Consultant - GIS Support to HQ / Countries: Geospatial Health Analysts at the World Health Organization (WHO)

World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Roster of Consultant - GIS Support to HQ / Countries: Geospatial Health Analysts (Re-advertisement)

Location: Unspecified
Contractual Arrangement: External consultant
Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): 11 months
Organization: HQ/SCH Surveys, CRVS, and Health Service Data
Schedule: Full-time

Purpose of Consultancy

• To facilitate the provision of rapid technical expertise to the WHO GIS Centre for Health in the implementation and coordination of its GIS health-related projects in the context of COVAX and other health emergencies at global, regional, or country level.
• To enable project/team leads and health partners to take informed, strategic and/or operational decisions.
• To contribute to the design and/or implementation of geospatial programmes, manage GIS systems, collect, analyze, update, and maintain geospatial datasets pertaining to emergencies, coordinate field data collection, create maps and other cartographic products, deployment of geo-enabled microplanning for vaccine delivery in the context of immunization or other vaccine programs, as required.

Background
The Division of Data, Analytics and Delivery for Impact (DDI) supports and strengthens the generation and collection, analysis, use, and dissemination of data and evidence to promote better evidence-informed decision-making in the Member States. Its goal is to build capacity in the Member States to monitor the health of their populations and the impact of health interventions and promote evidence-informed policy decisions. Monitoring WHO's Thirteenth Global Programme of Work 2019-2023 (GPW13) Impact Framework is also an essential function.

The DDI Department of Data and Analytics (DNA) is responsible for monitoring GPW13, strengthening country health information, data generation, and evidence creation in collaboration with partners, and addressing critical data gaps for priority health topics. It undertakes an analysis of health trends and determinants. It also serves as Division focal point for collaboration with other departments concerning primary data generation efforts and analysis.

The newly established GIS Centre for Health at WHO headquarters (HQ) in DDI DNA, supports WHO geospatial data, spatial analysis needs to build and harness the growing potential of geospatial technologies and approaches to accelerate global health outcomes. The GIS Centre for Health supports WHO regional and country offices in their GIS and data needs, including training and capacity building, GIS software/licensing, global baseline foundation datasets, and spatial analysis.

Equitable distribution of the vaccination and other related health services can only be ensured with accurate, accessible geospatial data of health. This will strengthen understanding of the relationships between populations, health catchment areas, supply chains, operational requirements, and health facility/health service locations. To achieve this at scale requires access to a mobile workforce of GIS and allied experts.

Deliverables

• Deliverable 1: Provide the required technical expertise for the GIS Centre project team and/or country in its activities to implement the necessary aspects of geographic data, analytics, and information products to meet the requirements of the project/emergency.
• Deliverable 2: Prepare meetings, supporting documentation, reports, and technical summaries as required or requested.
• Deliverable 3: Ensure the necessary preparations communication, coordination and after-actions are undertaken by developing a GIS Action plan with related milestones and goals for reporting and updates.
• Deliverable 4: Contribute to the preparation of regular project status reports, including financials and risks.
• Deliverable 5: Prepare a monthly technical report on work undertaken.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Languages
Educational Qualifications:
Essential:

• A First University Degree in Information Management, Public Health, Geography, Cartography, Geographic Information Systems, Engineering, Geometrics, Computer Sciences Or Earth Sciences, Information Technology, or related field.

Desirable:

• Advanced University Degree (Master's level or above) in Geography, Cartography, Geographical Information System, Public Health or related field.
• Adequate GIS training in lieu of non-GIS Degree.

Experience:
Essential:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience combined at the national and international levels in GIS management using different analytical/mapping and online data management packages such as ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise/ Hub, QGIS/other open-source GIS software, ONA, CARTO, and statistical software (SPSS, SPLUS), etc.
• Experience in supporting field data collection in health and/or humanitarian emergency contexts.
• Strong, proven experience in stakeholder engagement, including working with international agencies, government, or multinational companies, preferably in the health, development, or humanitarian fields.

Desirable:

• Experience in a dynamic and fast-paced environment managing a variety of stakeholders with diverse cultural and professional backgrounds and experiences.
• Experience in health, particularly in developing countries.
• Prior humanitarian working experience at field level, with WHO/UN agencies, health partners, recognized humanitarian organizations or with an international non-governmental organization.
• 5 to 10 years of project management experience applying GIS to health, policy, or government strategies and projects.
• Experience in developing, organizing, and communicating technical content for a variety of stakeholders, including liaising with senior public health professionals, technical experts, and collaborators.
• Experience in developing strategies and successful implementation plans for GIS initiatives.

Skills:

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and the use of complex databases, spreadsheets, and specific software such as ArcGIS, QGIS.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with multiple stakeholders in an international environment.
• Ability to manage concurrent projects across a spectrum of disciplines.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong business acumen.
• Ability to deliver high-quality products under very tight deadlines.
• Ability to synthesize and effectively communicate scientific and technical information.
• Aptitude to connect the dots across a wide spectrum of partners and health system functions from funding through local health care delivery.
• Strong writing abilities including demonstrated ability to work with complex and technical information and prepare briefing notes and speaking points tailored to specific needs and audiences.
• Ability to provide high-level support to meetings and events, including identifying, prioritizing action items, and ensuing effective follow-up across teams and departments.
• Strong presentation skills with excellent ability to use visualization tools such as PowerPoint.

Languages Required:
Essential:  

• Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

• Intermediate knowledge of French, Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic.

Conditions

• Off site: Home-based.
• Travel: The consultant is expected to travel.
• Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):
• Remuneration: Band level B - USD7,000 - USD9,980 per month.
• Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited): N/A
• Expected duration of contract:  11 months.

Application Closing Date
15th April, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online