Junior Health Information Systems Associate

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

This role will be part of the health systems team which supports the Ministry of Health in building a resilient health system. The role expected is linked to the core function of “monitoring the health situation and assessing health trends”

This UNV assignment is part of WHO’s flagship initiative of supporting the strengthening of Health Information Systems. WHO has been supporting this initiative for over 10 years with a dedicated team and its mandate has grown further to become more important particularly in preparing and responding to COVID-19. The WHO Country Office supports a wide range health information systems strengthening initiatives including development of standards, tools and systems to strengthen data collection, analysis and production of informative reports.

Under the direct supervision of Technical Officer – Health Information Systems, the International UN Youth Volunteer will:

i) Support the Health Information Division of the Ministry of Health in strengthening of the Health Management Information System
ii) Support the Ministry of Health to improve data quality through regular monitoring and use iii) Support in the promotion of data use including production of informative reports, dashboards and information products iv) Support the Ministry of Health in building data management and analysis capacity v) Support coordination with other sectors to collect data relevant to the health sector for monitoring and reporting on indicator frameworks. This includes climate change data, road traffic accident and suicide data, civil registration data etc. vi) Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility

health statistics, demography, information systems development • Motivated to contribute towards strengthening systems and to serve others; • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills; • Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team; • Flexible and open to learning and new experiences; • Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions; • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; • High level of computer skills (MS Office Suite, Statistical Software etc.)

Living conditions in Vientiane are comfortable but residents must make concessions due to the tropical climate and under-developed infrastructure, including health facilities. Most commodities may be purchased in Vientiane, and there is a wide range of accommodation available. Whilst travelling in the provinces staff may experience hardship due to lack of infrastructure and general commodities. The security situation in Vientiane Capital in general is deemed safe. However, all general safety precautionary measure need to be taken as in an developing country setting, particularly following economic challenges faced by the country and its people during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the rising inflation levels, the cost of living is getting higher, however, the USD has been also appreciating significantly. All basic amenities such as a range of food varieties, water, electricity, communication and banking facilities are freely available although access to good quality healthcare may be deemed as a challenge particularly given the travel restrictions to neighbouring countries with better healthcare facilities.
Lao PDR is a unique country which is rich in culture and diversity. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness. Most communication is usually in phasa Lao and therefore communication may be challenging. Flexibility and the ability and willingness to adopt and live and work with cultural sensitivity would be essential.