Position Title: Data Manager
Receiving Agency: WHO
P Level: P3
Location: Bassikounou, Mauritania
Duration: 3 months
Language: Fluency in French and working knowledge of English are required, knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

1.   Background and Justification
The Hodh El Chargui region in eastern Mauritania is currently   experiencing a growing humanitarian crisis due to the continued influx of Malian refugees fleeing violence and insecurity. As of June 2025, over 293,000 refugees have been registered, and the number is expected to surpass 318,000 by the end of the year, according to UNHCR projections. This situation places immense pressure on an already fragile health system, particularly in remote and underserved areas such as Bassikounou.

To respond to this complex emergency, the World Health Organization (WHO) has a sub-office in Bassikounou, which coordinates life-saving interventions, including epidemic surveillance and response, primary health care through   mobile clinics, essential medicines distribution, and mental health support. However, the volume and complexity of data generated through these interventions—across multiple partners and service delivery points—requires systematic management to ensure quality, consistency, and timely analysis.

Currently, there is no dedicated data management capacity in the field. This gap hinders effective monitoring of public health   trends, evaluation   of programme performance, and evidence-based decision-making.   Although WHO recently received USD 500,000 through the CERF Underfunded Emergencies Window, the budget does not include provision for a Data Manager. No other funds are presently available to support this essential function.

2.   Purpose of the Position
The purpose of this position is to ensure the establishment and maintenance of a robust data management system in support of WHO’s emergency health response in Bassikounou. The Data Manager will be responsible   for collecting, consolidating, validating, analyzing, and visualizing data related to health service delivery, disease surveillance, and response activities.

This position will play a critical role in supporting timely decision-making, enabling coordination among health actors, and ensuring accountability to affected populations and donors. The Data Manager will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, UN partners, and NGOs, and will report to the WHO Emergency Coordinator and technical units in Nouakchott.

3.   Key Responsibilities:
•   Data Collection and Management: Develop and implement data collection tools for real- time reporting of cases, contacts, and outcomes. Ensure the integrity and accuracy of the collected data.

•   Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze epidemiological and case management data to identify trends, hotspots, and response gaps. Prepare regular reports for health sector partners and government authorities.
•   Surveillance Support: Provide technical support to surveillance teams, ensuring that data collection efforts at PoEs and health facilities are aligned with national surveillance protocols.
• Database Management: Maintain and update databases on case reporting, contact
tracing, and other outbreak-related data. Ensure data security and confidentiality.
•   Coordination: Liaise with Ministry of Health data teams, WHO, and other partners to share data and ensure consistency in reporting.
• Capacity Building: Train local staff on data management practices and the use of data
collection tools.

4.   Qualifications:
•   Degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field with a strong emphasis on data management.
• At least 5 years of experience in data management in public health emergencies.
•   Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., PBI, Excel, SPSS, Epi Info) and experience with epidemiological surveillance systems.

5.   Competencies:
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage large datasets.
• Excellent communication skills for reporting and collaboration.

6.   Languages:
• Fluency in French (oral and written) is essential.
• Working knowledge of English is required.
• Knowledge of Arabic or local languages is an asset.

CANADEM and its partners have a no-tolerance policy for inaction to prevent, respond to and follow up on alleged cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). For this reason, we adhere to all policies, procedures and training of the United Nations on The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). CANADEM mandates all deployees successfully complete the PSEA online course. This e-learning course is composed of a set of lessons designed to raise awareness about SEAH, become familiar with a range of measures to combat SEAH, understand the impact on victims and the consequences for UN Personnel who commit Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.

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