Strategic Health Information Officer- Data and Statistics

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The World Health Organization has prioritized improving availability of data and its use in decision making, as a key deliverable for supporting countries in monitoring other progress and issues with moving towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and other health related Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets.

To achieve these expectations, WHO in the African Region (WHO-AFRO) under the Data, Analytics and Knowledge Management Unit is providing support for improving systems for data generation, analysis and its use. Among these is the African Health Observatory (AHO), a web-based platform that serves four functions: a) Storage and sharing of data and statistics; b) Production and sharing of evidence through the analysis and synthesis of information; c) Sustaining networks and communities, for better translation of evidence; and d) Supporting countries establish national or sub-national health observatories. In this context, the incumbent will serve as one of the health information officers, focusing on data analysis, supporting countries in improving their health information systems, and developing regional analytical products.

During deployment, the duties may be modified, based upon the technical needs of the Programme. Reporting to the Team Lead, Data Analytics and Knowledge Management, and working closely with counterparts at the respective Regional Office and HQ, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support data validation as well as production, adaptation and harmonization of regional tools, methods and processes for collection of data and statistics on UHC and other health related SDGs
• Coordinate review of tools and procedures for CRVS, Population surveys, Facility surveys and Surveillance
• Support Harmonizing data management such as Health Data Collaborative (HDC) initiative
• Organise the collaboration and the joint work with ULC cluster on producing Atlas of Africa Health Statistics
• Liaise countries and WCO focal persons for the development of statistical abstracts and other data products
• Support countries to conduct HMIS performance reviews and development of health profiles

Communication: expresses oneself clearly in conversation and interaction with others; actively listens. Produces effective written communications. Ensures that information is shared. Teamwork: develops and promotes effective relationships with colleagues and team members. Deals constructively with conflicts. Moving forward in a changing environment: is open to, and proposes, new approaches and ideas. Adapts and responds positively to change. Promoting innovation and organizational learning: invigorates the Organization by building a culture which encourages learning and development. Sponsors innovative approaches and solutions. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: demonstrates ability to work constructively with people with different backgrounds and orientations. Respects differences and ensures that all can contribute. Commitment and Motivation Communication Professionalism Technological Awareness Working in Teams

Information or data management, computer sciences, statistics, monitoring and evaluation, applied math or public health, complemented by training in data analysis and/or management. Statistics is mandatory; - Microsoft Office applications; - Working knowledge of online data collection applications, statistical analysis packages (Stata, SPSS, R etc); - Good knowledge of database and GIS programmes (e.g. ArcView); - Demonstrated knowledge of information management and monitoring systems as related to emergency response and relief operations; - Proven skills in the field of statistical data collection, assessment, analysis and monitoring in a public health context; - Advance ability to design, manage, analyse and coordinate complex information system projects, computer-based applications and databases, web-based tools.

The Kingdom of Eswatini is a small landlocked mountainous country in Southern Africa bordering South Africa Mozambique and with a population of approximately 1.3 million. It has four (4) administrative regions: Hhohho, Manzini, Lubombo, and Shiselweni with its capital city Mbabane in the Hhohho region. The major official languages are SiSwati and English with Christianity and Indigenous beliefs being the major religions. Security level in Eswatini is rated one (1) which translates to the country being relatively safe, secure, and stable although crime is widely spread and mainly petty. The climate of Eswatini varies from tropical to near temperate. Rain falls mostly during the summer months, often in the form of thunderstorms. Winter is the dry season. Variations in temperature are also related to the altitude of the different regions. The Highveld (Hhohho region) is the cold and wet region while the Lowveld (Lubombo region) is hot and dry. Manzini and Shiselweni regions are between the two extremes. Public power supply and running water is stable in most places especially in the main cities, Manzini and Mbabane. Generally, the standard of living including accommodation is relatively affordable.