Data Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO focuses on various health issues, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response, working collaboratively with countries to improve health outcomes globally.

Job Overview:
The Data Management Officer will play a crucial role in strengthening the surveillance and response to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) in South Sudan. This position is essential for increasing and maintaining immunization coverage for all Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) vaccines. The officer will be responsible for developing and updating data management systems, ensuring data integrity, and facilitating the use of data for decision-making within the EPI program. The role requires a proactive approach to support the EPI-Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team and enhance the capacity of the Ministry of Health in data management. The Data Management Officer will also be involved in training staff, conducting data quality assessments, and supporting resource mobilization efforts through accurate data reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the EPI-M&E team in updating the list of facilities offering immunization services and designing relevant tools.
• Developing and maintaining an EPI dashboard at the national level to facilitate data interpretation and accountability.
• Conducting data desk reviews and triangulation analyses to support population estimates and service planning.
• Assisting in the development of EPI scorecards for quarterly county review meetings and monthly facility-community engagement meetings.
• Assessing training needs and supporting capacity building efforts in data management for the Ministry of Health.
• Conducting Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) and drafting Data Quality Improvement Plans (DQIPs).
• Designing and maintaining databases and data management systems to ensure data integrity and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.
• Preparing data reports and dashboards for stakeholders using business intelligence tools.
• Evaluating and recommending improvements to data management technologies and processes. 1
• Supporting resource mobilization through accurate data provision and assisting in other immunization program support areas as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in public health, science, or a related field. A postgraduate degree in statistics, public health, or relevant fields is highly desirable. Additionally, certified training in public health, epidemiology, or disease control will be an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate excellent knowledge in data management and analysis, analytical skills to identify critical issues, and familiarity with epidemiology and VPD control.

Educational Background:
The essential educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor’s degree in public health, science, or a related field. A postgraduate degree in statistics or public health is preferred. Candidates with certified training in public health, epidemiology, or disease control will be viewed favorably, as this training is relevant to the responsibilities of the Data Management Officer.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of experience in public health, particularly in EPI and data management or statistics. Desirable experience includes two years specifically in EPI and VPD data management, as well as experience in managing or implementing immunization and surveillance programs. Familiarity with online data collection applications, statistical analysis packages (such as Stata or SPSS), and data visualization tools is essential. Experience working within the United Nations system or international organizations is considered an added value.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory, while good knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the team and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be used as part of the screening process. Candidates selected for interviews will need to provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications. The WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates must adhere to the highest ethical standards. The position is expected to be full-time, and consultants will work as independent contractors without any tax responsibilities from WHO.