Information Assistant

Contract

This is a G-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 4 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-4 contracts.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

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

IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.

The Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch (ESC) produces the WHO Classification of Tumours, the IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans, and the IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention. For each volume, IARC convenes international, interdisciplinary Working Groups of expert scientists to systematically review the pertinent scientific literature and to develop consensus evaluations and classifications. IARC selects these experts based on their knowledge and experience and the absence of real or apparent conflicting interests.

Increase of users to support since the launch of the 5th edition and the WHO classification of tumours web site (over 2000 users); increasing complexity of the classification; and need to release WCT’s Principal Information Assistant to work with other groups in IARC.

Staff within the WCT team provide technical assistance to staff and contributors to the WHO Classification of Tumours; control data within a database; and disseminate information to the team within and external to IARC. This post involves supporting users of the database and website, programming (PHP), database administration (SQL), web design, and print layout.

The aim of the position is to support the production, revision, and maintenance of the web and print versions of the WHO Classification of Tumours (WCT).

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the principal information assistant and overall guidance of the ESC branch head, the incumbent will perform the below tasks:

1. Provide 1st level support to contributors of the WHO Classification of Tumours on the use of the Online Submission System (using existing in-house developed tool ‘BBOSS’).
2. Provide 1st level support to users of the WHO Blue Books online web site.
3. Participate in editorial board meetings to provide IT support (projectors, web access, data integration).
4. Assist WCT Group in data extractions required for the production of the WHO Blue Books, liaising when required with the IARC Communications Group (COM).
5. Setup the online submission system for new projects, assisting the supervisor at early stages of new IT/online projects.
6. Provide layout and web design as needed for web and print versions of the WHO Classification of Tumours.
7. Log and follow user queries (in Freshservice) for resolution according to terms and conditions of service level agreements.
8. Qualify and track cases to the right 2nd level team (e.g. WCT level2, IARC IT Services, Publications team).
9. Attend WHO Blue Books Editorial Board meetings and related research conferences as agreed with Head of WCT.

COVID-19 MEASURES

Due to the evolving situation resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, and depending on work requirements, this position may be partly occupied remotely, from the home of the candidate selected in the region Lyon, according to the teleworking clause for force majeure currently in force as part of the IARC teleworking policy during this pandemic period.

WHO COMPETENCIES

1. Teamwork*

2. Respecting & promoting individual and cultural differences*

3. Communication*

4. Technical expertise.

5. Producing results.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: Completed secondary education or equivalent and additional education (DUT or equivalent) in Computer Programming, Information Technology, Database Management, Web Development, Publishing, Digital Media, and Communications.

Desirable: A higher university degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) or equivalent in one of the above or other related fields.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least three years' combined experience in one or more of the following areas:

1. Programming, administering and implementing database management systems;
2. Providing IT support to internal and external organizational users;
3. Setting up, administering and/or updating online resources;
4. Producing digital content or online communications.
5. Layout experience (print and website)

Desirable:

1. UN experience or experience in international, inter-governmental work setting.
2. Experience with content management systems for publishing;
3. Experience in an international and/or scientific environment.

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Expert knowledge of English is essential. Working knowledge of French is desirable.

SKILLS

Essential:

• Desktop publishing experience in layout of high pagination books
• Layout for web design expertise
• Knowledge of one or more web programming languages such as HTML, PHP, and/or JavaScript
• Knowledge and prior use of SQL databases
• Image handling – conversion, colour balancing, cropping, composite image manipulation etc.
• Good knowledge and competency in MS Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Excellent administrative, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Effective communication and ability to work well as part of a multicultural team.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to meet the deadlines.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of common IT tools for publishing: e.g. InDesign, Photoshop
• Knowledge of web systems design, development, management.
• Knowledge of Linux remote access tools and protocols: e.g. ssh, shell, ftp, smtp, vpn
• Knowledge and previous use of bibliographic software (EndNote)
• Knowledge of Freshservice.

OTHER SKILLS (e.g. IT)

Excellent knowledge of Microsoft 365 package and other related software and development tools including programming in PHP, SQL database and websites.

REMUNERATION

The fixed remuneration for the above position currently amounts to EUR 3,196 per month, and is expressed net of income tax but before deduction of the employee share contributions for mandatory participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) and in the Organization’s private insurance plans covering health, accident, illness and disability.

Other benefits include different types of leave and allowances for dependent family members. Employment status is that of an international civil servant.

Note: due to the legal status of WHO/IARC as an international organization, its staff do not contribute to and do not generate benefits in French mandatory schemes for health insurance (“assurance maladie”), pension (“assurance vieillesse/retraite or unemployment (“Pôle-Emploi”) throughout their period of employment with the Agency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons residing in the local commuting area of Lyon.
• We only accept applications submitted via our online recruitment tool (applications for this position should be filled out in English and include a cover letter in English). Application profiles should include the details of all work experiences to date (including paid internships).
• 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 and/or presentation 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. IARC/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 IARC/WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• For information on IARC’S operations please visit: www.iarc.fr
• IARC/WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• IARC/WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.
• IARC/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women are encouraged.