Technical Officer (Epidemiology and Data Science)

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 researches, 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 backstopping 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 64,121 (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 2608 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 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.

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

• 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.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. 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.

• 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.

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

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

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

• In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates