Consultant EGPAF Strategic Information and Evaluation

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), a non-profit organization, is the worldwide leader in the fight against pediatric AIDS. Our mission is to prevent pediatric HIV infection and to eliminate pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, prevention and treatment programs. For more information, please visit http://www.pedaids.org.

In Zambia, EGPAF has collaborated with donors, local and international partners, and the Zambian government at all levels since 2002. EGPAF/Zambia, under the LiveFree Project supports the national electronic health records (EHR) system, SmartCare, to provide strategic and programmatic input, financial management and information technology support and staff, and procurement of computer equipment, software, and hardware. In 2012, an updated version of SmartCare with a prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) platform reflecting the change in national guidelines will be rolled-out nationwide

Efforts are currently on to migrate from the paper-based health data collection system to this electronic health records system around the country. Initiatives to improve monitoring and evaluation systems and other data sources have increased recently in response to the need to track Millennium Development Goals and respond to the reporting requirements of funding agencies. Despite these, data demand and information use to effectively inform policy and programmatic decision making is still low. As a result, health systems have seemingly failed to fully link evidence to decisions and this has led to a reduction in the ability to respond to priority needs at all levels of the health care system.

EGPAF Zambia intends to conduct an assessment of the effectiveness of the current data use and feedback mechanisms in the public health sector in Zambia.

The focus of this assessment will however be PMTCT information systems and data use in PMTCT.

Purpose of Assignment:

Conduct an assessment to identify facilitators and barriers to data use, and provide recommendations and strategies for optimal use of data for program improvement.

This consultancy service will provide technical assistance (TA) to EGPAF and the Zambian MOH in indentifying current status of data use, information management strengths and challenges; needs and promising practices.

Scope of Assignment:

1. Document the level of existing data use and feedback mechanisms.
2. Identify existing barriers and constraints to data use and effective feedback mechanisms.
3. Identify existing best practices in data use and feedback mechanisms.
4. Design approaches for addressing barriers and constraints to data use and feedback mechanisms.
5. Develop strategies for optimal data use for program improvement

Specific Tasks for the Consultant:

The specific tasks to be undertaken by the Lead Consultant are detailed below:

• Assessment of opportunities and constraints for data use for PMTCT and give recommendations:
o Prepare key informant/stakeholder interview guide in consultation with EGPAF’s SI&E team; o Select key informants in consultation with the MOH and EGPAF/staff; o Conduct interviews of key informants; o Presentation of key findings and recommendations for EGPAF/Zambia; o Prepare draft assessment report, including recommendations, for comments and feedback from MOH and EGPAF staff; and o Finalize the assessment report incorporating comments and feedback. • Outline potential strategies for data use for program improvement: o Work with designated MOH and EGPAF staff to develop strategies for data use for PMTCT; o Provide suggestions on optimal data use. • Explore promising practices in data use and recommend improvements o Document data use promising practices for sharing with national and international audiences; and o Provide recommendations on areas which need improvement.

Key Deliverables & Expected Outputs:

By the end of the assignment, the following outputs will be expected: • Final version of key informant/stakeholder guide; • Final version of assessment report; • Summary document on identified areas for improvement. • Summary document with recommendations for data use strategies.

Qualifications Required:

The consultant is expected to have the following attributes: • Advanced University Degrees MD, PhD, MPH or a combination required • Previous senior level consultancy with in-depth experience in project management; • Over 10 years experience in monitoring and evaluation skills and data use practices, including experience in electronic data records for health programs; • Skills and experiences in the assessment of data use and strengthening of information management; • High level of competency and skill in analysis and report writing; • Good communication skills; and • Past experience working in the HIV/AIDS sub-sector in sub-Saharan Africa preferred.

Timing of Consultancy

This work will take place as soon as possible (preferably May/June 2012), for a total number of 20 working days.

Location

The consultant will be required to travel to Zambia to conduct interview of key informant and report writing, whereas the desk review, preparation of tools, and part of report writing could be undertaken from home.

How to apply:

Qualified candidates are advised to submit a copy of their CVs to vahonsi@pedaids.org before May 24, 2012

Due to the urgency of this mission, EGPAF reserves the right to shortlist qualified candidates before the expiration of the deadline.