Strategic Information Officer/ Analyst

Contract

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

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO is a member of the United Nations Development Group. WHO's primary role is to direct international health within the United Nations' system and to lead partners in global health responses.

WHO works across the six WHO regions to support Member States as they coordinate the efforts of multiple sectors of the government and partners – including bi- and multilaterals, funds and foundations, civil society organizations and private sector – to attain their health objectives and support their national health policies and strategies. The WHO Regional Office for Africa is one of WHO’s 6 regional offices around the world. It serves the WHO African Region, which comprises 47 Member States with the Regional Office in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. As the lead health authority within the United Nations (UN) system, we work with the Member States in the African Region and development partners to improve the health and well-being of people.

AFRO’s work involves translation of global health initiatives into regional plans that respond to the specific needs and challenges of countries in the Region. Supporting countries to achieve better health outcomes through technical and policy advice, development of norms and standards, generation and sharing of knowledge and convening health partners. Together with countries, support is provided to attain health objectives by supporting national health policies and strategies.

Main areas of work include health sector development, combating diseases – infectious diseases like TB and HIV, and non-infectious diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Preparation for and rapidly respond to disasters and emergencies and helping mothers and children survive and thrive, so they can look forward to a healthy old age.

WHO staff are united in a shared commitment to ensuring that all people have access to good quality affordable health care without falling into poverty.

To monitor its progress and performance, including monitoring of its 13th General Program of Work (GPW 13), the World Health Organization (WHO) relies heavily on data generated by the national health information systems (NHIS) of the Member States. Therefore, a strong NHIS that can generate reliable, good-quality data on time is of great interest to WHO as it is to the Member States.

The strength of the national HIS and the availability, quality, and timeliness of their data directly affect the reports that WHO produces; WHO has plans to do more to support the countries to strengthen their NHIS. To achieve this, the leadership of WHO in the African Region (AFRO) established the Health Information System unit.

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the HIS Team Leader, the Strategic Information Officer/Analyst • Assist in the technical support of the HIS unit, in particular consolidating up-to-date health data and evidence on UHC progress in Countries through systematic analysis and documentation, • Monitoring of sector progress in attainment of targets set in the National Health sector strategies and policies as well as Monitoring progress towards attaining Health-related Sustainable development goals. • Specific assignments will include following up on the progress of implementation of HIS activities as per schedule, reviewing quarterly progress reports from the implementing countries, supporting HIS team in supporting countries develop strategic plans, policies, and legislative frameworks for national health information systems, developing and promotion of data standards, including core indicators, WHO's Family of International Classifications (ICD-11, ICF, ICHI), and WHO's technical packages for analysis and use of routine health facility data. • Support the consolidation of evidence on progress towards UHC development of communication materials to document and communicate the interventions implemented in the countries. Document best practices, monitoring of the program work plans, and log frames administering and executing processes and transactions to ensure high quality and accuracy of work. The Analyst • Promote client, quality, and results-oriented approach and works to ensure a vibrant exchange of information and consistent service delivery; the overall guidance and direct supervision of the HIS Team Leader, the Strategic Information Officer/ Health Information systems specialist will assist in the technical support of the HIS unit in: • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Excellent skills in the statistical analysis of health data using Stata or R statistical package, skills in assessment, surveillance, and monitoring and evaluation, with the ability to conceptualize and implement innovative strategies and promote their implementation; • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure; • Proven ability to communicate effectively; • Tact, discretion and ability to promote consensus; • Experienced team-player; • Professionalism; • Integrity; • Teamwork and respect for diversity; • Commitment to continuous learning; • Planning and organizing; • Communication; • Flexibility; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement.

    Public Health, Statistics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Research and/or other health-related fields

• Master’s Degree is a strong added advantage • At least one year’s experience working within the health sector • Demonstrated knowledge of health sector activities in developing countries and/or in the context of Universal Health Coverage, Health Systems strengthening.

The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region. The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-West, Cameroon and Central Republic Africa in the North and North East, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, Angola and Atlantic Ocean in the South. Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove to the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas. Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and Pointe-Noire (economic capital). The living cost is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious. According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other areas major are secure. The Republic of Congo is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.