Technical Assistant (Data Management)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) is the main instrument within the United Nations system for identifying research priorities on sexual and reproductive health and rights; for promoting, conducting, evaluating and coordinating related interdisciplinary research; for collaborating with countries to build national capacity to conduct research; and for promoting the use of research results in policy making and sexual and reproductive health programmes. HRP is operated from within the World Health Organization's Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH). The Department draws on HRP research and global expertise to generate evidence, strengthen health systems, and impact lives through work to set norms and standards and develop global guidelines, and to support programme development in sexual and reproductive health and rights. More information about SRH and HRP can be found at https://www.who.int/hrpThe incumbent will work in the SHS Unit of the Department that aims to strengthen the capacity of people, health systems, and countries to measure and achieve comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights goals for all, by leveraging and amplifying innovation, collaboration, research and data science for evidence-driven policy and practice.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent provides technical assistance for research study data management, data quality monitoring, and archival of essential documents and data for HRP research projects. In carrying out this work, the incumbent participates in international collaborative efforts, participates in WHO Organization-wide initiatives, and supports the broader goal of improving sexual and reproductive health and rights globally.

(1) For STUDY PLANNING, the incumbent will: (a) prepare and format the case report forms in electronic format (b) conduct user acceptance testing of the data collection system once the set-up is finalized by the database developer; (c) write study data management guidelines for investigators, according to WHO Good Clinical Practice, on the conduct of the study, management and completion of the study forms in the participating centres; and (d) assist with amendments to the study protocol.

(2) For STUDY IMPLEMENTATION, the incumbent will: (a) provide training to selected staff from collaborating institutions on the duties familiarize them with study procedures the use of the computer data management system in accordance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines; and (b) provide training to and supervise staff providing clerking assistance on specific research projects.

(3) For STUDY DATA COORDINATION AND MANAGEMENT, the incumbent will: (a) perform data curation including cross checking of enrollment logs against submitted records, identifying discrepancies, engaging with participating centres to find resolution; and (b) recode responses from open-ended questions to categorize into analyzable units; (c) review and assist in ICD-10, ICPM coding.

(4) For MONITORING OF STUDY DATA COLLECTION, the incumbent will: (a) prepare regular reports on recruitment, follow-up, adverse events, data entry and quality of data; (b) assist in the development and preparation of reports based on the computerized data; (c) bring to the attention of the study coordinator the occurrence of serious unusual medical events in course of a study, or major problems with study coordination; and (d)monitor the procedures at the study sites by mail, e-mail, fax and courier.

(5) For DATA ANALYSIS, the incumbent will assist the statistician in the analysis and reporting of studies by preparing tabulations and graphs of specific items and performing basic statistical computation.

(6) For ARCHIVAL of essential study documents and datafiles, the incumbent will: (a) engage with the collaborating country researchers and manage the upload of essential study documents to a designated folder; (b) perform the necessary inventory of study documents, catalogues them in preparation for archival, and works with the e-Archive focal point to upload all files into the HRP e-Archive repository; and (c) complete the archival process by confirming that all documents have been added to the repository.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Completion of secondary school education or equivalent.

Desirable: Higher education an advantage.

Experience

Essential:

• At least 8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in management of data from research projects, including clinical trials.

Desirable:

• Relevant experience in WHO or another UN agency or an international nongovernmental organization in low- and middle-income countries on research studies pertaining to sexual and reproductive health.
• Experience in Oracle-based or other Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems such as RedCap or OpenClinica.

Skills

• Data management skills for managing and organizing large datasets, including data cleaning, monitoring, recording/logging, and archiving.
• Software proficiency: knowledge of research software such OpenClinica, RedCap, or other web-based data collection and management tools.
• Attention to fine detail: precision in data management and reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance with data SOPs.
• Time management skills for efficiently managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Teamwork skills for collaborating effectively with senior departmental researchers and researchers at HRP partner institutions.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.
• Intermediate knowledge of French.
  
  

REMUNERATION

WHO offers staff in the General Services category an attractive remuneration package, which for the above position includes an annual net base salary starting at CHF 86,236 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment 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.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. 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.

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• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.

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