Technical Officer (Epidemiology and Data Science)

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 74,649 USD and 97,747 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.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. The Health Emergency Information and Risk Assessment (HIM) Unit is responsible for identifying new public health events, assessing risks to public health, conducting epidemiological surveillance and field investigations, monitoring public health interventions, and communicating public health information to technical partners and stakeholders. HIM unit also support countries to strengthen surveillance systems and capacities for epidemiological investigation and risk assessment.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the technical supervision of the PAM-HIM and overall guidance of the Regional Emergency Director (RED), the incumbent will undertake epidemiological analyses (engaging relevant partners as appropriate), develop novel analytical approaches, and help build analytical capacity pertaining to infectious diseases of epidemic and pandemic potential, including but not limited to COVID-19. More specifically, the work will include advance analyses triangulating various primary and secondary data sources around the following activities: In-depth analyses and interpretation of trends and transmission dynamics locally and regionally, in addition to descriptive outputs. Analysis of key epidemiological features relevant for policy, including transmission dynamics, mortality, risk factors for transmission and severity, and key epidemiological parameters. Assessment of the impact and effectiveness of Public Health interventions, such as Public Health and Social Measures and vaccination. Enhancement and development of existing methods and tools (such as R packages) to improve the analysis and visualization of key epidemiological features of infectious diseases with pandemic and epidemic potential. Lead or contribute to the development of epidemiological briefing materials and information products, such as short epidemiological summaries, weekly epidemiological updates, and scientific manuscripts, as appropriate. Provide technical assistance to countries to strengthen epidemiological analysis, including field investigation, modelling analysis, and operational research, to inform response and policy decisions. Provide capacity building and training to colleagues within WHO and partners, including Ministries of Health, with focus on enhancing epidemiological analysis. Provide assistance in developing and updating regional strategic and technical documents pertaining to epidemiological analysis of infectious diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential. Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and back stopping for others as required. To submit an end of assignment report (Mandatory).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in medicine, epidemiology, mathematics, economics, statistics or other related health discipline, related to the functions of the position from a recognized university. Desirable: Advanced university degree (master or doctoral degree) in one of the above-mentioned fields.

Experience

Essential: At least five years' experience in statistical analysis, data science, or information management, with experiences in infectious disease epidemiology. Experience working in low or middle income country/countries in coordination with Ministry of Health of low- and middle- income countries; Demonstrated experience in working for a large epidemic or public health emergency at the national and/or international levels. International exposure, as defined as work experience in a multi-cultural environment; proven relevant experience of working with partners across different geographical/cultural settings; and/or proven relevant experience of working on a project in different geographical/cultural settings.

Desirable: Experience in infectious disease modelling; Field (country) experience in epidemiology, surveillance and/or control of acute public health events in low or middle income country/countries; Experiences working for WHO, an UN Agency or other international organization.

Skills

Expertise in statistical analysis and/or mathematical modelling of infectious diseases epidemiology in the context of epidemiology and Public Health Proficiency in operational analysis for epidemics Proficiency in R. Working knowledge of other statistical analysis packages (e.g. STATA). Knowledge of infectious diseases surveillance and control in international context. Knowledge on the public health aspects of infectious disease control, epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response. Demonstrated ability to diplomatically communicate and advise the Government counterparts, colleagues in the organization and partners. Proven ability to interact multi-disciplinarily and cross-cutting environment in involving technical, cultural and political elements. Good scientific writing, communication and presentation skills. Sound organizational skills Proven ability to work in team and capacity to work under pressure in a fast-moving environment Willingness to be deployed at short notice in support of international emergency health interventions.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Setting an example

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of WHO Language.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 62,692 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 1865 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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 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. 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 WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

• *For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.