International Consultant – Health Information Systems

BACKGROUND

The health management information system (HMIS) is a pivotal element of the health system in Lao PDR which provides evidence for policy decisions. The integrated HMIS on the DHIS2 platform has been the backbone of the health information systems of Lao PDR and the information systems to manage HIV/AIDS and STI and TB data are integrated within this platform. More recently, both programmes have migrated to a tracker-based system within DHIS2 and the national programmes require sustained support to ensure its implementation is successful. Furthermore, the funding of these programmes is significantly dependent on disbursement linked indicators and the information generated by the tracker-based systems would form the basis of reporting against these indicators.

WHO is also providing sustained support in tracking the provision of essential health services during COVID-19 and for multisource surveillance and the consultant would provide technical support in tracking essential health service indicators during COVID-19.

In addition, the Ministry of Health is also in the process of updating its eHealth Strategy for the next 5 years and is currently in the process of developing its enterprise architecture for digital health. This consultancy would also support in reviewing current systems and supporting the development of the eHealth Strategy.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will support the Health Information Systems team in providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in strengthening the national Health Management Information System (HMIS). The consultant will work closely with the Department of Planning and Cooperation within MOH to develop and build capacity in strengthening information systems particularly of the National TB Control Programme and the Centre for Centre for HIV, AIDS and STI (CHAS).

Additionally, the consultant will provide technical support to a broader range of areas within health information systems strengthening related to tracking national and international health indicators.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

• • Provide technical support for strengthening and harmonizing the national health management information systems
• • Support the effective coordination and integration of TB/HIV programmes into HMIS on DHIS2 platform
• • Provide technical support to the Ministry of Health for the development of standard periodic data products.
• • Support HIS unit in the provision of assistance with analysis of the public health risks, needs and capacities, identifying gaps in the delivery of health services

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Output 1: Provide technical support for strengthening and harmonizing the national health management information systems

• • Deliverable 1.1: review current health management information systems, identify gaps and overlaps in data collection and information systems, with specific emphasis to TB and HIV programmes
• • Deliverable 1.2: Periodically review data quality and follow up with national counterparts on data quality improvement measures

Output 2: Support the effective coordination and integration of TB/HIV programmes into HMIS on DHIS2 platform

• • Deliverable 2.1: Support the design, development and roll out the TB GeneXpert and presumptive modules in DHIS2.
• • Deliverable 2.2: Support the definition design and development of a unique identifier for TB and HIV programmes.
• • Deliverable 2.3: Support the integration of TB/HIV data collection

Output 3: Provide technical support to the Ministry of Health for the development of standard periodic data products

• • Deliverable 3.1: support MoH in the production of the annual National Health Statistics reports
• • Deliverable 3.2: support MoH in the production of quarterly statistic reports

Output 4: Support HIS unit in the provision of assistance with analysis of the public health risks, needs and capacities, identifying gaps in the delivery of health services

• • Deliverable 4.1: Perform regular data triangulation between surveys/assessments and routinely collected data
• • Deliverable 4.2: Support the development and integration of multisource surveillance in support of the Emergency Operation Centre

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:

A basic degree in one of the fields of information technology, information systems, economics, management or political sciences from a recognized tertiary institution

Desirable:

Post-graduate qualification in any of the aforementioned areas

Post graduate degree in one of the following fields, economics, management, information systems political sciences, from a recognised tertiary institution.

EXPERIENCE

The candidate should have at least 2 years’ experience working in the field of developing and rolling out information systems in health

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Experience in managing and coordinating health information system projects within a public health context especially DHIS2 development as well as data analysis and report writing

LANGUAGES

High level of proficiency in spoken and written English is essential, basic understanding of Lao is desirable.

COMPETENCIES

• • Producing results
• • Technical expertise
• • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• • Communication

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Due to travel restrictions, the consultant is expected to be recruited in (from) Lao PDR and provide on-site support since due to the nature of support, teleworking will not be possible.

• Starting date: 15 March 2021
• Duration of contract: March to December 2021 (09 months)

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 5 March 2021. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 122544 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.