BACKGROUND

The Solomon Islands Government places Health high on its agenda. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has started its first steps towards the development of a digital health strategy for Solomon Islands. A Technical working Group (TWG) has been established and has developed a preliminary plan of action to identify a common vision of digital health through conducting a stakeholder workshop. Technical assistance is needed to support the TWG to: assess the current status of digital health in terms of infrastructure, Human Resources, and feasibility of introducing digital health interventions and develop a common vision and collect all information required for the development of the national digital health strategy.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

To provide guidance and technical assistance for the MHMS to 1) conduct a readiness assessment of 2020 landscape for digital health infrastructure; 2) provide technical support to conduct an MHMS stakeholder workshop to develop a common vision and identify priorities for the Digital Health Strategy; and 3) draft a National Digital Health Strategy.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The overall aim will be to engage with key stakeholders to support Solomon Islands plan and implement digital health services to improve access, coverage and quality of health services available to the populations of Solomon Islands.      

Deliverable 1: Workshop methodology/agenda submitted.

Deliverable 2: A comprehensive report with high level situational analysis on the assessment and workshop findings.

Deliverable 3: A draft National Digital Health Strategy submitted.

Activities:

• • Provide orientation and planning meetings and observational visit to see prioritized digital health tools in action- including DHIS2.
• • Review of Assessment Data and Prioritization - ensure representation of all relevant stakeholders at all levels of the health system in and out of government.
• • Follow up on the drafting of the Roadmap (detailed implementation plan) and M&E Plan can leverage the readiness assessment data and the GDHI.
• • Develop plan for validation and decentralized socialization of strategy.
• • Facilitate Digital Health Steering Committee to develop initial draft of the Digital Health Strategy.
• • Revise draft completed by the Steering Committee.
• • Document the process and Debrief and next steps.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

To support the assessment task, the consultant will use tools to convene a representative group of key stakeholders to conduct a readiness assessment in workshop setting as well as to identify priorities that will set the baseline and inform the development of the Digital Health Strategy.

This process will be undertaken on line in collaboration with the Technical Work Group (TWG) that will be working on the ground using the following proposed schedule/ approach. Prior to field visits and the workshop the consultant will:

• • provide the TWG and HIS with orientation to proposed process and approach- including an introduction to the tools and what they do and how they will be used in Solomon Islands;
• • conduct key informant interviews with key stakeholders to identify priorities for the readiness assessment;
• • review of key documents;
• • pre-workshop survey with workshop participants; and
• • Finalize the workshop design - methodology and agenda, participant list.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

A university degree in digital Health, IT, HIS, public health, or relevant fields with post graduate training in digital health or HIS.

EXPERIENCE

• • Work experience required: At least ten years of experience in the public health sector in areas similar to those included in this TOR.
• • Experience in developing digital health strategies at the national or provincial levels.

Desirable:

• • Experience in digital health in Pacific countries would be an asset.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Outstanding communication skills
• • Training skills
• • Proficiency in relevant HIS packages and Software Programs.

LANGUAGES

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.

COMPETENCIES

• • Ability to provide online support
• • Ability to communicate in credible and effective ways;
• • Ability to write clearly and effectively; and
• • Ability to produce results.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The consultancy will be provided on line and activities will be carried out in collaboration with the WHO-Solomon Island Team and the MHMS-TWG.

Starting Date: 20 January 2021

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists or companies should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 24 December 2020. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 119448 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.