depending on the situation, travel to countries in the Region may be arranged as necessary.

Additional Information:

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for 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.
• 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 underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• 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 zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.