IT Consultant for PAHO Flu system in the Americas

Objectives of the Department

The objective of the Health Emergencies Department (PHE) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is to increase health sector resilience to emergencies and disasters. PHE assists the Member States to strengthen the health sector’s capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man-made, biological, chemical, radiological and others) and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. PHE is responsible for ensuring the implementation and updating of the PAHO/WHO Institutional Emergency and Disaster Response Policy.

Objectives of the consultancy

Under the general supervision of the Unit Chief, Infectious Hazards Management Unit, and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Epidemic Prone Diseases Epidemiology, the incumbent will be responsible for further developing the regional surveillance system for influenza and other respiratory viruses, PAHO Flu, as well as rolling out the system to countries in the region of the Americas.

General objective:

Develop processes to strengthen the PAHO Flu system to improve the integration of information and respond to the needs of epidemiological surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2.

Specific objectives:

1. Lead the implementation process in new countries.
2. Lead the process of planning, adaptation, installation, and operation of the PAHO Flu system in countries that have implemented PAHO Flu in the region.
3. Define mechanisms to strengthen health information security.
4. Coordinate and plan improvements to the PAHO Flu system.

Responsibilities:

Under the general supervision of the Head of the IHM unit and direct supervision of the Coordinator of the PAHO influenza team, the incumbent is responsible for, but not limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Review and update country action plans related to the adaptation and implementation of PAHO FLU system requirements.
2. Manage, control, develop and verify the development of new functionalities and pending developments of the PAHO FLU system for SARI, ILI, Influenza, and COVID-19 surveillance.
3. Perform and manage the procedure of the HelpDesk system for the PAHO FLU system.
4. Lead the implementation of the PAHO FLU system in three new countries.
5. Coordinate the testing and implementation of the integration module between the PAHO flu system and the vaccine effectiveness report needed for REVELAC-i.
6. Administer the analysis, development, and implementation of the updates of the PAHO Flu system within the countries that have PAHO Flu implemented on their national servers.
7. Monitor the development of improvements to the reporting module in the PAHO Flu system.
8. Support the influenza team in presentations, missions, or requests for modifications or improvements within the system.
9. Review of system operation and subsequent adjustments with the following countries: Jamaica, Chile, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Ecuador.
10. Analyze, manage, and implement the new structure of servers and services to support the countries with the PAHO Flu system.
11. Update the system manuals in the Spanish and English versions.
12. Support in analysis, design, and implementation of the surveillance module within the Costa Rica health surveillance system integrating PAHO Flu system.
13. Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Deliverables:

1. Development and coordination of the activities implemented in the PAHO Flu system.
2. Develop technical documents of updates made to the PAHO Flu system.
3. Monthly report of the executed activities.
4. Final report.

Education requirements (Qualifications)

Essential: Computer science professional (systems engineering) with a master’s degree in the field area.

Desirable: Certification in project management.

Experience requirements

Essential: 10 years of experience in surveillance system development and coordinating IT teams.

Desirable: Proficient in process flow development with a minimum of 5 years experience in the development and implementation of surveillance systems for influenza or other respiratory viruses.

Languages

Excellent written and spoken English (Spanish); working knowledge of Spanish (or English).
Working knowledge of French or Portuguese would be an asset.

Location:

The incumbent will be expected to perform this position’s duties and responsibilities remotely.

Expected contract duration

15 April – 31 December 2022. This consultancy is expected to entail a full-time commitment.