Database Administrator

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has a mission 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's work is guided by the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and a commitment to achieving the highest possible standard of health for all people. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, among others. WHO's strategic agenda includes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) through programs like the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN).

Job Overview:
The Database Administrator position is integral to the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) within the WHO. The role involves providing leadership in data management and analysis to support Member States in achieving their health targets related to preventive chemotherapy for neglected tropical diseases. The incumbent will act as a technical focal point, ensuring alignment of NTD data collection and reporting tools, and will lead the integration of various datasets into the ESPEN Data Portal. The position requires collaboration with national programs and partners to enhance data quality and accessibility, contributing to resource mobilization and advocacy efforts. The Database Administrator will also be responsible for developing data backup and recovery strategies, implementing data-sharing agreements, and creating data visualization tools to improve user experience. The role demands a proactive approach to mitigate cybersecurity risks and ensure system resilience, ultimately supporting the WHO's mission to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with NTDs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including:

• Leadership in coordination, partnership, strategic communication, and resource mobilization: Acting as the technical focal point with WHO HQ and national programs to align NTD data collection and reporting tools; leading the integration of data into the ESPEN Data Portal; contributing to resource mobilization and advocacy activities; collaborating with data management focal points on data and information management.
• Generation of strategic information and knowledge products: Developing and overseeing data backup, recovery, and business continuity strategies; implementing data-sharing agreements and confidentiality protocols; developing APIs and data visualization tools; technically reviewing preventive chemotherapy data; supporting disease-specific officers in applying appropriate preventive chemotherapy strategies.
• Development of WHO technical products, services, and tools: Collaborating with WHO HQ to improve standard data reporting forms; providing technical support for analytical dashboards and performance metrics.
• Country support facilitation: Conducting assessments of existing tools and datasets; improving data collection for Joint Application Packages; providing technical support to Ministries of Health; training country data managers and national NTD programs.
• Performing other related responsibilities as assigned, including backstopping for others as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a first university degree in Computer Sciences, Information Systems, Information Technology, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a related field. Desirable qualifications include certification in data analysis, database platforms, statistical programming, or public health informatics tools. Experience working in developing countries is also preferred. Candidates should possess a minimum of five years of experience in public health data management and analysis at national or international levels, with a focus on management and utilization of program data for decision-making. Experience working with National NTD Programs is essential, while additional experience with WHO or other international organizations is desirable. Diverse work experiences, including private sector, NGOs, and governmental health agencies, will be advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a first university degree in a relevant field such as Computer Sciences, Information Systems, or Information Technology. Additional desirable qualifications include certifications in data analysis or public health informatics tools, which can enhance the candidate's profile and demonstrate specialized knowledge in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in public health data management and analysis. This experience should include management and utilization of program data, preferably in public health-related programming, for decision-making purposes. Candidates with at least three years of experience working with WHO or other international organizations will be favored. Experience in developing countries is also a significant asset, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of health data management in diverse contexts.

Languages:
Essential language requirements include expert knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as it can facilitate communication in multilingual environments. The language requirements are interchangeable, allowing candidates with strong proficiency in either language to be considered for the position.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, with an annual base salary starting at USD 71,335, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. A variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living at the duty station is also included, currently amounting to USD 2,699 per month. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The position is subject to WHO Staff Regulations and Rules, and candidates should be aware that mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates may request reasonable accommodations during the application process. WHO has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates will undergo background verification to ensure adherence to the highest ethical standards.