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The Department of Nutrition of the World Health Organization in Geneva is
searching for a statistician to work in the WHO Multicentre Growth
Reference Study (MGRS). Attached are the Terms of Reference for
an initial 11-month contract (with a probationary 3-month period), with
the possibility of extension for subsequent 11-month periods as required
by the study needs. Contractual arrangements will be those standard for
WHO Short-Term Professionals at an anticipated P4 level. Interested
individuals should contact for information on how to apply for the position.

Ms Beatrice Wamutitu
Department of Nutrition
World Health Organization
Avenue Appia 20
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland

Tel:   (41-22) 791 4727 
Fax: (41-22) 791 4156 
E-mail:. [log in to unmask] 

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TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR ENGAGEMENT OF A SHORT-TERM PROFESSIONAL STATISTICIAN


Under the supervision of the Medical Officer responsible for the WHO
Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) and in close collaboration with
the MGRS statistician and the central data management team, the incumbent
will have primary responsibility for conducting the statistical analyses
related to the following components of the MGRS: 1) the Motor Development
Study (MDS), including the development of reference data for child motor
development; 2) maternal anthropometric data, such as body mass index or
weight loss; and 3) assist the MGRS statistician responsible for the
development of the attained growth and growth velocity reference curves. In
addition, the incumbent will have to conduct data analyses related to: 1)
MGRS research questions; 2) the WHO Global Database on Child Growth and
Malnutrition; and 3) any other data analyses as required. 

1.      List tasks to be performed.

Primary tasks:

Preparing and implementing data analysis plans related to: 

· Motor Development Study

· Maternal MGRS anthropometric variables (e.g., BMI, weight) 

· Other relevant research questions as required.

Reviewing available methods and guiding the selection of the best methods
for constructing the motor development and maternal body mass index
reference data. 

Developing new and/or adapting existing methods as required.

Developing reference data for the six gross motor development milestones
using the best statistical methods identified in the foregoing points. 

Developing reference data for maternal anthropometric variables (e.g., body
mass index, weight loss) using the best statistical methods identified in
the foregoing points. 

Conducting, as required, the data cleaning of the analysis files and
interacting with the central data management team to resolve data queries
identified in this process. 

Preparing data analysis and statistical reports as required. 

Participating in the writing of scientific papers for publication.

Providing technical input for preparing scientific presentations for
communicating the results of the statistical analyses, and making the
presentations him/herself when necessary.

Preparing and implementing protocols for the evaluation and field testing of
the new growth curves.

Interacting with the MGRS Executive Committee, Steering Committee, Advisory
Group, and other outside WHO senior statisticians in the process of
constructing the new reference data. 

Other tasks:

Providing statistical advise and conducting statistical analyses related to
the WHO Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition.

Providing statistical advice and conducting statistical analyses related to
the development of a quantitative methodology to derive population-based
estimates of intrauterine growth retardation.

Carrying out any other required data analyses related to child health and
nutrition.
Other duties as required by supervisor and Director, NHD.

2.      Indicate the minimum qualifications, special training (including
language skills) and length and type of experience required for this
position.

Advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in Statistics or
Biostatistics. Sound knowledge or training in epidemiological research.

High level of expertise in the development and application of advanced
analytical techniques to longitudinal and cross-sectional data from
epidemiological studies relating to child growth and development. 

 Experience in the analysis and development of reference data for child
motor development and adult body mass index will be an asset. 

Demonstrated strong skills in processing, analysis, interpretation and
presentation of quantitative data using advanced statistical software (e.g.,
SPSS, SAS, growth curve construction software, STATA, Excel, PowerPoint).

Ability to critically appraise scientific literature, to interpret and
synthesize research evidence.

Excellent knowledge of English and demonstrated ability to write technical
reports in English. Additional languages would be an asset.
Experience at the international level is desirable. 

Initiative, a high sense of responsibility, courtesy, tact and ability to
establish and maintain harmonious and effective working relations in an
international environment with colleagues within and outside WHO of
different national and cultural backgrounds.


3.      List any other requirements.

All data sets made available to the incumbent in relation to his/her work
should be treated as confidential and he/she shall not make copies, nor
disclose data within or outside WHO, except on authorization of supervisor. 

Abide by the MGRS policies, in particular those related to the dissemination
of results, data ownership, publications and authorship.