Job: UNIT LEADER, MONITORING, SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS AND DATABASES (MSD) (EURO/13/FT447)

22 October 2013

The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.

Vacancy Notice No: EURO/13/FT447

Title: Unit Leader, Monitoring, Surveillance Systems and Databases (MSD)

Grade: P4

Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment

Duration of contract: Two years (1) See Additional Information below

Date: 21 October 2013

Application Deadline: 24 November 2013

Duty Station: Copenhagen, Denmark

Organization unit: EURO Europe Regional Office (EU/RGO), EU/DIR Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation (EU/DIR)

Monitoring, Surveillance Systems and Databases (MSD)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :

WHO Europe's set of health databases is its main repository of health statistics. This key resource provides authoritative health data on the 53 countries in the WHO European Region. This enables comparative analyses of the health situation and trends in the Region, and surveillance of disease and monitoring of trends in policy areas, including key determinants of health (such as alcohol, tobacco and nutrition), thus fulfilling a key mandate of the Organization.

Purpose of the post :

To identify and conceptualize priority areas and directions of EURO health informatics activities, manage the MSD Health Informatics team, to provide managerial and technical guidance to the Director of the Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation (DIR) of the WHO Regional Office for Europe for strengthening health information systems. The incumbent plays a key leading role in the design, development and implementation of the WHO Europe integrated health information platform and provides support to the development of a joint health information strategy for Europe. The incumbent responds to the increasing demand for improved access to health data and for modern, user-friendly data analysis and information presentation capacities. This includes fostering and facilitating joint data collection and exchange mechanisms as well as defining data quality requirements and health information technology standard operation procedures. The incumbent will plan, coordinate and carry out all operational activities related to technical programme databases and information infrastructure, including data updates, application development, system analysis and maintenance. The incumbent shall also act as advocate to and liaise with stakeholders, partners and collaborators as well as represent the regional office's health information strategy and interests in global initiatives and working groups.

Description of duties:

The successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for the overall coordination and implementation of activities involving DIR health informatics and data management to support WHO Europe health information research, evaluation and dissemination.

In particular, the duties will include:

• Lead the MSD (Monitoring, Surveillance and Databases) team and responsibility for all technical aspects of the conceptualization, development and maintenance of the WHO Europe regional office's integrated health information system, an information infrastructure capable of integrating databases of all technical areas and programs and, through the provision of a 'one-stop-shop' web portal, offer user-friendly, interactive access to information across programs and divisions.
• Plan, delegate, supervise and participate in the development of the different components of the WHO/Europe integrated health information system platform, including data-model and data-warehouse, and their links with the envisaged integrated European Health Information system.
• Lead the development of operationally sound databases and software for specific health-related activities following the concepts of requirement assessment and business process analysis and case description.
• Design and coordinate the implementation of a data-warehouse structure consisting of thematic 'data-marts' and with functionality in place for automated update from operational database content. Overall planning and supervision of, as well as direct contributions to the development of data applications and services. Analysis and definition of technical requirements and staff resources; delegation and assignment of responsibilities and tasks.
• Manage and coordinate MSD programme and planning activities, provide comprehensive guidance, technical and managerial leadership, plan and evaluate future needs, advise and communicate with senior management, policy groups, MSD stakeholders, WHO Europe collaborating centres, WHO headquarters, and regional and country offices.
• Responsible for technical programme and project database and data-warehouse development, including all facets of utilized software and application development life cycles such as:
• Project planning;
• Requirements definition;
• Feasibility and sustainability analysis;
• Systems analysis and design;
• Implementation, integration and testing;
• Acceptance assessment;
• Maintenance and change management.
• Plan and coordinate all MSD day-to-day operational activities and tasks related to the improvement of existing technical databases, data warehouse, web services, web applications and modules according to the strategic plan and client requests. Design, develop and maintain data exchange interfaces and mechanisms with external partners and data collection focal points.
• Analyze continuously WHO Europe data collection and management systems, as well as content quality, identify gaps and problems, and suggest solution. Ensure that the information is accessible and analyzable for technical programmes other clients.
• Develop concepts for quality control and performance monitoring indicators in MSD database related activities and processes, in close coordination with WHO QA coordinator and relevant DIR colleagues.
• Liaise with partner organizations and collaborating centres regarding information exchange and harmonization of data management systems.
• Provide support to the operational research and reporting activities. Support and coordinate the collection, analysis, aggregation and spread of data as required.
• Analyze trends in information technologies, especially those pertaining to public health. Provide strategic advice and recommendations on the use of new information technologies in areas of DIR and WHO Europe involvement.
• Supervise and manage MSD staff and ensure timely completion of staff evaluations and other aspects of good human resources management, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential :

• Advanced university degree (Master's) in information sciences, computer sciences or a related field, and management certification (e.g. PRINCE 2).

Desirable :

• Certification or specialized training in database design and application development. Formal training in health informatics and/or GIS

Skills:

Functional Skills and Knowledge :

• Very good knowledge of the assessment, planning, development and implementation of projects and programmes on health information systems.
• Technical expertise in the application of qualitative and quantitative techniques in data analysis.
• Excellent knowledge of database, data warehouse and data-driven application architecture design, development and implementation.
• Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information system and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical systems matters.
• Knowledge of a range of computer languages and development paradigms, knowledge of organization's information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user areas. Awareness of developments in the field and able to determine the need for testing and evaluating new products and technologies in the field of information management and dissemination.
• Proven skills and excellent working knowledge in the following information technologies and platforms:
• Windows Server 2003-2008 (2012 advantageous),
• SQL Server 2005-2008 (2012 advantageous), Analysis Services, Reporting Services, Integration Services,
• Business intelligence systems and tools (Microsoft SQL Server 2012 BI advantageous),
• Subversion or other code repositories,
• C#, .Net 4.x, JavaScript, JSON, Ajax, JQuery, HTML, CSS, XML, XML Schema, SQL, TSQL, Stored Procedures, OLAP, OLTP, LINQ, ADO.Net, Entity Framework, MVC, RIA, Silverlight, LightSwitch,
• Web services, WCF, OData,
• SOA, data Services,
• ArcGIS Server and Desktop.
• Knowledge of statistical principles, methods and software packages and data analysis preferably with a special focus on health and demographics.
• Advanced database programming and development skills to build and customize data-driven applications and other tools to automate data processing.

Other skills:

Enterprise (server based) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) administration and maintenance.

Web design and publishing.

Knowledge of data mining concepts.

Familiarity with Cloud based services and tools.

Mobile applications development.

Competencies : see WHO Global Competencies model at http://www.who.int/employment/competencies/en/

• Producing results
  : Demonstrates a systematic and efficient approach to work. Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet client needs. Takes responsibility for own work. Sees tasks through to completion. Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Moving forward in a changing environment
  : Adapts readily and efficiently to changing priorities and demands. Receptive to new ideas and working methods. Recognizes opportunities for improvement and proposes workable solutions.
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
  : Identifies priorities and defines aspiring, but realistic, objectives and timelines, more specifically as related to automating of the repetitive data management and processing manoeuvres. Develops plans into clearly defined objectives that take account of changing circumstances.
• Communicating in a credible and effective way
  : Speaks and writes clearly, adapting communication style and content so they are appropriate to the needs of the intended audience. Conveys information and opinions in a structured and credible way. Encourages others to share their views; takes time to understand and consider these views., Independent writing skills and public speaking skills.
• Knowing and managing yourself
  : Uses constructive criticism to improve performance. Stays positive in the face of challenges and recovers quickly from setbacks. Remains productive when under pressure. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
  Experience:
  Essential : At least 7 years of continuous and progressive experience in database, data warehouse and data-driven application architecture design, development and implementation; including experience in a managerial project development role in an international organization. Relevant working experience in the field of data collection, data processing, improved visualization and database integration, including experience with development of Web-based information systems and data-driven applications, making use of and integrating multiple data sources and data of various formats and scales/levels of detail.
  Desirable : Experience in a working environment with quality control processes or protocols. Experience of working with national and international agencies active in the field of health information. Experience in WHO or other UN agencies. Experience with NGOs and bilateral agencies. Previous practical work and experience with GIS software and Internet mapping systems.
  Languages:
  Essential : Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of another WHO and/or EURO official language.
  Desirable : Working knowledge of other WHO and/or EURO Official languages.
  Additional Information:
  (1) Extension of appointment is subject to a) satisfactory performance, b) continued need for the function, and c) availability of funds.
  Similar positions at the same grade may be filled using this vacancy notice.
  WHO has an on-line recruitment system, therefore ONLY applications submitted on-line at www.who.int/employment/en will be accepted.
  All on-line applications are automatically acknowledged. If you do not receive an e-mail within 24 hours confirming receipt of your application, you should verify your on-line profile. In case of repeated difficulties, contact by e-mail HrsRecruitment@euro.who.int indicating the vacancy title and number in the subject line.
  A written test may be used as a screening tool. Long-listed candidates may be contacted to sit a written test or presentation prior to final short-listing. This does not preclude a written test or presentation prior to final interview.
  Annual salary:
  (Net of tax)
  USD 67,483 at single rate
  USD 72,467 with primary dependants
  A written test may be used as a form of screening
  Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment . The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
  All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
  WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
  Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
  WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
  
  
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