Technical Officer (Data and Digital Heath)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME AND OF THE IMMEDIATE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

The Division of Country Health Policies and Systems (CPS) assists countries in the Region with the design and implementation of appropriate health policies and systems to strengthen universal health coverage. It works to strengthen data-driven, evidence-informed, contextually tailored health policy development and implementation at national, regional, and local levels, taking an inclusive approach across the life course. The Division advocates strengthening of public health leadership, focusing on implementing policies that are people centred, promote health, prevent illness, and address the social and economic determinants of health, while fostering leadership on equity, human rights, and gender mainstreaming in health. It focuses on building capacity for health systems innovation to enable the sustainable delivery of high-quality primary health and community services that are effectively linked to hospitals, and mental health, public health, and social care services. To do so, CPS supports country efforts to facilitate access so as to leave nobody behind, to improve financial protection, to strengthen the health workforce, to increase access to affordable medicines and technologies, and to promote the uptake and implementation of digital technology.

The WHO country office works with the National Authorities to achieve the highest standard of health as a fundamental human right, based on equity and on SDGs principle of leaving no one behind. WHO actions are engrained in the WHO 13th General Programme of Work with its 3 prong objectives of promoting healthier populations, keeping the world safe through addressing health emergencies, and protecting the vulnerable through Universal Health Coverage. WHO's mandate revolves around six core functions: (i) providing Global Health leadership; (ii) shaping the health research agenda; (iii) setting norms and standards; (iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; (v) providing technical support to countries; and (vi) monitoring and assessing health trends. The WHO Country Office is an integral part of the WHO Regional Office for Europe. Its main role is to facilitate and coordinate all WHO activities at country level and to implement the European Programme of Work 2020–2025 –“United Action for Better Health in Europe” which sets out a vision of how the WHO Regional Office for Europe can better support countries in meeting citizens’ expectations about health. WHO at country level delivers this through practical, actionable and country focused solutions to health challenges, keeping in perspective that achieving health and well-being is a whole-of-society endeavour; This is done through facilitating the implementation of the Biennial Collaborative Agreement with the country and its corresponding workplan. The WHO Country Office maintains good working relations and ensures information exchange between the country and WHO, policy and strategic guidance on Health issues to all national and international partners in the country, provision of direct technical expertise when needed and aims at more community engagement and participation, and to promote health equity.

The SDG Fund Digital Transformation Joint Programme (JP) on ‘Bridging the Digital Health Divide’ is a 36-month project led by WHO and implemented with UNICEF, UNDP and UNFPA. Its overall objective is to integrate Kyrgyzstan’s 18 digital heath information systems (d-HIS) and ensure their interoperability across sectors, with a focus on leaving no one behind. More specifically, the JP aims to strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s d-HIS by: i) enhancing equal quality healthcare provision through a national, integrated digital health information system; ii) promoting inclusive, integrated, and equal service provision to women and men at the intersection of healthcare and social protection; and iii) increasing access to quality Primary Healthcare (PHC) services to rural and remote areas for mothers and children. The project starts in September 2024.

SUMMARY OF ASSIGNED DUTIES

Within the framework of WHO-led, SDG Fund Digital Transformation Window Joint Programme (JP) ‘Bridging the Digital Health Divide’ falling under the remit of the CPS division and DDH Unit, the purpose of this post is to coordinate and monitor the day-to-day running of the project and to ensure that the agreed operational and funding provisions are followed and implemented.

Key duties:

• Under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative, Regional Adviser on Data and Digital Health, and Health Policy Adviser (WHO/KGZ) coordinate and manage implementation of the SDG Fund Digital Transformation JP ‘Bridging the Digital Health Divide’ in line with the objectives and targets of the project and in close coordination with national counterparts and all implementing partners.
• Support preparation of Steering and Operational Committee meetings, including regular communication and coordination with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) and relevant UN agencies and national and sub-national stakeholders and partners, as well as any necessary technical support, as outlined in the JP.
• Monitor and track progress towards key milestones and deadlines, including budget monitoring and other related draft progress reports, and ensure that activities are carried out according to requirements and within the agreed deadlines as described in the JP, by the SDG Fund, and in line with relevant norms, standards and technical guidance from WHO.
• Develop a joint implementation plan and oversee the daily functioning of the project and the coordination of activities across agencies and solve any operational problems that may arise.
• Oversee preparation and updating of a communication and visibility plan for the project facilitating advocacy, promotion and communication activities and coordinate its development with RCO and relevant UN agencies.
• Coordinate procurement of goods and any local services within the project in collaboration with relevant UN agencies and ensure proper distribution and deployment of the resources procured.
• Contribute to the development, update and adaptation of relevant WHO standards, protocols and guidelines, training materials and tools, and to training needs’ assessments as necessary in the context of the project; provide technical input and national context expertise in the organization of project training activities in coordination with relevant partners and ministries.
• Facilitate coordination with the relevant national authorities for joint country-based actions such as working groups, roundtables, trainings, and meetings to facilitate implementation of priority programme areas at national and local levels.
• Provide support in the organization of regular meetings of project partners and NGOs and other events to increase national awareness including visibility and media events whenever required.
• Provide technical and organizational support for study visits and country missions of WHO staff and experts planned for the duration of the project including ddocumentation of and reporting on capacity building events as well as ensure follow up on recommendations.
• Perform other related duties as required by the supervisors for the successful implementation of the project.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree (Bachelor's level) in information technology, science, public health or equivalent areas, relevant to this position.

Desirable: Master’s degree or advanced training in any of the above.

Experience

Essential:

• At least five years of professional experience at national level working in health systems/public health and health information related areas particularly digital health technologies.
• Demonstrated experience of work with/within public projects and of working with multiple stakeholders such as national policy makers, NGOs, and the private sector in the area of public health.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience in working with digital health, and in particular, design and implementation of digital health services.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and implementation of health-related projects or programmes.

Functional Knowledge and Skills

1. Demonstrated knowledge of digital health applications in health systems and public health.
2. Knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and biostatistics.
3. Demonstrated analytical, presentation and report writing skills.
4. Documented effective project, financial and planning management skills.
5. Proven ability to work comfortably in an international, multi-disciplinary, fast-paced environment.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of the goals and procedures of international organizations (United Nations system, donors, major non-governmental organizations) and European Union-funded health projects in countries.
7. Ability to identify and manage one's own emotions, as well as helping others do the same.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing Results
• Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond

Language Skills

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.
• Expert knowledge of Russian.
• Expert knowledge of Kyrgyz.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 38,484 (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.
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• 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.
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• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.
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