Background

South Sudan signed the New Funding Model 3 (NFM3) HIV/RSSH/TB grant in December 2020. The NFM3 grant covers the implementation period from January 2021 to December 2023. It is important to note that the 2020-2023 GFATM grant cycle prioritizes high impact interventions and activities to address HIV, TB, and Resilient Systems for Sustainable Health (RSSH) issues in South Sudan.  

The Ministry of Health (MOH) since 2018 has been using the District Health Information System (DHIS2) as electronic health information management system for South Sudan. The DHIS2 has been scaled up to all counties and some selected health facilities in the country. There is need to strengthen and scale up the use of the DHIS2 in the country and this will entail, readjusting the current modules to be able to accommodate the changes in the data collection tools, adding modules to the existing system to make it more comprehensive in capturing HMIS data , Linking the existing DHIS 2 modules to other system in country to support reporting through the DHIS2.South Sudan has also been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for accurate data to inform the pandemic response is more acute.  The DHIS2 has been adopted by the MOH for data collection and management for most diseases’ programs. There is need to build a robust system to support the country’s responses in the fighting against diseases such as HIV/TB and Malaria through case investigation, case confirmation in the laboratories, case management to outcome. The need for in country systems developer to support the customization of the DHIS2 to capture data along the cascade as well as explore and provide the opportunities to link the DHIS 2 to other systems, enhance interoperability capacity and eventually have an integrated system for the country.

The purpose of the assignment is to support the Directorate of Policy, Planning, Budgeting and Research in the Ministry of Health to strengthen the South Sudan Health Management Information System. The assignment is required to specifically to;

  1. Support updating and finalization of the HMIS Policy, Strategy, review and integration of data collection and reporting tools
  2. Ensure linking all the reporting systems to the existing DHIS 2 system as the only national health information reporting platform in the country.
  3. Develop the operational guidelines for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the HMIS integration, DQAs and periodic data and system reviews to strengthen the system functionality
  4. Review and update of the HMIS training manuals

Review and update the guidelines, SOPs and tools including checklists and reporting template for joint supportive supervision

Duties and Responsibilities

The international consultant will work with the staff of Directorate of Policy, Planning, Budgeting, and Research, in MOH to carry out the following tasks:

  • Develop an inception report with detailed work plan for providing this technical support the review and finalize the HMIS policy and strategy, and guidelines and plan for integration of Health Management Information System through strengthening of the DHIS2 system functionality.
  • Work with the technical team at the Directorate to review and finalize the policy and strategy for Health Information System
  • Development of reporting guidelines, roadmap and comprehensive plan for integration of the Health Management Information System through the DHIS2 as the national reporting platform for health in South Sudan
  • Develop the operational guidelines for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the HMIS integration, DQAs and periodic data and system reviews to strengthen the system functionality
  • Support the team to customize all the reporting tools and modules to enable the individual case data to be captured across the cascade.
  • Customize standard reports for aggregate reporting at the various levels
  • Update all reporting tools for DHIS 2 module and/or Integrate DHIS2 system with other systems. The tools required for integration of HMIS systems will include but not limited to: Laboratory management Information system (LMIS), Logistics Information management system (supply chain Management)-LIMS, e-TB system, electronic medical record (EMR) system, EWAS, IDSR, IHRIS to the District Health Information System (DHIS 2) at the MOH.
  • Reviewing and updating the guidelines, SOPs and tools including checklists and reporting template for joint supportive supervision
  • Facilitate the validation workshop.
  • Provide mentorship and capacity building to the members of the DHIS2 Technical team.
  • Perform any other related duties that will be assigned by the supervisor.

The consultant will be expected to submit the following deliverables:

  • Inception report developed detailing the next steps.
  • HMIS policy and strategy reviewed and finalized.
  • Guidelines, roadmap, annual plan and operational guidelines for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the HMIS integration developed.
  • DHIS/HMIS training manual reviewed and updated.
  • Updated guidelines, SOPs and tools including checklists and reporting template for joint supportive supervision
  • Final consultancy report submitted.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

  • Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills, including ability to produce high quality practical advisory reports and knowledge products.
  • Professional and/or academic experience in one or more of the areas of international development, public health, or related field

Project and Resource Management:

  • Ability to produce high quality outputs in a timely manner while understanding and anticipating the evolving client needs.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently, produce high quality outputs

Communications and Advocacy:

  • Strong ability to write clearly and convincingly, adapting style and content to different audiences and speak clearly and convincingly.
  • Strong analytical, research and writing skills with demonstrated ability to think strategically.
  • Strong inter-personal, negotiation and liaison skills

Language:

  • Excellent oral and written English

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications

Advanced degree (Master’s level) in a relevant field (Monitoring and Evaluation, Biostatistics, econometrics, advanced statistical analysis, data/information/health management).

Experience

  • At least five years expertise in information system management, database administration and Management.
  • Five years’ experience in health information management systems

Criteria for Evaluation

* Technical Criteria weight; [70%]

* Financial Criteria weight; [30%]

To be computed as a ratio of the Proposal’s offer to the lowest price among the proposals received by UNDP

Payment Method for the Consultancy

  • The consultant shall be paid on a daily rate (based on the number of working days worked)
  • The consultant shall be paid a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA)
  • Payments shall be based on the Certificate of Payments that will be submitted
  • Time Sheet will be attached and verified by the direct supervisor; and

  • Final tranche upon performance evaluation from the direct supervisor.

Travel for the consultant

All travel costs will be covered by UNDP according to its rules and regulations. Travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses will be agreed upon, between UNDP and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be covered and paid by UNDP. The fare will always be “most direct, most economical” and any difference in price with the preferred route will be paid for by the