Consultant - Synthesize and document key lessons learnt from comprehensive assessments of national health information systems

Purpose of the consultancy

A consultant is sought to synthesize and document key lessons learnt from comprehensive assessments of national health information systems conducted in 8 countries of the Region since 2016 as well as document minimum requirements to accelerate improvement of country health data systems. Documentation of this information as well as potential solutions to the existing challenges in implementing national health information systems might not only promote learning across countries (as has been requested by several countries in various meetings) but also assist in the long-term goal of improving quality of data to monitor progress towards universal health coverage.

Background

The role of health information systems including civil registration and vital statistics systems (CRVS) in generating health information data for evidence-based decision making is widely acknowledged. In order to effectively monitor progress towards the health-related Sustainable Development Goals, the need for countries to generate reliable data is imperative. In line with the WHO’s General Programme of Work 2019-2023, WHO is collaborating with Member States to improve their health information systems, analytical capacity and reporting for universal health coverage. In particular, WHO is supporting countries to develop comprehensive and efficient systems to monitor health risks and determinants; track health status and outcomes; including cause specific mortality; and assess health system performance.

As part of WHO efforts to support Member States to meet their national, regional and international obligations in reporting health indicators, a number of comprehensive health information system assessments have been conducted in the Region since 2016 to identify key gaps and strategies to strengthen country health data systems. The first comprehensive assessment was conducted in Jordan (2016) followed by Libya and Pakistan (2017); Afghanistan (2018); Iraq, Lebanon, and Oman (2019); and Sudan (2020). Two more country assessments for Djibouti and the Islamic Republic of Iran were planned to be conducted in 2020 but were postponed due to Covid-19. The comprehensive assessments have identified gaps in health information systems and generated recommendations and priority actions aimed at improving country health data systems. These assessments also provide further information that guide decision-makers, development partners, and other stakeholders in planning and implementing effective interventions to enhance national health information systems.

Although the comprehensive assessments have led to improvements in core functional areas of national health information systems and almost all assessment reports have been published by WHO, there is a lack of consolidated monograph that synthesizes the findings across the countries to answer key questions such as: What are the nature of country health data systems available in these countries? Do these assessments promote learning across countries? What challenges do countries face in improving health information systems and what are potential solutions?

To address these questions, a consultant is sought to document key lessons learnt from these assessments as well as document minimum requirements to accelerate improvement of country health data systems. Documentation of this information as well as potential solutions to the existing challenges in implementing national health information systems might not only promote learning across countries (as has been requested by several countries in various meetings) but also assist in the long-term goal of improving quality of data to monitor progress towards universal health coverage.

Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date: 1 November 2020

End date: 31 January 2021 (30 working days during this period)

Work to be performed

The following responsibilities, outputs and deliverables are expected:

1. Review reports of national health information system assessments conducted in 8 countries to identify key findings related to core functional areas of country health data systems: governance mechanisms; infrastructure and support; data management and standards; quality assurance mechanisms; dissemination and data use.

2.Synthesize the key strengths and areas for improvement across the region including key outcomes of the assessments (e.g. development of action plans, resource mobilization, and improved reporting and quality of data).

3.Prepare a publishable report based on synthesis of the findings with a focus on key lessons learned, implications and challenges to improve national health information systems.

4.Prepare a powerpoint presentation to summarize the findings.

Required Qualifications

Education: University degree in public health, demography, epidemiology, health informatics, health statistics or related field.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in public health, health statistics or related field.

• Proven experience in preparing reports or other related information products
• Proven experience in producing deliverables within required timeframe
• Proven experience in maintaining effective communication with counterparts

Skills / Technical knowledge

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently and to produce results under strict timelines.

Language English – Expert level in speaking, reading, and writing.

Location

Remote based.

Travel (If travel is involved, a medical certificate of fitness for work will be required.)

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.

Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs excluded) Remuneration: Professional consultant (P3 level)

Additional Information section

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
  Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• Successful candidates will be included in the roster for consideration for future contractual engagement via a consultancy, as they become available. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee any future contractual relationship with WHO
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