Scientist - P2

World Health Organization

PURPOSE OF POSITION 

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization. The objective of the IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.

The Cancer Surveillance (CSU) branch at IARC is responsible for the collection, analysis and dissemination of information concerning the global cancer burden. In order to achieve this objective, CSU works closely with and provides support to cancer registries around the world. Alongside the use of cancer registry data in the production of online global cancer statistics tools, incorporated into the Global Cancer Observatory ( CSU serves as the definitive reference source for the provision of information concerning worldwide cancer statistics including cancer survival as well as cancer incidence and mortality. Using a comprehensive view of the burden combining the three indicators above, CSU aims to provide benchmarking to explore reasons for international differences in cancer survival and long-term outcome such as recurrence to ultimately influence national cancer policies and clinical guidelines to improve cancer outcomes.

The incumbent will coordinate with internal and external collaborators to obtain or generate relevant data, coordinate the development of routine updates and dissemination of information using various indicators of childhood cancer burden in multiple sections of global childhood population. The principal task is to develop a flexible one-stop online resource for data dissemination of childhood cancer burden within the Global Cancer Observatory. The complementary tasks include acquisition of primary data, development of statistical methodology, statistical analysis, and scientific communication.

The incumbent is expected to contribute primarily to the ChildCan study, which aims at producing and disseminating information on childhood cancer burden through online platforms and scientific publications

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the childhood cancer team leader, the incumbent will be entrusted with the following tasks:

1) Draft the terms of reference and the technical specifications for the online data dissemination tool considering existing standards, systems, and defined output.

2) Collect data from primary custodians of routine datasets as well as from published sources.

3) Ensure accurate and timely data management in alignment with established standards and intended use objectives.

4) Conduct statistical modelling to estimate global childhood cancer burden as measured by incidence, mortality, prevalence, and survival aspects.

5) Produce documentation to describe structured data flow facilitating efficient data acquisition, processing, and output generation.

6) Coordinate the process and the progress of structured, multi-agency collaboration to ensure timely, accurate, and comprehensive data management.

7) Report on the process and the progress for internal follow-up and for the funder.

8) Conduct related epidemiological studies and write scientific publications.

9) Contribute to the development of grant proposals for competitive funding opportunities supporting childhood cancer research.

WHO COMPETENCIES

· Producing results.

· Fostering integration and teamwork.

· Communication.

· Building and promoting partnerships across the organisation and beyond.

· Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

· Demonstrated expertise in processing and modelling complex large datasets.

· Expert statistical skills in R or other statistical programming software.

· Advanced use of Microsoft Office.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

· Ability to communicate complex statistical concepts to lay stakeholders.

Desirable:

· Advanced programming skills in Python or C language.

· Working knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential : PhD in Statistics, Informatics, Epidemiology, Mathematics or other related disciplines.

Desirable: Excellent computational/programming skills and knowledge of data science as it applies to cancer surveillance.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 

Essential: At least two years of relevant professional experience in statistics, data science or closely related discipline. 

Desirable:

· One year of post-doctoral experience.

· Track record of statistical modeling and processing of large databases.

· Experience with data visualization or development of online tools.

· Involvement in cancer research and scientific output.

· Proven track record of securing competitive funding.

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Expert knowledge of English is essential. Working knowledge of French or another UN language is desirable.

OTHER SKILLS (e.g. IT)

· Knowledge of MS Office 365 office suite.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 55,163 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and currently amounts to USD 2,537 per month for the duty station indicated above (subject to change). Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

· This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level or lower.

· The position is advertised as temporary; hence, initial contract will be for short term, however, it may be converted to fixed term subject to sustainability of funding.

· Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

· A written test and/or presentation/seminar may be used as a form of screening.

· If your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. IARC/WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

· According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

· Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules, and Manual noting that first year of fixed term contracts is a probationary period which maybe extended subject to performance evaluation.

· For information on IARC's operations please visit: and for more general information on WHO's operations please visit:

· IARC/WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The IARC/WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

· IARC/WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Participating States are strongly encouraged to apply for IARC/WHO jobs. Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to [email protected].

· An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. IARC/WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the IARC/WHO Values Charter into practice.

· IARC/WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the IARC/WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to IARC/WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment, and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, IARC/WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

· IARC/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

· IARC/WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to fully express and develop their talents.

· The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

· Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

· Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with IARC/WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with IARC/WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

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Secteur: Services sociaux et pour la communauté/Associations à but non lucratif

Poste: Autre

Taux d'occupation: Temps plein = 100%

Type d'emploi: