Health Information Systems Associate

Job Title: Health Information Systems Associate

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Host entity: WHO

Assignment country: Lao People's Democratic Republic

Expected start date: 17/10/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 3. Good health and well-being

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Vientiane

Details

Mission and objectives

The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on 7 April 1948 as the directing and coordinating authority in global public health within the United Nations system. The objectives of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Missions of WHO are to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic joined WHO on 17 May 1950, when it was one of the Associate States of the French Union. The Republic became independent when French Indochina was dissolved in 1954. The Lao People's Democratic Republic was covered by the WHO Area Representative Office in Saigon, Viet Nam from 1956 to 1 January 1968, when the WHO Representative Office in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic was established. Before the establishment, the WHO Country Liaison Office was administered by the WHO Representative Office in Saigon. A WHO Country Liaison Office was first established in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1962, and it was later expanded into a WHO Representative Office in 1968. The early days were historically challenging for the health sector, but WHO built a strong partnership with the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Ministry of Health, based on mutual trust. Over the years, the scale and scope of WHO partnerships have grown exponentially. From fewer than 20 staff when WHO opened its first office, to the more than 50 international and national staff members and more than 100 non staff members, WHO maintained continuity and uninterrupted presence as the country underwent political and economic changes.

Context

In Lao PDR, WHO has a total strength of around 100 personnel, supporting the implementation of the of the 9th National Health Sector Development Plan of the Government of Laos. This role will be part of the health systems team which supports the Ministry of Health in building a resilient health system. The role expected is linked to the core function of “monitoring the health situation and assessing health trends”. This UNV assignment is part of WHO’s flagship initiative of supporting the strengthening of Health Information Systems. WHO has been supporting this initiative for over 10 years with a dedicated team and its mandate has grown further to become more important particularly in preparing and responding to COVID-19. The WHO Country Office supports a wide range health information systems strengthening initiatives including development of standards, tools and systems to strengthen data collection, analysis and production of informative reports

Task description

Under the direct supervision of Technical Officer – Health Information Systems, the International UN Specialist Volunteer will: i. Support the Center for Statistics and Health Information of the Ministry of Health in strengthening of the Health Management Information System ii. Support Center for Statistics and Health Information of the Ministry of Health to improve data quality through regular monitoring and use of the Health Management Information System data iii. Produce, disseminate, and promote routine and ad-hoc information products, dashboards, and reports, such as the annual health statistics report iv. Support the Ministry of Health in building data management and analysis capacity v. Support coordination with other sectors to collect data relevant to the health sector for monitoring and reporting on indicator frameworks. This includes climate change data, road traffic accident and suicide data, civil registration data etc. vi. Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 - 80

Additional eligibility criteria

-

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Donor priorities

-

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in coordination and integration of health information systems, particularly using DHIS2 platform § Experience with WHO or another UN agency will be an asset § Work experience in Lao PDR and/or other developing countries in the Asia-Pacific

Area(s) of expertise

Development programmes, Health

Driving license

-

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in public health, statistics, demography, information systems, computer science or a related field

Competencies and values

- Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WHO; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to WHO procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; - Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; - Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; - Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. - Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; - Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Living conditions in Vientiane are comfortable but residents must make concessions due to the tropical climate and under-developed infrastructure, including health facilities. Most commodities may be purchased in Vientiane, and there is a wide range of accommodation available. Whilst travelling in the provinces staff may experience hardship due to lack of infrastructure and general commodities. The security situation in Vientiane Capital in general is deemed safe. However, all general safety precautionary measure need to be taken as in an developing country setting, particularly following economic challenges faced by the country and its people during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the rising inflation levels, the cost of living is getting higher, however, the USD has been also appreciating significantly. All basic amenities such as a range of food varieties, water, electricity, communication and banking facilities are freely available although access to good quality healthcare may be deemed as a challenge particularly given the travel restrictions to neighbouring countries with better healthcare facilities. Lao PDR is a unique country which is rich in culture and diversity. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness. Most communication is usually in phasa Lao and therefore communication may be challenging. Flexibility and the ability and willingness to adopt and live and work with cultural sensitivity would be essential.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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