Technical Officer, Data Analysis

Overview

Lead data analysis for public health emergencies and enhance information-sharing.

You have:

• A bachelor’s degree in epidemiology, demography, statistics, a health science, or a related discipline that includes quantitative methods from a recognized university.
• Seven years of combined national and international experience in data analysis and database management with proven track record in managing information systems for public health or epidemiology.
• Very good knowledge of Spanish or English with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, including Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and more.
• Willingness to deploy at short notice in support of international emergency health interventions.

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 115,407 USD and 151,117 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The objective of the Health Emergencies Department (PHE) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is to increase health sector resilience to emergencies and disasters. PHE assists Member States to strengthen the health sector’s capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man-made, biological, chemical, radiological and others) and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. PHE is responsible for ensuring the implementation and updating of the PAHO/WHO Institutional Emergency and Disaster Response policy.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Deputy Director, Health Emergencies (PHE) and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Health Emergency Information & Risk Assessment (PHE/HIM), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Conduct the analysis for information products to guide multi hazard risk assessment of public health events, which may include data management from different sources, statistical analysis, figures, data tables, and other formats to present data and to communicate information to technical partners and alert Member States, with particular focus on outbreak and emergency response and interventions;
2. Design and adapt methodologies for the analysis of public health data for integration and dissemination via existing documents, internal and external information products, publications and other information materials for major public health events and scientific meetings to enhance information-sharing based on best practices as part of the development and implementation of the PHE strategic plan;
3. Lead the identification of information sources for data analysis and collaborate with Member States, external partners, and other entities to ensure that relevant data sources are identified and are available for data analysis;
4. Develop and implement state-of-the-art information-sharing, data analysis and presentation, and dissemination strategies for content management within a planned framework, aims and objectives;
5. Develop and maintain an interconnective data base, according to PAHO/WHO standards for new and re-emerging diseases, as well for data collected during outbreaks and emergencies to be used across the Organization;
6. Oversee the analysis of data related to public health events of international concern, including but not limited to trends, epicurve, rates, modelling for emergencies, analysis of risk factors, social determinants, assessment of effectiveness of response measures;
7. Liaise with staff at all levels from within the PHE Department, PAHO/WHO HQ, and subregional and country offices to encourage organization-wide information-sharing as a key component for promoting and nurturing a culture of multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting approaches within PHE, PAHO/WHO and with key partners;
8. Collaborate in the detection of unusual increase of diseases, and risk assessment of acute public health threats of international concern posed by epidemics by analyzing data from Ministries of Health, Health Agencies, as well as key partners;
9. Support the Organization’s emergency and disaster response operations and serve as a member of the Regional Disaster Response Team;
10. Perform other related duties as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education****:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in epidemiology, demography, statistics, a health science, or a related discipline that includes quantitative methods from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, or related discipline would be an asset.

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. 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/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience****:

Essential: Seven years of combined national and international experience in data analysis and database management with proven track record in managing information systems for public health or epidemiology.

Desirable: Experience or knowledge of analytical epidemiology in the context of public health with preferably experience in UN Agencies.

SKILLS****:

PAHO Competencies:

• Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
• Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others/Deal effectively with conflict - Creates team spirit; promotes collaboration and open communication in the team; proactively supports others; welcomes team responsibilities and drives team results; promotes knowledge sharing in the team. Proactively identifies conflicts and facilitates their resolution in a respectful manner; tactfully resolves conflicts between or with others and takes action to reduce any possible tension; effectively builds a rapport with individuals and teams, establishing good personal and professional relationships, as well as minimizing risk of potential conflict.
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
• Communication: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Listen/Write effectively/Share knowledge - Foresees communication needs of audience and targets message accordingly. Facilitates open communication; encourages others to share their views openly and takes time to understand and consider their views. Writes down ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible way; drafts and supports the development of guidelines, policies and procedures. Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization.
• Producing Results: Work efficiently and independently/Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Prioritizes work, monitors own progress against objectives and adapts plans as required; communicates adjustments as necessary. Acts proactively and stimulates action as needed; handles problems effectively and constructively. Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own time lines effectively and efficiently. Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project’s expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary. Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.
• Moving forward in a changing environment: Propose change/Adapt to change - Actively supports Organizational change initiatives and demonstrates personal commitment to them, including when faced with new demands; proposes workable solutions to challenging situations. Engages in positive responses to a changing environment and promotes workable solutions to achieve own and team’s results. Welcomes, and actively seeks to apply, new ideas, approaches and working methods and technologies in order to improve own and/or team’s work processes and results; demonstrates commitment to Organizational change initiatives

Technical Expertise:

• Strong knowledge of epidemiology, quantitative methods, and surveillance in the area of emerging/re-emerging diseases in a multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting environment.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills combined with ability to multi-task and produce accurate results under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills complemented with ability to synthesize information in a clear and concise manner.
• Practical knowledge of results-based management concepts and tools and their applications.
• Mature judgment, strong technical, analytical, conceptual, and interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendations on key technical issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of emerging diseases and public health emergencies in international contexts.
• Willingness to deploy at short notice in support of international emergency health interventions.
• Ability to integrate managerial and technical inputs into recommendations for decision-making process; ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment.
• Strong professional communication skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of Spanish or English with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential. Knowledge of statistical software programs and languages such as Python, R, SAS, SPSS, Microsoft Access, ODK, EpiInfo and/or EpiData would be an asset. Knowledge of the use of GIS, R, Python and/or programming essential.

REMUNERATION

Monthly Salary****: (Net of taxes)

USD$5,224.33 (Salary non-negotiable)

Post Adjustment****:

USD$3,338.35 - This amount is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates to fill other similar short-term professional positions, at the same grade level.
• Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this position as a form of screening.
• The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.
• For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org
• PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• PAHO is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.
• PAHO also promotes a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of abusive conduct.
• PAHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.
• PAHO/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 encouraged.
• All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

Potential interview questions