Consultant To Support Ugandan Ministry Of Health (Moh) Technical Working Group Around The Harmonisation Of National Electronic Health Systems
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
Project/Assignment Title:
Consultant to support Ugandan Ministry of Health (MoH) Technical Working Group around the harmonisation of national electronic Health systems
1. Background:
In response to the large number of health related ICT (eHealth) projects across Uganda, the MoH issued a moratorium on all eHealth projects in January 2012 until these projects can be evaluated and approved by the newly formed MoH eHealth TWG. This TWG was created to ensure that eHealth initiatives meet the needs of the MoH, receive formal approval and are harmonised with existing MoH systems. Donors and NGOs will be encouraged to work together to minimise the amount of duplication, reduce overall implementation expenditure and lower sustainability costs.
The TWG has adopted the following terms of reference for its activities:
Develop a draft National eHealth policy framework including updating the strategic framework for Health Information Systems (HIS)
Develop a National eHealth strategic plan and a costed implementation plan to support the national Health Sector Strategic & Investment Plan (HSSIP)
Develop a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework for the implementation plan
Develop standards and codes to ensure interoperability, information exchange, utilization and harmonization
Map current and proposed projects in view of harmonization and alignment with District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) and MoH identified needs
Propose best practices for supporting the eHealth program
Advise on alignment with national programs like National ID, census and birth registration.
The TWG has also begun a process of collecting data from all ongoing and proposed eHealth projects with the purpose of evaluating them and proposing a way forward that meets the objectives of the MoH. Participating stakeholder groups include: WHO, CDC, USAID, Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), National IT Authority of Uganda (NITA-U), National Medical Stores (NMS), Medicines and Health Service Delivery Monitoring Unit (MHSDMU), School of Computing and Informatics Technology Makerere University (CIT) and District Health Officers from Luwero and Hoima.
2. Purpose of Assignment:
The overall objective of this consultancy is to support the day-to-day operations of the MoH eHealth TWG and assist with the development and operation of governance structures, decision-making processes and creation of technical and policy documentation in support of the TWG objectives. The consultant will be seconded full-time to the MoH and report to the Assistant Commissioner Health Services in charge of the Resource Centre Dr. Eddie Mukooyo. Responsibilities of this consultant will include, but not limited to:
Gather, analyze and present documentation on existing frameworks, policies and legislation, and best practices and standards from eHeath coordination efforts currently underway in neighbouring countries and supported by agencies such as the mHealth Alliance
Reviewing and updating the eHealth project evaluation criteria / matrix
Supporting the eHealth TWG conduct evaluations of proposed eHealth projects including project team interviews, technical assessments and financial reviews, and managing the process of eHealth project approval together with the TWG secretariat
Creating a governance structure for the creation and ongoing management of the national eHealth programme
Assisting with the development of TWG subcommittees and their TORs, and providing direct support to ensure they take place regularly and partners meet their obligations
Working with other donor-sponsored eHealth consultants in developing the eHealth strategic plan
Planning, attending and contributing to eHealth TWG meetings
Working with the Resource Centre and NITA-U to develop technical standards and a hosting and network strategy for eHealth, and a hardware and support maintenance plan for national and sub-national IT infrastructure (such as computers and internet at District level)
Provide ongoing support to the Resource Centre to operationalize efforts to develop a national Health Information System Policy and Strategic Framework.
Supporting MOH efforts to provide leadership and guidance on international efforts by UNICEF and other development partners to develop a re-usable set of eHealth tools for national eHealth programs throughout the region.
The initial focus should be on helping the TWG quickly develop the ability to make informed decisions about proposed eHealth projects; however this work must be conducted within the wider context of the TWG’s mandate, the wider donor/NGO interests in eHealth in Uganda, and within ongoing efforts to develop a national Health Information System Policy and Strategic Framework.
3. Duration: 11 months, with start date as soon as possible
4. Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
5. Deliverables:
The following deliverables serve as a guideline for the work expected of the consultant. The specific content for each may change as the roles and work develop. If the deliverable content differs from what is contained within this TOR it must be agreed by the supervisor. All deliverables and progress reports should be shared with both UNICEF and MoH.
1. An evaluation of the eHealth TWG including: recommendations for building its capacity, proposed eHealth project evaluation criteria, an approval/decision - making process and proposed TWG sub-committees. Work plan for TWG over next 2-3 meetings.
3-5 page report on activities and progress to date
25th May 2012
2. Initial recommendations for eHealth project harmonisation based on in depth project review and analysis for presentation to the wider TWG for approval.
2-3 page report on activities and progress to date including an analysis of eHealth projects based on agreed evaluation criteria. Should include functional mappings that highlight project overlap and potential areas of harmonisation
29th June 2012
3. Proposed eHealth governance structure for the National eHealth strategy implementation and management. Stakeholder mapping of interested parties related to eHealth in Uganda.
3-5 page report on the governance structure, with annex of stakeholders
27th July 2012
4. Preliminary guidelines for IT hardware and support maintenance for national and sub-national levels, including defining parameters for partner support and costings
5-10 page document defining preliminary guidelines for national and sub-national IT hardware and support structures
31st August 2012
5. Preliminary technical guidelines for interoperability and proposed hosting and network strategy for eHealth. Proposal for (or draft version) of contract for use by all eHealth participants in need of hosting or network services. Include considerations for mobile eHealth devices and applications.
5-10 page document presenting preliminary technical guidelines for interoperability and proposed hosting and network strategy for eHealth
28th September 2012
6. Finalised eHealth governance structure including governing body descriptions, membership and responsibilities. Include in the context of the wider eHealth strategic plan.
2-3 page report covering eHealth governance structure
26th October 2012
7. Proposed national eHealth strategic plan and identified areas of policy gaps requiring legislation or regulation. Proposal for M&E strategy for eHealth plan.
5-20 page draft national eHealth strategic plan
30th November 2012
8. Update on on-going eHealth projects in the context of the drafted strategic plan and recommendations for increasing level of harmonisation of technical and functional aspects of eHealth systems in use. Should include areas outside the remit of MoH such as birth/death registration, National ID and census.
3-5 page report covering recommendations for increasing level of harmonisation of technical and functional aspects of eHealth systems in use
28th December 2012
9. Report on status of eHealth strategic plan and M&E strategy including status of approvals, issues and risks.
2-3 page status update on draft national eHealth strategic plan
31st January 2013
10. Update on all activities and progress including a re-review of TWG efforts to date, status of eHealth harmonisation and activities of governance structures.
3-5 page report on activities and process of TWG
28th February 2013
11. Final report which includes lessons learned, a description of work remaining and proposed next steps for the continued development and management of the National eHealth program.
5-10 page final report, covering lessons learned and next steps for MOH eHealth Coordination
29th March 2013
7. Payment Plan and Considerations:
Consultant will be paid a day rate, with a maximum of 21 billable days per month minus UN approved holidays.
Monthly payment submitted upon review of deliverables with supervisor.
Consultant is responsible for his/her own health insurance. Consultant will be required to sign the health statement for consultants/individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, if applicable.
This consultancy will require some travel in Uganda. Consultant will receive standard DSA for any in- or out-of-country travel required.
Consultant will sit at the MOH, and will be provided with a desk and computer.
The consultancy will not commence unless a contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant.
Consultant will not have supervisory responsibility within UNICEF, nor responsibilities on UNICEF budget and other resources.
Consultant will arrange her/his own accommodation when needed.
Consultant is not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract agreement.
Consultant will work closely with the UNICEF Alive, T4D, SPE, Communications sections, MoH and with a wide range of stakeholders.
It is expected that Consultant will be available in Uganda for the entire consultancy period. This position should be considered a full-time assignment.
8. Qualifications or specialized knowledge/experience required for the assignment:
Education
An advanced degree in Public Health and a Masters degree in medical informatics or health informatics; or an advanced degree and equivalent relevant experience.
In addition it will be an added advantage if have all the following: Certified Project Manager in either PRINCE2, PMP or their Equivalent; Training in the following areas: Computer networks and Communication systems, Biostatistics and Software Engineering.
Work Experience
Experience in the design, advocacy and formulation of national eHealth policies and governance frameworks
Experience in Information Systems (TPS, MIS, DSS, MIS, EIS) - TPS stands for "Transaction Processing Systems", DSS stands for "Decision Support Systems", MIS stands for "Management Information Systems", and EIS stands for "Executive Information Systems".
Experience in Systems Analysis and Design
Experience in Information Security most especially from the Policy and Web Information Perspective
Skills
Comprehensive understanding of the Ugandan healthcare system an advantage
Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory framework for eHealth
In-depth understanding of the complete health data management eco system including data collection, analysis and reporting
In-depth understanding of patient confidentiality and privacy issues with regards to eHealth
Comprehensive understanding of electronic medical record systems, with experience in their implementation and use
Comprehensive understanding of tele-medicine and remote patient care systems
In-depth understanding of enterprise information architectures and enterprise management information systems for health
Good understanding of development issues, world affairs and current events
An understanding of UNICEF programmes and policy, including knowledge of technology and partnership goals, as well as sound interpretation and judgment to present these programmes and policies in a way that enhances UNICEF’s image is advantageous.
Proven ability to interact diplomatically with high-level officials, as well as experience working directly with community-level partners.
Proven skills in negotiation, networking, strategic thinking, and advocacy
Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas as well as to transfer knowledge and skills.
Strong writing and communication skills and the aptitude to handle competing messages and priorities with multiple audiences
Ability to travel and work in remote and sometimes insecure locations
Fluency in written and verbal English is a must; another UN or local language is a plus.
Residence and work experience in Uganda and East Africa, current or past, is advantageous.
Interested Candidates should submit a Cover Letter and CV to ugderecruit@unicef.org
and cc: jobst4d@gmail.com and cayado@unicef.org.
Please put “Application for UNICEF eHealth Consultant” in subject line.
This application closes on May 4, 2012.
Job Email id: ugderecruit(at)unicef.org
Project/Assignment Title:
Consultant to support Ugandan Ministry of Health (MoH) Technical Working Group around the harmonisation of national electronic Health systems
1. Background:
In response to the large number of health related ICT (eHealth) projects across Uganda, the MoH issued a moratorium on all eHealth projects in January 2012 until these projects can be evaluated and approved by the newly formed MoH eHealth TWG. This TWG was created to ensure that eHealth initiatives meet the needs of the MoH, receive formal approval and are harmonised with existing MoH systems. Donors and NGOs will be encouraged to work together to minimise the amount of duplication, reduce overall implementation expenditure and lower sustainability costs.
The TWG has adopted the following terms of reference for its activities:
Develop a draft National eHealth policy framework including updating the strategic framework for Health Information Systems (HIS)
Develop a National eHealth strategic plan and a costed implementation plan to support the national Health Sector Strategic & Investment Plan (HSSIP)
Develop a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework for the implementation plan
Develop standards and codes to ensure interoperability, information exchange, utilization and harmonization
Map current and proposed projects in view of harmonization and alignment with District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) and MoH identified needs
Propose best practices for supporting the eHealth program
Advise on alignment with national programs like National ID, census and birth registration.
The TWG has also begun a process of collecting data from all ongoing and proposed eHealth projects with the purpose of evaluating them and proposing a way forward that meets the objectives of the MoH. Participating stakeholder groups include: WHO, CDC, USAID, Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), National IT Authority of Uganda (NITA-U), National Medical Stores (NMS), Medicines and Health Service Delivery Monitoring Unit (MHSDMU), School of Computing and Informatics Technology Makerere University (CIT) and District Health Officers from Luwero and Hoima.
2. Purpose of Assignment:
The overall objective of this consultancy is to support the day-to-day operations of the MoH eHealth TWG and assist with the development and operation of governance structures, decision-making processes and creation of technical and policy documentation in support of the TWG objectives. The consultant will be seconded full-time to the MoH and report to the Assistant Commissioner Health Services in charge of the Resource Centre Dr. Eddie Mukooyo. Responsibilities of this consultant will include, but not limited to:
Gather, analyze and present documentation on existing frameworks, policies and legislation, and best practices and standards from eHeath coordination efforts currently underway in neighbouring countries and supported by agencies such as the mHealth Alliance
Reviewing and updating the eHealth project evaluation criteria / matrix
Supporting the eHealth TWG conduct evaluations of proposed eHealth projects including project team interviews, technical assessments and financial reviews, and managing the process of eHealth project approval together with the TWG secretariat
Creating a governance structure for the creation and ongoing management of the national eHealth programme
Assisting with the development of TWG subcommittees and their TORs, and providing direct support to ensure they take place regularly and partners meet their obligations
Working with other donor-sponsored eHealth consultants in developing the eHealth strategic plan
Planning, attending and contributing to eHealth TWG meetings
Working with the Resource Centre and NITA-U to develop technical standards and a hosting and network strategy for eHealth, and a hardware and support maintenance plan for national and sub-national IT infrastructure (such as computers and internet at District level)
Provide ongoing support to the Resource Centre to operationalize efforts to develop a national Health Information System Policy and Strategic Framework.
Supporting MOH efforts to provide leadership and guidance on international efforts by UNICEF and other development partners to develop a re-usable set of eHealth tools for national eHealth programs throughout the region.
The initial focus should be on helping the TWG quickly develop the ability to make informed decisions about proposed eHealth projects; however this work must be conducted within the wider context of the TWG’s mandate, the wider donor/NGO interests in eHealth in Uganda, and within ongoing efforts to develop a national Health Information System Policy and Strategic Framework.
3. Duration: 11 months, with start date as soon as possible
4. Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
5. Deliverables:
The following deliverables serve as a guideline for the work expected of the consultant. The specific content for each may change as the roles and work develop. If the deliverable content differs from what is contained within this TOR it must be agreed by the supervisor. All deliverables and progress reports should be shared with both UNICEF and MoH.
1. An evaluation of the eHealth TWG including: recommendations for building its capacity, proposed eHealth project evaluation criteria, an approval/decision - making process and proposed TWG sub-committees. Work plan for TWG over next 2-3 meetings.
3-5 page report on activities and progress to date
25th May 2012
2. Initial recommendations for eHealth project harmonisation based on in depth project review and analysis for presentation to the wider TWG for approval.
2-3 page report on activities and progress to date including an analysis of eHealth projects based on agreed evaluation criteria. Should include functional mappings that highlight project overlap and potential areas of harmonisation
29th June 2012
3. Proposed eHealth governance structure for the National eHealth strategy implementation and management. Stakeholder mapping of interested parties related to eHealth in Uganda.
3-5 page report on the governance structure, with annex of stakeholders
27th July 2012
4. Preliminary guidelines for IT hardware and support maintenance for national and sub-national levels, including defining parameters for partner support and costings
5-10 page document defining preliminary guidelines for national and sub-national IT hardware and support structures
31st August 2012
5. Preliminary technical guidelines for interoperability and proposed hosting and network strategy for eHealth. Proposal for (or draft version) of contract for use by all eHealth participants in need of hosting or network services. Include considerations for mobile eHealth devices and applications.
5-10 page document presenting preliminary technical guidelines for interoperability and proposed hosting and network strategy for eHealth
28th September 2012
6. Finalised eHealth governance structure including governing body descriptions, membership and responsibilities. Include in the context of the wider eHealth strategic plan.
2-3 page report covering eHealth governance structure
26th October 2012
7. Proposed national eHealth strategic plan and identified areas of policy gaps requiring legislation or regulation. Proposal for M&E strategy for eHealth plan.
5-20 page draft national eHealth strategic plan
30th November 2012
8. Update on on-going eHealth projects in the context of the drafted strategic plan and recommendations for increasing level of harmonisation of technical and functional aspects of eHealth systems in use. Should include areas outside the remit of MoH such as birth/death registration, National ID and census.
3-5 page report covering recommendations for increasing level of harmonisation of technical and functional aspects of eHealth systems in use
28th December 2012
9. Report on status of eHealth strategic plan and M&E strategy including status of approvals, issues and risks.
2-3 page status update on draft national eHealth strategic plan
31st January 2013
10. Update on all activities and progress including a re-review of TWG efforts to date, status of eHealth harmonisation and activities of governance structures.
3-5 page report on activities and process of TWG
28th February 2013
11. Final report which includes lessons learned, a description of work remaining and proposed next steps for the continued development and management of the National eHealth program.
5-10 page final report, covering lessons learned and next steps for MOH eHealth Coordination
29th March 2013
7. Payment Plan and Considerations:
Consultant will be paid a day rate, with a maximum of 21 billable days per month minus UN approved holidays.
Monthly payment submitted upon review of deliverables with supervisor.
Consultant is responsible for his/her own health insurance. Consultant will be required to sign the health statement for consultants/individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, if applicable.
This consultancy will require some travel in Uganda. Consultant will receive standard DSA for any in- or out-of-country travel required.
Consultant will sit at the MOH, and will be provided with a desk and computer.
The consultancy will not commence unless a contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant.
Consultant will not have supervisory responsibility within UNICEF, nor responsibilities on UNICEF budget and other resources.
Consultant will arrange her/his own accommodation when needed.
Consultant is not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract agreement.
Consultant will work closely with the UNICEF Alive, T4D, SPE, Communications sections, MoH and with a wide range of stakeholders.
It is expected that Consultant will be available in Uganda for the entire consultancy period. This position should be considered a full-time assignment.
8. Qualifications or specialized knowledge/experience required for the assignment:
Education
An advanced degree in Public Health and a Masters degree in medical informatics or health informatics; or an advanced degree and equivalent relevant experience.
In addition it will be an added advantage if have all the following: Certified Project Manager in either PRINCE2, PMP or their Equivalent; Training in the following areas: Computer networks and Communication systems, Biostatistics and Software Engineering.
Work Experience
Experience in the design, advocacy and formulation of national eHealth policies and governance frameworks
Experience in Information Systems (TPS, MIS, DSS, MIS, EIS) - TPS stands for "Transaction Processing Systems", DSS stands for "Decision Support Systems", MIS stands for "Management Information Systems", and EIS stands for "Executive Information Systems".
Experience in Systems Analysis and Design
Experience in Information Security most especially from the Policy and Web Information Perspective
Skills
Comprehensive understanding of the Ugandan healthcare system an advantage
Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory framework for eHealth
In-depth understanding of the complete health data management eco system including data collection, analysis and reporting
In-depth understanding of patient confidentiality and privacy issues with regards to eHealth
Comprehensive understanding of electronic medical record systems, with experience in their implementation and use
Comprehensive understanding of tele-medicine and remote patient care systems
In-depth understanding of enterprise information architectures and enterprise management information systems for health
Good understanding of development issues, world affairs and current events
An understanding of UNICEF programmes and policy, including knowledge of technology and partnership goals, as well as sound interpretation and judgment to present these programmes and policies in a way that enhances UNICEF’s image is advantageous.
Proven ability to interact diplomatically with high-level officials, as well as experience working directly with community-level partners.
Proven skills in negotiation, networking, strategic thinking, and advocacy
Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas as well as to transfer knowledge and skills.
Strong writing and communication skills and the aptitude to handle competing messages and priorities with multiple audiences
Ability to travel and work in remote and sometimes insecure locations
Fluency in written and verbal English is a must; another UN or local language is a plus.
Residence and work experience in Uganda and East Africa, current or past, is advantageous.
Interested Candidates should submit a Cover Letter and CV to ugderecruit@unicef.org
and cc: jobst4d@gmail.com and cayado@unicef.org.
Please put “Application for UNICEF eHealth Consultant” in subject line.
This application closes on May 4, 2012.
Job Email id: ugderecruit(at)unicef.org
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