About the position

Position as Senior Adviser - Evaluation and research coordinator is available at the Health Information Systems ( HISP) at Department of Informatics.

This is a permanent position with external funding.

Workplace is Oslo, Norway.

The position links closely to both the HISP research network and the research and capacity building activities it entails as well as the implementation activities in countries. The position is a key actor to encourage, build methodology, conduct and support in-country evaluations of prospective or ongoing implementations of DHIS 2. We expect the applicants to take a role in the ICT4D community and take an active part in the HISP community as engaged scholars while at the same time maintaining a close link to the software development and training teams.

As Senior Advisor, you will be responsible for coordinating a team of researchers based abroad, linked to the Health Information Systems Program (HISP) at the University of Oslo (UiO). The team will consist of about five researchers engaged in implementation and evaluation research in Africa, Asia, and other regions where the DHIS2 software is used. The position reports to the head of the Information Systems research group, and active participation with faculty and other stakeholders engaged in academic work will be a core activity.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Coordinating with various HISP groups to ensure operative regional evaluation teams.
• Create historical process documentation of DHIS2 implementations in selected countries on how to do evaluation research.
• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and analysis related to Health Information Systems evaluation and action research in developing countries.
• Develop guidelines and framework for conducting Health Information Systems evaluation, and build capacity around this in the team
• Lead the evaluation of DHIS2 implementation in select countries
• Conduct empirical work in collaboration with research teams in selected countries to discuss with relevant stakeholders by studying current systems and examining data systems and other relevant secondary published documents.
• Engage in systematic data analysis by the study of empirical data, to develop themes and inferences to inform both theory and practice of evaluation and action research.
• Actively engage with the HISP community and collaborate with other faculty, researchers and HISP groups on data analysis and publication of research.
• Contribute to donor and partner reporting. This includes showing concrete deliverables and feeding these deliverables into evaluation reports.
• Communicate closely with implementation coordinators and product managers to ensure software and implementation priorities align with outcomes of systematic evaluation.
• Potential supervision of PhD and master candidates

About the research group

The Health Information Systems (HISP) research group focuses on understanding and influencing the evolution of large-scale, complex information infrastructures, through empirical analysis and design interventions. The group is considered amongst the most prominent research groups globally in the domain of Information Technology for Development (ICT4D) and Health Information Systems in the developing world. We are also responsible for the development of the open source based DHIS 2 platform, implemented as health information systems in more than 60 developing countries.

Our existing research portfolio is based on qualitative, empirical studies of work and organizational processes related to digital technologies, specifically digital platforms in the health sector. The group is currently involved in a number of externally funded research projects related to global health and health information systems in developing countries. We collaborate closely with a range of global partners, including among others NORAD, WHO and UNICEF.

Qualification requirements

• Master in information systems or related field. A PhD in Information systems or related field will be an advantage.
• Experience with and knowledge of e-health in developed and developing world settings.
• Experience in providing technology-related support in LMICs for public health. Facility and community level preferred.
• Knowledge about DHIS 2
• Experience working with software developers throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally.
• Eligible for employment in Norway.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Norwegian or a Scandinavian language

Personal skills

• Self-identify as a problem solver, working in challenging environments.
• Ability to cooperate well with existing team members and others will be a key qualification.

We offer

• salary NOK 667 200 – 765 100 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as Senior Adviser, position code 1364
• a professionally stimulating working environment.
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities.

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter
• CV (complete overview of education and work experience)
• Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• Names and contact details for 2-3 references (names, relation to candidate and telephone number).

The application with attachments must be delivered in our recruiting system.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

In accordance with the University of Oslo’s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.

UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

Contact information

• Professor Kristin Braa, email: kbraa@ifi.uio.no, tel. +47 41506058

For technical questions about the recruitment system, HR Adviser Torunn Standal Guttormsen, email: t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no, tel. +47 22 85 42 72

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