Data, Digital Health Information Systems, and Modeling Specialist

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 to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, fostering a sense of belonging and growth among its employees.

Job Overview:
The position of Data, Digital Health Information Systems, and Modeling Specialist is crucial for ensuring effective leadership in the technical and operational aspects of Ebola response efforts. The role focuses on managing and analyzing data to support decision-making processes at both the country office and national ministry levels. The specialist will be responsible for strengthening national systems for Ebola data management, ensuring the integration of digital surveillance systems, and guaranteeing the quality and strategic use of data. This position requires a strong understanding of public health data systems and the ability to adapt to complex and evolving situations, particularly in the context of health crises like the Ebola outbreak.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and operational leadership for the Data, Digital Health Information Systems, and Modeling pillar to support an effective Ebola response.
• Strengthen national systems for Ebola data management and governance.
• Ensure integration and harmonization of digital surveillance systems across various platforms.
• Guarantee the quality and strategic use of data for decision-making.
• Develop and support advanced analyses and epidemiological modeling to inform public health strategies.
• Create operational decision-making dashboards for real-time data access.
• Produce regular epidemiological analyses to track the outbreak and inform stakeholders.
• Collaborate with national authorities and partners to enhance data-driven decision-making processes.
• Build capacity within national health systems to improve data management and digital health capabilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science, or related fields. They should have at least 8 years of relevant work experience in public health, health informatics, digital health, data management, data analytics, disease surveillance, and epidemiological modeling. Proficiency in data visualization tools, statistics, programming languages such as R and Python, SQL, and project management is essential. Leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively in complex environments are also required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or an advanced university degree in fields such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science, or other related disciplines is mandatory for this position. This educational background is critical to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to manage health data effectively and contribute to public health initiatives.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in areas such as public health, health informatics, digital health, data management, and epidemiological modeling. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex health environments, particularly in response to health crises like Ebola. Experience in capacity building and stakeholder coordination is also highly valued, especially in fragile or humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required for this position, as it is essential for communication and collaboration within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, English, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered desirable, as it can enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is categorized as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and assessment. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be prepared to undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments. The role may also involve travel and deployment to support humanitarian responses.