Information and 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. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response, particularly in regions facing complex emergencies such as South Sudan.

Job Overview:
The Information and Data Management Officer will play a crucial role in leading the information management, data coordination, analysis, visualization, and reporting for Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) readiness and response across a high-risk corridor in South Sudan. This position is vital for ensuring that accurate and timely information is available to the WHO, the Ministry of Health, County Health Departments, and partners for effective operational planning, early warning, resource prioritization, performance monitoring, and response management. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including county coordinators, field epidemiologists, and logistics staff, to maintain information flows and support ongoing public health emergencies. The role requires a proactive approach to data management, ensuring that systems are in place to capture, validate, analyze, and report critical health information.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for leading information and data management for the assigned operational corridor, developing a practical workplan aligned with national and county BVD readiness and response plans. Key duties include establishing and maintaining clear data flows and reporting schedules, coordinating the collection and validation of BVD readiness and response data, and developing databases and trackers for various health indicators. The officer will produce and update dashboards, maps, and situation summaries for leadership, analyze trends and performance gaps, and monitor key operational timelines. Additionally, the role involves training and mentoring county teams on data tools and ensuring data quality and confidentiality. The officer will also support rapid data management during alert investigations and maintain an organized electronic repository for datasets and reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first university degree in public health, epidemiology, health information management, statistics, biostatistics, data science, computer science, information systems, demography, geography/GIS, or a related field from a recognized institution. An advanced degree or specialized training in public health informatics, outbreak analytics, or data visualization is desirable. Essential qualifications include strong knowledge of public health information management, analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Candidates should also demonstrate strong planning, organization, and communication skills, along with a commitment to confidentiality and responsible data use.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first university degree in a relevant field such as public health, epidemiology, or data science. An advanced degree or specialized training in public health informatics or emergency information management is preferred. Candidates must have educational qualifications from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in public health information management, surveillance data management, or epidemiology is essential. Candidates should have experience in managing and analyzing data from multiple sources, producing decision-focused reports, and coordinating data collection with health facilities and partners. Desirable experience includes supporting outbreak preparedness or response, particularly for epidemic-prone diseases, and familiarity with health information systems such as IDSR, EWARS, or DHIS

• Experience working in South Sudan or similar humanitarian settings is also advantageous.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of Arabic and relevant local languages used in the assigned duty station is considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of South Sudan will be accepted. The vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be part of the screening process. The WHO is committed to workforce diversity and offers a range of benefits, including parental leave and flexible work arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance. The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65, and WHO adheres to a smoke-free environment, not recruiting smokers or tobacco users.