Health Specialist (Data Management – Polio)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Health Specialist (Data Management – Polio) will play a crucial role in strengthening the polio outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This position focuses on improving the quality, availability, and use of polio and routine vaccination data, which is essential for informed decision-making and effective program performance. The specialist will work under the technical supervision of the Polio coordinator and will be responsible for enhancing evidence-based decision-making for polio outbreak responses, improving vaccination campaign performance, and ensuring accountability through digital payment systems. The role also involves supporting the scale-up of digital payments for community workers involved in polio campaigns and contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities within the Health Section.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health Specialist (Data Management) will be responsible for the following duties: 1) Provide technical leadership in the collection, management, analysis, and use of polio and vaccination data. 2) Ensure improved quality and availability of data for polio and routine vaccination. 3) Enhance evidence-based decision-making for polio outbreak responses. 4) Support the performance and equity of vaccination campaigns. 5) Strengthen accountability and efficiency through the implementation of digital payment systems for community workers. 6) Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of health programs and report findings to relevant stakeholders. 7) Collaborate with government and development partners to address systemic bottlenecks in routine immunization programs. 8) Translate complex data into actionable insights for program improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Monitoring-Evaluation, Health Information Systems, Statistics, Economics, or Social Science. Additionally, at least five years of relevant work experience in data management, monitoring and evaluation, and public health or immunization is required. Experience in a UN system agency or international organizations is considered an asset, as is familiarity with digital payment systems and proven skills in data analysis and visualization. Strong communication and coordination skills are essential, along with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Monitoring-Evaluation, Health Information Systems, Statistics, Economics, or Social Science is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health data management and public health initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in data management, monitoring and evaluation, and public health or immunization. Experience within the UN system or international organizations is advantageous, particularly in complex environments where collaboration with government and development partners is necessary. Familiarity with digital payment systems and proven experience in data analysis and visualization are also important.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, and proficiency in English is also required. Knowledge of a local language such as Swahili or Lingala is considered an asset, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary appointment for six months based in Kinshasa, DRC. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.