Health Data & Information Technician UNV

Health Data & Information Technician UNV

Assignment country: Nepal
Expected start date: 01/01/2024
Sustainable Development Goal: 3. Good health and well-being
Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity: UNICEF
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Birendranagar

Details
Mission and objectives

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

In all of its work, UNICEF takes a life-cycle based approach, recognizing the particular importance of early childhood development and adolescence. UNICEF programmes focus on the most disadvantaged children, including those living in fragile contexts, those with disabilities, those who are affected by rapid urbanization and those affected by environmental degradation.

UNICEF was created with a distinct purpose in mind: to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. We advocate for measures to give children the best start in life, because proper care at the youngest age forms the strongest foundation for a person’s future.

We promote girls’ education – ensuring that they complete primary education as a minimum – because it benefits all children, both girls and boys. Girls who are educated grow up to become better thinkers, better citizens, and better parents to their own children. We act so that all children are immunized against common childhood diseases, and are well nourished: no child should suffer or die from a preventable illness. We work to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people because it is right to keep them from harm and enable them to protect others. We help children and families affected by HIV/AIDS to live their lives with dignity.

We are UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Context

Data quality and reporting is an area where National Immunization Program (NIP) has a need of having functional reporting system. In the current decentralized context under the new federal set-up, a new online reporting known as ‘DHIS2’ is in placed but still not fully functioning. Not only data quality check but also majority of Local Government Authority (LGA) failed to report in the DHIS2 and it is because capacity gap in the LGA. Untimely/Under reporting and data inconsistence are the key draw backs in the current reporting that need to improve to contribution NIP. To happen this, Data Management Consultant is proposed and who will be positioned in all Seven Provincial Health Directorates. The function of the consultant is to strengthen and bridge the capacity gap of provincial and LGA and provide technical assistance in HMIS strengthening and immunization data analysis, reporting in the DHIS2.

The major objective of hiring the consultant is to strengthen the HMIS, NIP at the Federal, Provincial and Local levels by ensuring to improve the existing data management and reporting system. The consultants will be fully engaged in providing technical assistance through continuous capacity building at subnational level providing regular verification of data and jointly monitor progress with the government counterparts. During the period, the consultants will be responsible to conduct onsite mentoring and coaching that will enable skills transfer and increased capacity of the government counterpart in managing data and functional of DHIS2. He/she will work with the Child Health Specialist in the Nepal UNICEF Country Office, Health Officers in UNICEF’s Field Offices and Immunization Consultants who are in placed in Madhesh, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim province to coordinate and provide technical support in several work streams that fall within the area of data/information management.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Health Officers in UNICEF’s Field Offices and technical supervision from Health Specialists in the Nepal UNICEF Country Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Health Data & Information Technician will:

• Provide technical support the Provincial Health/Service Directorate and local governments in the collection, use, storage and sharing of immunization information/data related to the subnational NIP activities with attention to data consistency, alignment of targets and indicators
• Coordination with provincial and local governments for adaptation and implementation of data collection, analysis, and monitoring tools.
• Support UNICEF NCO and FO in collecting, collating, and analysing data from the districts/Palika and provide timely feedback for course correction in support to Routine EPI strengthening initiative as well as data related to RMNCAH
• Ensure effective coordination and functional management of the planning process for HMIS activities associated with the Immunization program.Ensure that data management system is functional and well efficient to provide information during Provincial and local level planning. Hold regular meetings with key stakeholders and other partners working in DHIS and prepare/share meeting outcomes to all concerns.
• Support province and local government in routine data analysis, presentation and quality assurance
• Support PHD in HMIS related trainings as required.
• Support establishment of health performance dashboard in local government. Monitor and assess functionality of the system and report to PHD, IHIMS unit and UNICEF office.
• Strengthen capacity of provincial and local governments including relevant partners on immunization data/information management, analysis and reporting. Collaborate to implement capacity building strategies as a joint commitment with other developmental partners.
• Make contributions to and provide technical assistance for the planning and establishing the major assessment, research including implementation of Digital Health initiative and monitoring routine immunization activities.
• Undertake lessons-learned reviews on successful and unsuccessful practices and experience at the subnational levels. Similarly, pay attention to store information in concise and make easy access to levant persons for specific purpose such as annual reports, donor reports and management reports.
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
• As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
  Submission of a situation analysis brief report on the status of information management and DHIS reporting system including submission of bi-monthly activity report covering specific tasks on analysed immunization coverage data, feedback, and corrective actions. One case study to be attached in each report
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
•  A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Eligibility criteria
Age: 27 – 80
Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements
Required experience

3 years of experience in social sciences, public health, demography, statistics, or a related technical field ; Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.); e-LMIS; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; Have affinity with or interest in UNICEF core value (care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability and sustainability) volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise: Health
Driving license: –

Languages

Nepalese, Level: Fluent, Required
English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in social sciences, public health, demography, statistics, or a related technical field

– Other areas of expertise: Immunization, Data management system and data analysis at subnational level.

Competencies and values

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority.

Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Health Data & Information Technician UNV will be based in Provincial Health Directorate in Biratnagar, Koshi Province) Janakpur (Madhesh Province); Hetauda (Bagmati Province); Pokhara (Gandaki Province); Bhalubang/Dang (Lumbini Province); Surkhet (Karnali Pradesh); and Dhangadi (Sudurpaschim Province) with frequent visits to the field within provinces. The security situation in all locations is normal and have both road and air access. Moreover, all basic services/facilities are also available in all locations.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Fluency in local language is an advantage.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.

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