Health Information System Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Health Information System Officer position is part of the UNHCR Public Health Unit, which operates under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). UNHCR was established in 1950 and is dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organization works in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members who are committed to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. UNHCR's mission is to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The organization aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons, providing them with the necessary support and assistance to rebuild their lives. UNHCR also collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and other UN agencies, to enhance the effectiveness of its programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Health Information System (HIS) Officer plays a crucial role in supporting UNHCR's public health programs by ensuring that they meet the minimum standards set by UNHCR and global health authorities. The officer is responsible for providing technical support for the UNHCR Health Information System, which includes overseeing system maintenance, enhancements, and capacity building. The HIS Officer will work closely with external partners, including health NGOs and UN agencies, to facilitate effective system use and drive the expansion of HIS implementation. This position is vital for enhancing Health Information System Management across UNHCR globally, contributing to the effective implementation of the transition toward DHIS2, and ensuring that health data is accurate and timely. The officer will also engage with communities to assess needs and design responses that align with UNHCR's policies on age, gender, and diversity mainstreaming. The role requires a strong focus on data management, quality control, and reporting to support informed public health decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health Information System Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the maintenance of UNHCR HIS to ensure accurate health information for monitoring and decision-making; coordinating the enhancement of HIS tools and platforms in collaboration with subject matter experts and field colleagues; ensuring data quality and integrity through quality checks and user feedback mechanisms; providing technical support to Bureaux and Country Operations in data management; maintaining a global database of public health and nutrition data; supporting public health monitoring and reporting through various surveys and annual reports; participating in the design and development of public health surveys; coordinating with implementing partners and UN agencies for timely reporting; engaging with stakeholders to harmonize monitoring and evaluation guidelines; optimizing the HIS based on analysis and needs; supporting interoperability with national health systems; promoting multidisciplinary training in public health data use; ensuring compliance with data protection policies; and generating guidelines, reports, and training documents as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree (or equivalent) in Medicine, Medical Science, Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, or another relevant field. Candidates must have at least 6 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, 5 years with a graduate degree, or 4 years with a doctorate. A clinical background and expertise in public health and epidemiology are essential. Experience working in low- and middle-income countries with refugees and forcibly displaced persons is required, along with relevant research experience, including the ability to design and lead studies and analyze data. Candidates should also have experience with Health Information Systems, particularly DHIS2, and a strong understanding of data management and analysis.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Medicine, Medical Science, Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, or Statistics. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health information systems and public health management.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least 6 years of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree, 5 years for those with a graduate degree, or 4 years for those with a doctorate. This experience should include a clinical background, expertise in public health, and familiarity with working in low- and middle-income countries, particularly with refugee populations. Candidates should also have experience in research, data analysis, and managing health information systems, including DHIS2.

Languages:
Professional competence in English (oral and written) is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French is considered a strong asset, as it enhances communication with diverse stakeholders and partners in various operational settings.

Additional Notes:
This position is home-based and does not require functional clearance. It is classified as remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The contract duration is from June 15, 2026, to December 31, 2026, and the position is categorized under the UNOPS IICA2 level. The role is designed to support the UNHCR's mission and objectives in public health, particularly in relation to health information systems and data management.