Health Information Systems Consultant - USAID

The USAID Health System Sustainability Activity (the Activity) in Timor-Leste is part of the global Local Health System Sustainability (LHSS) project, that works to strengthen health systems as a means to achieve universal health coverage and improve population health and well-being. Interventions will focus on reducing financial barriers, holding health services accountable for meeting all clients’ needs and making sure that the care patients receive meets minimum standards. The USAID Health System Sustainability Activity in Timor-Leste will support the Government of Timor-Leste to govern, finance, and deliver quality and affordable essential health services while being responsive and accountable to users and an engaged civil society effectively and sustainably. The Activity’s objectives are to strengthen health sector governance, enhance health sector workforce management, improve healthy behaviors, and improve health advocacy and civic engagement for health system strengthening.

1. Scope of work

The National Health Sector Strategy 2020-2030 clearly lays out its overarching strategic goal to build the stewardship role of the Ministry of Health. This will help the country reach its vision of universal health coverage. The strategy recognizes the role of the private sector in providing health care services which directly contributes towards overall service delivery in the country. Thus, the Ministry of Health, with the support of the Activity implementing several key interventions for governance, health financing and health information. To move this forward, the USAID Health System Sustainability Activity is seeking a consultant to undertake the health information system work.

The HIS consultant will also lead and support completion of activities under Health Information Systems, such as:

• Support the development of the TOT training materials.
• Work closely with Cabinet of Policy, Planning, and Cooperation in Health to implement the HMIS training plan at national level.
• Support HMIS department to institutionalization of the HMIS Training plan and its training materials. 
• Coordination with Senior Technical Advisor for technical support and completion of draft deliverables on HMIS training plan, and training materials. 
• Coordinate two technical meetings between Cabinet of Policy, Planning, Cooperation and Development in Health, ICT Department and TIC Timor to discuss the concept of Knowledge hub platform for HMIS department.
• Deliver three days TOT for the national level M&E, HMIS and ICT officers on how to operationalize the TOT training plan. 

1. Required competencies, skills, and experience of the consultant.

Core Competencies 

• Delivery: Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement
• People Management: Ability to improve performance and satisfaction. 
• Communication: Ability to listen, adapt, persuade, and transform 

Technical/Functioning 

• Understanding of Health Sector in Timor-Leste
• Ability to use methods, tools, and analysis to determine ways to support the Ministry of Health in enhancing their capacity to improve service delivery.

Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (master’s degree preferred) in a relevant discipline–IT, computer science, public health, digital health, data analytics, knowledge/information services, or any other related field. A university degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience is required.

Experience:

• At least five years of post-qualification work experience, demonstrated knowledge of public health, governance, management, and diverse interaction with the private sector is required.
• Minimum one year of experience in working with Health Management Information Systems, Human Resource Information Systems /or any other digital health platforms. 
• Experience with open-source applications /DHIS2 preferred.
• Experience working with donor agencies and public institutions on effective health workforce planning and management highly preferred.
• Experience working on policy design, advocacy, and implementation highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government counterparts and coordinate various factors such as different units, other ministries and government agencies, donors and NGOs.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment where there is understanding of how the interventions are linked to larger activity goals.
• Familiarity with health systems strengthening concepts highly preferred.
• Familiarity with donor-funded projects, especially USAID, will be an advantage.
• Proven professional knowledge of MS Office applications and appropriate organizational skills.
• Having experience implementing USAID projects is an added advantage.
• Experience in developing databases, tools, and guidance in relation to private sector engagement is required. 
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word (word, excel, outlook, power point) and web-based applications is required.

Language:

• Fluency in writing, speaking and ability to present in English is required.
• Ability to speak Tetum (Timor-Leste national language) or Portuguese is an advantage.

1. Institutional Arrangement 

• The consultant will work closely with the Activity Team, the HMIS Department, M&E Department, and ICT department.
• The consultant will report to the Chief of Party of the USAID Health System Sustainability Activity. 

1. Duty Station 

• The Consultant will spend 50% of his/her time in the USAID Health System Sustainability Activity, while 50% of his/her time will be working at the office of the HMIS Department. 

1. Deliverables
2. Completion of learning material based on HMIS guidelines and DHIS2 Guidelines
3. Training plan and learning materials disseminated to HMIS officers at national level
4. Short Term technical assistance report.

TasksDescriptionEstimated LOEEnsure completion of HMIS learning materials The consultant will develop learning material in a document format based on HMIS guidelines. Activity will continue to oversee and provide technical support on the implementation of the HMIS training materials based on the HMIS TOT training plan.  All activities are led by the HIS Manager and assisted by HIS consultant, the Activity will follow up closely by having weekly technical and managerial meetings.   15 daysConduct the HMIS TOT training for MOH On-the job training will primarily focus on the trainers of MOH from M&E, HMIS and ICT department based on the training plan developed in coordination with HMIS department. Institutionalize the HMIS training plan and its learning material.  Work with HIS Managers and Senior Technical Advisor to update the learning materials and present them to the MOH.15 daysSupport the health information systems tasksSupport the Activity organizing training for the M&E, HMIS and ICT officers and coordination with Senior Technical Advisor to review the presentation and other materials.  5 days

1. Assumptions, Period of Performance, Expected Level of Effort (LOE), Reporting, and Travel

Reporting: The consultant will report to the Chief of Party of the USAID Health System Sustainability Activity.

Location: This position requires the consultant to be present in Dili for all the required meetings and workshops. Consultants who can be based in Dili for the duration of the assignment are highly preferred. 

Period of Performance and LOE: The consultant’s anticipated period of performance will be from 1 May 2024 to 30 June 2024. These dates are subject to change depending on the date the candidate is selected. The consultant will invoice Abt Associates for the actual hours worked, up to 35 days.

Travel: While this consultant will need to be based in Dili, they may need to travel outside of Dili (within Timor-Leste) if required. The number, timing, and duration of the trip(s) will be determined in​ consultation with the Chief of Party. Expenses will be reimbursable in accordance with the LHSS and Abt guidelines. All travel will be dependent on final approval from the Chief of Party.

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