Information Assistant

Grade: G4 Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): 1 year renewable subject to availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continuing need for the post Job Posting: Jun 13, 2024, 5:32:03 AM Closing Date: Jul 5, 2024, 4:59:00 PM Primary Location: France-Lyon Organization: Evidence Synthesis and Classification Schedule: Full-time
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal devices system settings.

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 Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch (ESC) produces the WHO Classification of Tumours, the IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans, and the IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention. For each volume, IARC convenes international, interdisciplinary Working Groups of expert scientists to systematically review the pertinent scientific literature and to develop consensus evaluations and classifications. IARC selects these experts based on their knowledge and experience and the absence of real or apparent conflicting interests.

WHO Classification of Tumours (WCT) programme within the Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch (ESC) produces the WHO Classification of Tumours series of books (WCT Blue books). WCT convenes editorial board meetings with standing and expert members to produce WCT blue books. Selection of expert editors and authors for each blue book is facilitated by the software tool ‘Blue Book Editor Selection Tool (BBEST)’ and the inhouse developed database ‘Blue Book Online Submission System’ (BBOSS). These processes are foundational for the creation of WCT blue books and require enhancement to meet the evolving demands of upcoming editions. The WCT blue books are also available on the WCT website, which require regular maintenance and updating, catering to the demands of the web users. The cytopathology reporting systems initiated in collaboration with the International Academy of Cytopathology (IAC) as a new venture is a helpful addition to the WCT blue books, using both BBEST, BOSS and are also available on the WCT web site. The information Technology (IT) team at the WCT needs strengthening to cater to these increased IT demands.

The post aims to provide IT support for the WCT blue Books’ future editions, including software development and website maintenance. It also involves data analysis for the WCT EVI MAP project to enable live updates of evidence maps with new research, and general IT support for the WCT team and the IC3R collaboration, including collaboration with ESC and IARC ITS teams.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Principal Information Assistant and overall guidance of Head of WCT, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

IT Support

• Offer IT assistance to the WCT team throughout the entire Bluebooks production cycle.

• Deliver IT support to the EVI MAP and IC3R projects.

• Provide IT support to end users and Institutions of WCT website: tumourclassification.iarc.who.int.

• Assist the contributors of the bluebooks with IT related matters on the content management system, Blue Book Online Submission System (BBOSS).

• Supply IT help to the users of the Contributor selection web app, Blue Book Editor Selection Tool (BBEST) based on bibliometric data analysis.

• Draft user manuals and troubleshooting procedures for support purpose.

• Formatting and communicating data in a user-friendly style for inclusion in reports, scientific presentations, and publications.

• Keep abreast of technological developments in IT resources and tools relevant to the projects conducted in the team.

• Produce regular activity and progress reports.

• Perform other relevant duties as requested by the supervisor.

IT, Web, and Data Development

• Interact with EVI MAP and IC3R collaborators whenever relevant bioinformatics, data analysis and web development knowledge is required, by discussing issues of common interest related to large data sets and their analysis.

• As part of the web team, contribute to the improvements of the websites and ensure their availability and the consistency of the data, Linux-Apache-MySQL (Standard Query Language)-Php (LAMP), SPARK.

• Maintenance of the existing containers based on Docker.

• Develop specific web reports for WCT operational needs.

• Integration of EVI MAP Python based algorithms into Blue Book Online Submission System (BBOSS).

• Utilise JPgraph PHP library for data interpretation, and visualization.

• Maintain the GIT LAB repository.

WHO COMPETENCIES

• Teamwork.

• Respecting & promoting individual and cultural differences.

• Communication.

• Technical expertise.

• Producing results.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

• Knowledge of one or more programming language for statistical computing, data transformation and visualization (e.g. R, Python, C++ or Java etc.), preferably Python and/or R.
• Knowledge of SQL language for database management.
• Knowledge of PHP for web development.
• Knowledge of Linux, Docker, Compose and containers.
• Work harmoniously as a member of a team with people of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.

Desirable: Knowledge of additional statistical packages and/or workflow programming languages.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: Completed secondary education or equivalent supplemented by additional education (DUT or equivalent) in bioinformatics, computer science/programming, statistics, or related field.

Desirable: University degree in bioinformatics, computer science/statistics or related field.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least three years experience in one or more of the following areas:

1. Programming, administering and implementing database management systems.

2. Providing IT support to internal and external organizational users.

3. Setting up, administering and/or updating online resources.

4. Producing digital content or online communications.

5. Layout experience (print and website).

Desirable:

1. UN experience or experience in international, inter-governmental work setting.

2. Experience with content management systems for publishing.

3. Experience in an international and/or scientific environment.

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Excellent knowledge of English is essential. Working knowledge of French is desirable.

OTHER SKILLS (e.g. IT)

Knowledge of Microsoft 365 package.

Knowledge of:

a) Web server in the setting of LAMP environment.

b) Docker, containers, compse files and Git Lab repository

c) SQL database design and queries

d) JPGraph library or similar to display graphical reports.

e) Python, PHP, Javascirpt, R and/or HTML coding

f) SPARK web servers.

REMUNERATION

The fixed remuneration for the above position currently amounts to EUR 3,396 per month and is expressed net of income tax but before deduction of the employee share contributions for mandatory participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) and in the Organization’s private insurance plans covering health, accident, illness and disability.

Other benefits include different types of leave and allowances for dependent family members. Employment status is that of an international civil servant.

Note: due to the legal status of WHO/IARC as an international organization, its staff do not contribute to and do not generate benefits in French mandatory schemes for health insurance (“assurance maladie”), pension (“assurance vieillesse/retraite or unemployment (“Pôle-Emploi”) throughout their period of employment with the Agency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

• This post is subject to local recruitment and will ideally be filled by persons residing within the local commuting area of the duty station.

• 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: http://www.whed.net. 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 may be extended subject to performance evaluation.

• For information on IARC’s operations please visit: https://www.iarc.who.int, and for more general information on WHOs operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• 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 https://www.iarc.who.int/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-at-iarc 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 reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• 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 https://www.iarc.who.int/about-iarc-who-ethics 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.