Health Modeller(s)

Company Description

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, that works to build better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.  Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.

In line with the strategic objectives of the Secretary-General, the Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs (ELS) is the focal point for OECD work on building more cohesive and healthier societies through policy advice related to quality jobs, continuous investment in human capital, reduction in poverty and exclusion, better health-care systems, good management of migration flows and the integration of immigrants and their children. In the area of public health, ELS has developed comprehensive modelling infrastructure to assess the impact of policies and support policy making. This framework includes the development of core microsimulation models in C++ complemented by a suite of tools for data modelling and management and output processing mostly written in Python and R.

To further strengthen its modelling work, ELS is looking for one or more software engineers/modellers and or data scientists. Selected candidate(s) will become key members of the modelling team reporting to a senior economist. They will work on the development of the modelling framework and, depending on the skills of selected candidates, tasks may include: data collection, data processing, data modelling, development of new modules in C++, validation and analysis, preparation of data tables and figures.

Software engineers/modellers are expected to have strong object-oriented C++ coding and systems design experience (or equivalent experience in Java or another object-oriented language), whereas data scientists are expected to have strong quantitative analytical skills (e.g., machine learning and neuronal networks) on Python or R.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Software development and analysis

• Contribute to the development of the software platforms, including the design of modular systems and the development of the relevant C++ code (software engineers/modellers);
• Contribute to the data analysis and modelling work including the design of innovative models to estimate input parameters (data scientists);
• Data management tasks related to the preparation of databases to be processed by the software: collect, update, clean and develop tools (Python) to process raw data to build harmonized databases (data scientists)
• Participate in the development of data processing tools used to analyse and disseminate output datasets (data scientists)
• Contribute to the documentation of the models and any newly developed code or model to keep track of the work and support the work of the other team members;
• Support the design of user interfaces, including a web-based tool for model dissemination.

Communication and liaison

• Provide expert input to and collaborate with other members of the team.
• Communicate with technical staff and analysts in countries and in other OECD Directorates, who are working with models or analysing data.
• Report on the work to the relevant OECD expert group(s) and at technical meetings.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic background

• An advanced university degree in mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science or another equivalent qualification. A multidisciplinary curriculum, with strong skills in statistics, applied mathematics, computer science and machine learning methods would be considered equivalent.
• Strong object-oriented coding in C++ and system design experience, or equivalent experience in Java or Python and a willingness to learn C++ are essential; at least two years of practical experience would be an asset;
• Experience in applying statistics and machine learning to research topics would be an asset;
• Demonstrated ability to develop computer simulation models would be an advantage;
• Experience of version control systems and associated platforms (Git, GitHub/Lab) would be an asset
• Broader programming skills, including web development skills, experience with Azure or AWS, would be an advantage;
• Knowledge of health economics or public health would be an asset.

Professional Background:

• At least two years of applied research and analysis, preferably in the area of health and health systems, acquired in a national administration, international organisation, university or research centre.
• Experience in collecting, interpreting and analysing statistics, ideally related to health and health system performance. Strong quantitative skills would be particularly desirable, and managing and analysing large datasets would be an advantage.
• Experience in working on health issues in different countries would be an asset.

Tools:

• Ability to represent data graphically in Excel and other visualisation tools.
• Knowledge of STATA, R and/or Python or similar advanced statistical software is desirable.

 

 

Additional Information

Additional information

Core Competencies:

• OECD staff are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes: Vision and Strategy (Level 1); Enable People (Level 1); Ethics and Integrity (Level 1); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieve Results (Level 1); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).
• There are three possible levels for each competency. The level for each competency is determined according to the specific needs of each job role and its associated grade.
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.

Languages:

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the other.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Closing Date:

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 14 July 2024 (CEST).

Contract Duration:

• 13-month fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers

 

• Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 5 044 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Click here to learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.
• Click here to browse our People Management Guidebook and learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and many other policies supporting staff in their daily life.

• Please note that the appointment may be made at one grade lower in the specified job family, based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Selection Process

For retained candidates, written tests and video-recorded interviews are foreseen in July 2024 and panel interviews are planned for October 2024.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD member countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities.

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.