Technical Officer, Information Systems, CPH : Copenhagen, Denmark

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : Objective of the Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation The objective of the Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation (DIR) is to facilitate intelligence production as a corporate function at the service of the Organization. DIR provides Member States and EURO staff with reliable health intelligence derived from health information, knowledge and evidence on topics, which are of interest both for Member States and the Organization. The DIR manages the programmatic knowledge about information and intelligence in the WHO/Europe office, including databases, knowledge and evidence platforms in order to position WHO/Europe as a leading reference in the field. It coordinates the health information and health system information both at WHO/Europe level with all relevant Units and with WHO Country Offices and collaborates closely with national and international partners. DIR facilitates this function through databases, publications, professional networks, research and evidence services and knowledge and evidence platforms. This includes also the translation, publication and dissemination of information by various means. The DIR has links with the Country Work Help Desk in order to facilitate the flow of information from and to countries. It closely links information, knowledge and evidence to the field of health research. Purpose of the post To provide technical support to the Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation (DIR) of the WHO Regional Office for Europe for developing and maintaining its health information platform and data warehouse, including all technical databases and corresponding online user interfaces and web applications to meet requirements for efficient use and dissemination of health information. The post aims to strengthen the capacity of the Monitoring, Surveillance and Databases (DIR/MSD) team for developing and improving their health information systems; information collection, management and sharing; integrating evidence into the WHO management process; and, promoting the application of appropriate health information technology.
Description of duties: WHO/Europe's set of 10 databases are its main repository of health statistics. This key resource provides authoritative health data on the 53 countries in the WHO European Region. This enables comparative analyses of the health situation and trends in the Region, and surveillance of disease and monitoring of trends in policy areas, including key determinants of health (such as alcohol, tobacco and nutrition). The incumbent will be involved, among others, in the following duties: 1. Responsible for administering, maintaining and updating DIR-MSD database (SQL Server), Web and application (Windows Server) servers; 2. Responsible for maintaining and improving MSD's application development environment, including versioning and collaborative technologies (Subversion); 3. Focal point for technical collaboration between the ICT department and DIR-MSD technical databases and health information framework; 4. Work closely with stakeholders and clients (may confer with technical officers on a one-on-one basis) when developing, maintaining or updating database applications for specific health topics; 5. Develop new and update existing web-based data entry forms for communicable diseases surveillance (CISID) and other health data collection campaigns; 6. Supporting the DIR/HFA team and other technical programmes for development and integration of different European Health for All family and other databases processing, analysis and display components; 7. Improve bulk data upload and information exchange procedures using data services (XML Web services) and standardized, open data transfer protocols (SDMX-HD, AtomPub, JSON) and technologies to automate and facilitate periodic database updates; 8. Assist in the design, conceptualization and implementation of an integrated health information platform; 9. Develop functions and write source code for improved reporting and graphical presentation capacities of the data warehouse content; 10. Document source-code, architecture and model of existing and newly developed applications, services, databases and procedures; 11. Other duties as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential: University degree in computer science, a related field or a relevant combination of technical certification and work experience. Desirable: Certification or specialized training in database design and application development.
Skills: Functional skills and knowledge required: Very good knowledge of database, data warehouse and data-driven application architecture design, development and implementation. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information system and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical systems matters. Knowledge of a range of computer languages and development paradigms, knowledge of organization's information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s). Awareness of developments in the field and able to determine the need for testing and evaluating new products and technologies in the field of information management and dissemination. Proven skills and excellent working knowledge in the following information technologies and platforms: Windows Server 2000 - 2008 SQL Server 2008 R2, SSRS, SSIS, SSAS Apache Subversion C#, ASP.NET 4.0, JavaScript, JSON, AtomPub, Ajax, JQuery, HTML, CSS, XML, XML Schema, RSS, SQL, T-SQL, SPROC, OLAP, OLTP LINQ to SQL ASP.NET Dynamic Data MVC REST ADO.NET WCF Data Services Other Skills: Web design and publishing. Competencies required: 1. Producing results: Demonstrates a systematic and efficient approach to work. Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet client needs. Takes responsibility for own work. Sees tasks through to completion. 2. Moving forward in a changing environment: Adapts readily and efficiently to changing priorities and demands. Receptive to new ideas and working methods. Recognizes opportunities for improvement and proposes workable solutions. 3. Ensuring the effective use of resources: Identifies priorities and defines aspiring, but realistic, objectives and timelines, more specifically as related to automating of the repetitive data management and processing manoeuvres. Develops plans into clearly defined objectives that take account of changing circumstances. 4. Communicating in a credible and effective way: Speaks and writes clearly, adapting communication style and content so they are appropriate to the needs of the intended audience. Conveys information and opinions in a structured and credible way. Encourages others to share their views; takes time to understand and consider these views. 5. Fostering integration and teamwork: Works collaboratively with team members to achieve results. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Experience: Essential: At least five years of continuous and progressive experience in database, data warehouse and data-driven application architecture design, development and implementation. Desirable: A technical background and expertise in health information systems, in particular in health data collection, processing and dissemination, would be of advantage. Experience in an international organization in the health sector.
Languages: Essential: Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge (intermediate) of another WHO official language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). Desirable: Knowledge of another WHO Europe official language.
Additional Information: WHO has an online recruitment system. Therefore, ONLY applications submitted on-line at www.who.int/employment/en will be accepted. All on-line applications are automatically acknowledged. If you do not receive an e-mail within 24 hours confirming receipt of your application, you should verify your on-line profile. In case of repeated difficulties, contact by e-mail hrsrecruitment@euro.who.int - indicating the vacancy title and number in the subject line. Short-listed candidates will be contacted for a written test and/or presentation. Interviews will take place using a competency-based approach. Contract extensions will be subject to funding and satisfactory performance. Similar posts could be filled using this vacancy notice.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 46.730 at single rate USD 49.821 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 62.3 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

Technical Officer, Information Systems, CPH (re-advertised)
Vacancy Number: EURO/12/FT318
Duty Station: Copenhagen Denmark
Grade: P2
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Appointment
Closing Date: 07 Sep 2012