WHO Strategic Health Information 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 aims to achieve universal health coverage, address health emergencies, and promote healthier populations through various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The WHO Strategic Health Information Officer position is designed to facilitate evidence-based decision-making in health systems and services interventions. The role emphasizes a primary health care approach to support the movement towards universal health coverage and the achievement of health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The incumbent will be responsible for developing capacities in Guinea-Bissau to generate necessary health data and statistics, strengthening systems for routine health facility data collection, and conducting demographic and health surveys. The officer will lead the analysis of existing data to identify trends and patterns, produce periodic publications, and support sector monitoring and evaluation processes. Additionally, the role involves generating evidence to guide decision-makers, coordinating health research, and ensuring the availability of strategic health information through innovative approaches.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the WHO Strategic Health Information Officer include:

• Supporting the development of capacities for data generation and statistics in the country.
• Strengthening systems for routine health facility data collection, including birth and death statistics, surveillance data, and community-based surveys.
• Leading the analysis of existing health data to discern trends and patterns, and building models for health predictions.
• Producing periodic publications such as health status reports and program analyses.
• Supporting the generation of evidence for health policy briefs and documentation of best practices.
• Coordinating health research efforts and supporting advisory committees on health research and development.
• Facilitating the strengthening of governance of health information systems and mobilizing resources for health information.
• Generating institutional data and analytical products related to WHO's work and partners in the country.
• Performing other related responsibilities as assigned, including backstopping for others as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include:

• A degree in a health-related field with training in biostatistics, demography, and/or epidemiology.
• A postgraduate degree or qualifications in a public health field is essential.
• Desirable qualifications include a doctorate in health statistics and information systems, and training in Monitoring & Evaluation systems related to health.
• Proven ability to document strategic health information and produce knowledge products such as health policy briefs and statistical abstracts.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a degree in a health-related field, which includes training in biostatistics, demography, and/or epidemiology. A postgraduate degree in public health is essential, while a doctorate in health statistics and information systems is desirable. Additional training or specialization in Monitoring & Evaluation systems and health informatics is also preferred.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of practical experience in generating and using strategic health information. This includes experience in generating health data and statistics, conducting sector-wide Monitoring and Evaluations, and developing knowledge products such as health policy briefs. Desirable experience includes working across multiple countries in health information generation and policy formulation.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of Portuguese or French is essential for this position. A working knowledge of English is desirable, which would enhance communication and collaboration in an international context.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, starting at an annual base salary of USD 71,335, with additional benefits such as a variable post adjustment, annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, and an education grant for dependent children. The role is subject to WHO Staff Regulations and may involve mobility to different duty stations. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.