Information Systems Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :
Advocate, collaborate and assist member countries in the development of health situation analyses and the improvement of health and vital statistics and information systems; provide adequate and valid information for policy and decision making; optimize the availability and rational use of information and health analysis for program management at national , subregional and regional levels, including the information needed to monitor the Millennium Development Goals and the evaluation of the impact of health interventions.

Description of duties:
Under the general supervision of the Area Manager (HDM), and the direct technical and administrative supervision of the Unit Chief (HDM/HA), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to the following assigned duties:
a) Identify the Unit's present and future Technical Information System needs for the strengthening of its technical cooperation and information sharing with other technical units and the countries;
b) Analyze information technology alternatives and advocate appropriate use of technology to develop various complex technical information subsystems to enable their integration with existing health information systems;
c) Perform project management activities related to the development and maintenance of the core health data initiative and other technical health information subsystems, including all phases of development, preliminary planning, design of feasibility studies, estimating and scheduling resources, selecting the appropriate processes and methodologies and ensuring that these are followed;
d) Execute software analysis activities using a client/server model, object-oriented technology and component-bases development for such systems;
e) Manage and design processes for the data model and improve the suitability of web-based user interfaces with the system; ensure the use of the current data sets utilizing hypermedia, database design, data warehousing, business process re-engineering and On-Line Analytical Process (OLAP) to enhance data delivery;
f) Develop quality assurance plans with defect tracking, technical reviews, system testing and related support activities; using tools for automated software quality;
g) Integrate and use complex technologies including Web-based applications for the dissemination and processing of technical health information data;
h) Prepare technical and user documentation for each subsystem of the Unit technical information health information data;
i) Participate in training-activities in and fields related to health information technology;
j) Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
A bachelor's degree from a recognized university in information science, systems engineering, computer science or other related field. A master's degree in one of these areas would be an asset.

Skills:
Key Behavioral Competencies

- Intrainstitutional Action: Operates in a fair, consistent and equitable manner, and displays such behavior by example. Ensures that the mission and the values of the Organization as well as the setting in which projects will be carried out are the drivers in one's technical work. Understands the results required and performs to that standard. Behaves consistently in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Organization.

- Communication: Actively engages in conversation with the key players in a multicultural environment both within and outside the organization. Develops a network of appropriate contacts inside and outside PAHO to gain information or to build an alliance. Takes into consideration the multicultural differences within the organization.

- Information Management: Takes initiative to improve systems for the presentation and dissemination of information. Supports, through competent use of the available systems and technologies, the development of data presentations.

- Analysis, Synthesis, and Forecasting: Takes or organizes individual and collective action after analyzing situations on the basis of the available evidence and knowledge. Continuously analyzes the evolution of situations in an area of work and makes suggestions to adjust or confirm the decisions necessary to implement required actions. Is capable of anticipating the implications of an analyzed situation between six months to one year ahead.

- Performance Management: Displays self-initiative toward measurable improvement. Contributes to the development and implementation of realistic and achievable work plans. Evaluates development in terms of the completed objectives. Is capable of achieving objectives and goals in a constant and systematic way. Discusses suggestions for improvement. Recognizes the needs for development and orients on how to improve.

- Teamwork: Promotes team work and leads one's area to finish tasks and accept responsibility. Creates a positive environment within the area of work. Makes everyone feel like they are part of the team as well as welcomes and appreciates everyone's ideas and suggestions. Able to see the positive aspects of working as a team, shares the team's enthusiasm for achieving mutual goals.

- Continuous Learning: Takes concrete steps on one's own initiative to keep up-to-date on the most recent trends in knowledge in the area of work. The knowledge and achieved experience is shared with others. Is aware of other industries or organization's best practices and applies them.
- Accountability: Identifies, in conjunction with management, specific activities, processes jobs that require defined accountability, linking them to accountability strategies and objectives. Revises periodically progress made in the established work plan with his/her supervisor. Constantly reaches their objectives.

Technical Expertise
- Knowledge and experience of methodologies in Information Systems Development, Unified Modeling Language (UML).
- Knowledge and experience with relational database systems and experience in the management and administration of databases, particularly Microsoft SQL Server 7 and 2000 and MS Access, as well as MIDDLEWARE ODBC, ADO and OLEDB.
- Experience in systems design and development of web-based information systems, experience with Active Server Pages (ASP), ColdFusion, XML, XSLT, and JavaScript.
- Knowledge and experience in Internet Information Server (IIS).
- Strong abilities in data management, for example, MS Access and MS Excel.

IT Skills
In addition to those listed under technical expertise use of software in a working environment such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook,; knowledge of other software programs such as Visio, Microsoft SharePoint and Project would be an asset.

Experience:
Essential: Seven years of combined national and international experience in a position related to the area of information systems and/or systems development, including data warehousing.
Desirable: Previous experience within UN agencies would be an asset.

Languages:
Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

Additional Information:
A WRITTEN TEST AND/OR INTERVIEW MAY BE HELD FOR THIS POST. APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED ONLY IF THEY ARE UNDER SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. PAHO/WHO'S WORKING ENVIRONMENT IS SMOKE-FREE.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AN ON-LINE PERSONAL HISTORY FORM. THE POST DESCRIPTION IS THE OFFICIAL DOCUMENT FOR ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSES.

Contact Email:

Contact Person:

Link to organization's application form: https://erecruit.who.int/public/hrd-cl-vac-view.as...

Other Information:

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.

Applications from women and from nationals of non- and under-represented member states are particularly encouraged.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.