UNICEF ECARO is seeking for a consultant for 11.5 months, to provide technical leadership and assistance in the field of digital health strategies in/for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in ECAR.
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, an advocate
Scope of work
Background:
UNICEF is committed to focusing on Primary Health Care (PHC) for the Strategic Plan 2022-2025 which highlights that PHC is an effective approach towards the global SDG3 targets, including 3.8.1 on Universal Health Coverage.
Advances in digital, mobile, and wireless technologies offer a unique opportunity to accelerate PHC efficacy and efficiency, especially at the community level and to increase health equity. UNICEF’s Approach to Digital Health outlines a common vision for digital health at UNICEF, identify strategic priorities for investments in digital health and describe UNICEF’s comparative advantage in supporting governments and coordinating and aligning with other organizations, civil society, private sector, and communities to leverage digital technologies to accelerate achievement of health sector and strategic plan priorities.
While most countries now have some level of digitalization of their health system functions, there are considerable challenges: weak national governance and coordination, lack of alignment with national Digital Health strategies, where such strategies exist, weak digital systems and infrastructure, missing health systems architecture and standards that impact interoperability, adoption of platforms not fit-for-purpose, limited human resource capacity, and lack of sustainable financial or technical support models to facilitate sustainability and full government ownership. This has caused fragmented and uncoordinated implementation of small-scale pilots with multiple digital tools and software solutions (often targeting the same health workers) not integrated or in communication with health management information systems (HMIS) and unaddressed health system problems or Ministry of Health needs. Further, there is very little allowance for data safeguards, use of data analytics, or an understanding of how to use advanced technical solutions like AI and medical Decision Support Systems in a manner that supports healthcare service delivery while protecting the children. Public Health risk management therefore is highly compromised.
Purpose of Activity/Assignment
This role will provide technical leadership and assistance in the assessment, formulation, and implementation of digital health strategies in/for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the Europe and Central Region (ECAR). The individual consultant will enhance health system strengthening to UNICEF Country Offices (COs) by providing:
- support for the expansion and integration of digital health components into UNICEF CO Health programming
- assessment of country digital readiness and advising on strategic entry points for UNICEF COs
- support for engagement and operationalization of national digital health strategies and development of investment cases
- assistance for development and analysis of country requirements,
- technical assistance to country deployments, including consortium building, partnerships, and knowledge management. This includes identification, assessment, planning, coordination, design, documentation, and deployment of digital health solutions, with focus on solutions that address bottlenecks and challenges to health service delivery for women and children.
- recommendations and strategies for integration of digital development and technology innovation into the health programme planning lifecycle
- support for building capacity and knowledge within the UNICEF ECAR Health section on digital development
- training to UNICEF staff, partners, government stakeholders, and end users on creation and maintenance of quality digital health systems.
Description of the Assignment
The individual consultant will provide technical support and guidance in assessing needs, strengthen government digital health programmes and UNICEF priority digital-enabled health interviews, build capacity, and create partnerships to address bottlenecks to health service delivery for children and women in the Europe and Central Asia Region. The individual consultant will also assist with the planning and coordination of the Digital Health flagship activities in the Region which include country coordination and support and resource mobilization.
The Individual consultant’s duties will include:
1. Provide Technical and Programmatic Support in Digital Health, for RMNCAH+N and immunization services, but also Ukraine crisis response and other emergencies
2. Support Policy and Strategy review and Development for Technology-enabled Health Programming
3. Engage and facilitate partnerships and networks Capacity Building
4. Facilitate Knowledge Management and advisory on effective use of Digital Health Data
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Deliverables
| Provide Digital Health advisory and review and analyze existing digital health inventory / mapping tools across ECAR, leverage work already completed such as WHO Digital Health Atlas (DHA) and by UNICEF (https://uni.cf/mapping-digital-health), establish a baseline for further work with country teams to evaluate availability of digital solutions for health systems and health service delivery, public health emergencies, and health system strengthening |
Situation analysis of digital health landscape mapping and assessment in 4 priority countries (26 days)
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| Provide Technical and Programmatic Support in Digital Health, for RMNCAH+N and immunization services, and Ukraine crisis response and other emergencies | 1. Participate in total 100 meetings of Health and DH&IS programs and initiatives (20 days) 2. Finalized draft Digital Adaptation Kit (DAK) for Home Visiting in consultation with ECD section and relevant country office (10 days) 3. Roadmap of Telemedicine/digital Home Visiting solution in 1 priority country with a focused Technical Mission to the country (13 days) 4. Health Systems Strengthening with Digital Health in Environmental Health risk management Concept Note for 1 priority country (9 days) |
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| Policy and Strategy review and Development for Technology-enabled Health Programming | 1. Prepare Digital Health Policy Document on Data & AI in Digital Health (9 days) 2. Digital Health Workplan 2024 + MYR Update for 2024 (13 days) 3. Digital Health in Emergencies with Health Security/Pandemic Preparedness, Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases risk management, ECD, and Nutrition Concept Note (9 days) |
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| Facilitate Knowledge Management, Capacity Building, and Partnership Management Build relationships and strengthen UNICEF ECARO involvement in digital health, health systems strengthening, and health security networks; close collaboration with UNICEF ECARO Health Section programmatic areas, Digital Health & Information Systems (DH&IS) UNICEF HQ, and WHO EURO | 1. Develop finalized draft Deployment Kit of uSupport digital platform for Mental Health (19 days) 2. Develop Concept Note to adopt Convergence Workshop mechanism for 1 country. Participate as observer in an active Convergence Workshop. Conduct Convergence Workshop in 1 country. Provide inputs and recommendations to WHO on new Convergence Workshop initiative. (15 days) 3. Deliver Digital Health programmatic area session in 1 network meeting (4 days) 4. Guidance Note final draft submitted to UNICEF HQ Digital Health & Information Systems on Data and AI in Health (incl. chatbots, automation, health decision support, and social media) (16 days) 5. Final report with details on regional coordination, partners engaged, assessment of digital health status for countries and programs supported, and identification of country needs for TA (10 days) |
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| Provide Digital Health advisory | 1. Digital Health Advisory Document to additional priority countries in ECAR (per country) (4 days) | |
| Provide Technical and Programmatic Support in Digital Health, for RMNCAH+N and immunization services, and Ukraine crisis response and other emergencies |
1. Preparation (planning and coordination) for and conducting Technical Assistance Missions to Priority Countries including submission of Mission Reports (per mission) (8 days) 2. Health Systems Strengthening Concept Notes for additional priority countries. (per country) (10 days) |
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| Policy and Strategy review and Development for Technology-enabled Health Programming | 1. Topical Concept Notes on Digital Health as per demand. Relevant for any of country, regional, or Digital Health & Information Systems (HQ) contexts. (per Concept Note) (9 days) | |
| Facilitate Knowledge Management, Capacity Building, and Partnership Management | 1. Conduct Convergence Workshop in further priority countries. 2 travel days per country. (per Workshop) (11 days) 2. Deliver Digital Health programmatic area session in at least 2 network and/or technical meetings (per network or technical meeting) (5 days) |
Estimated Duration of the Contract
228 working days from 01 July 2023 to 15 June 2024
Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel
This is a remote consultancy, in the same time zone of Geneva or with maximum 1-2 hours’ time difference. Otherwise, consultant should confirm his/herability to work as per Geneva office working hours.
As part of this assignment, there will be approximately . The consultant will arrange her/his travel as and when they take place and related costs will be reimbursed.
Estimated Cost of the Consultancy & Payment Schedule
Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant. Please propose a Professional Fee for 228 working days between 01 July 2023 to 15 June 2024 to undertake this assignment.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
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Advanced university degree (Master's) in health informatics, computer science, public health/medicine, development studies or related field is required.
Candidates with a first University degree in computer science, public health, or clinical health such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and 2 years of professional experience in digital health may also be considered for this consultancy.
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required
Required experience
- 8 years of work experience of which minimum 5 years at the international level in digital health, from strategy/policy/governance to design/implementation of information systems and digital solutions
Experience in providing technical assistance and thought leadership surrounding the design and implementation of digital solutions and/or health system strengthening, including health information system architectures and standards
Desirable experience and skills
- Experience advising on the development of digital health strategies, policies, or related regulations.
- Experience with project management, design and development of digital solutions, and ability to translate complex ideas from various areas into unified, clear guidance
- Experience with UNICEF, UN or other international NGOs in health (e.g., RMNCAH+N) and children/youth (e.g. early childhood development, adolescent mental health)
- Knowledge and experience working with Digital Public Goods (e.g. DHIS2, OpenMRS, OpenSRP, iHRIS, MoTECH, CommCare, RapidPro etc.) and related standards (e.g. OpenHIE)
- Knowledge and experience working with immunization information systems (including electronic immunization registries) and logistics management information systems, also geographic information systems (GIS)
- Experience with and knowledge of AI and AI-based platforms and smart medical solutions (e.g., medical devices) particularly in public health management or disease management
- Clinical experience, particularly with children/youth/adolescents is an asset
- Experience with any international organization in Europe and central Asia region is an asset
- Familiarity with WHO and UNICEF priorities in digital health is an asset
Other skills and attributes
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following competencies that are necessary to this consultancy:
Core Competencies
- Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
- Able to quickly understand instructions, to proactively seek clarification when needed.
- Able to work well in a team environment.
- Demonstrates communication and relationship-building skills.
- Works in a multi-cultural environment and establishes harmonious and effective working relationships.
Functional Competencies
- Enterprise architecture design and standards and interoperability in digital health.
- Strong knowledge of digital health applications in health systems and public health.
- Ability to communicate and engage with experts and stakeholders from different fields, including policymakers, researchers, and the civil society.
- Works independently and is problem-solving oriented.
- Strong analytical, research and report writing skills.
- Effective project management skills.
- Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced environment.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of any other language(s) commonly used in European and Central Asian countries (e.g. Russian, Bosnian/Croatian/ Montenegrin / Serbian, Turkish or related languages) highly desirable.
Assessment Criteria (applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria):
A) Technical Evaluation
Overall Response – 10 points
Education and Experience – 35 points
Proposed Methodology and skills to deliver the identified Tasks in the TOR – 25 points
Each Proposal will be evaluated against a weight allocation of 70% for the technical proposals and 30% for the financial proposal. The total maximum obtainable is 100 points.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS), and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Remarks:
Please include a full CV, and a Financial Proposal in your application by indicating your availability and a lumpsum based on 228 working days to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a professional fee will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.