BACKGROUND

The WHO Lao PDR Country Office will contract an Immunization Data Expert (IDE) consultant. This position will be contracted for at least 1 year starting in July 2021, with the potential for renewal. This IDE will work under the supervision of the Lao PDR WHO Country Office, in coordination with the NIP and NCLE. The primary objective of this consultancy will be to implement the Data Quality Improvement Plan (DQIP) and oversee the improved use of data at the national and sub-national levels. The consultant will support rollout and implementation of COVID-19 vaccination registry (CVR), regularly analyse COVID-19 vaccination data for sharing with to MoH and partners. 

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The Consultancy is seeking a consultant to provide technical assistance and capacity building to the National Immunization Program (NIP) and National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE) to strengthen immunization and vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) surveillance data management and use. S/he will also contribute to the promotion of the use of high-quality data for better decision-making.   This consultancy will also support data-related aspects of the COVID-19 response in Lao PDR. 

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Output/s

The Immunization Data Expert (IDE) consultant is responsible for completing the following tasks and activities, including but not limited to:

1. Act as technical data quality advisor to the NIP and NCLE to build capacity for data management and use at the national, provincial, district, and health center levels in Lao PDR.
2. Support rollout of Electronic Immunization Register (EIR) in Lao PDR.
3. Support COVID-19 vaccination data management
4. Support use of geospatial technologies for better planning of immunization activities to identify missed communities and zero dose children
5. Support revision of training materials and rollout EPI data management training;
6. expand the functionality of DHIS-2, in line with programmatic priorities, for better availability, quality and use of data for action
7. Support in-country stakeholders to implement the Lao PDR Data Quality Improvement Plan (DQIP) including liaising between the WHO Lao PDR Country Office and all in-country partners and stakeholders (ie: MOH NIP, MOH NCLE, CDC Lao PDR, UNICEF Lao PDR) to coordinate in-country meetings and conference calls as needed to monitor and review the agreed DQIP
8. Support the establishment of subnational data strengthening interventions following the Immunization and Surveillance Data Strengthening (ISDS) approach 
9. Manage the dissemination/collection of materials and information with in-country partners and follow-up for any specific issues including as related to Gavi transition readiness
10. Analyze and report on immunization and surveillance activities on a monthly basis to all in-country partners and stakeholders, especially as related to the impact of COVID-19 on coverage of routine immunization  
11. Support the regular supervision of the reporting, analysis, management and use of data for decision making in conjunction with MOH NIP, MOH NCLE and the WHO Lao PDR Country Office.
12. Ensure data strengthening activities are included within immunization strategic and annual operational plan (AOP).
13. Any other activities deemed necessary by the WHO Lao PDR Country Office  

Output/s

Output 1: HMIS Functionality and DHIS2 expanded use; program enabled to use data for action and monitor their immunization performance in DHIS2.

• Deliverable 3.1: EIR rolled out in selected provinces;
• Deliverable 3.2: Interactive dashboard developed for EPI;
• Deliverable 3.3: SIA and AEFI data integrated in the DHIS2

Output 2: Capacity of sub-national EPI staff strengthened on EPI and surveillance data management

• Deliverable 2.1: Training material for EPI data management finalized; Support NIP and NCLE to conduct EPI and vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) surveillance data management training to province and district EPI and DHIS2 officers
• Deliverable 2.2: Two round of DQAs completed and provinces have clear recommendations for to address data quality issues; provincial capacity to conduct data quality desk review and DQS and implement recommendations is strengthened
• Deliverable 2.3: Support NIP to ensure ISDS activities sustained/expanded in the existing 6 provinces and 4 additional provinces.

Output 3: STRATEGIC USE OF DATA - coordination of data improvement efforts within the MCHC/NIP Data Technical Working Group (TWG) and the WHO CO

• Deliverable 3.1: Support NIP to establish requisite data expertise to efficiently manage and strengthen the immunization program in view of Gavi transition and annual Joint Reporting Form (JRF) exercise
• Deliverable 3.2: Prepare report on the progress of elements of the Lao PDR Data Quality Improvement Plan (DQIP) to be reviewed and endorsed by Data TWG
• Deliverable 3.3:  Convene regular (at least once per quarter) cross-WHO meeting to ensure alignment across EPI, WHE, and HSD/HIS
• Deliverable 3.4: Support development and implementation of EPI M&E framework

Output 4: Accurate and complete COVID-19 vaccination data available and in use

• Deliverable 4.1: COVID-19 vaccination registry (CVR) rolled out and implemented in all provinces
• Deliverable 4.2: National and province-level dashboards developed and shared with the users
• Deliverable 4.2: Regular feedback on COVID-19 vaccination progress provided to MoH and partners including capacity building on its use

Output 5: Better planning of immunization activities to identify missed communities and zero dose children through the use of geospatial technologies

• Deliverable 5.1:  Digital HF catchment map developed and distributed to HFs

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Minimum first university degree from a recognized university in public health, information systems, or other related field; advanced university degree is desirable.

EXPERIENCE

At least seven years of experience in the development of health data management solutions at senior level including two years’ experience in an advisory and/or teaching capacity is essential. Experience in immunization and vaccine preventable disease (VPD) surveillance an advantage. Working experience in Lao PDR (or similar setting) highly desirable.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Sound knowledge in the planning, implementation and evaluation of data management activities. Initiative and adaptability to work in developing countries. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

Proven skills and in-depth knowledge of data quality assessment, visualization and analysis.

Good knowledge and experience in necessary software/Systems (DHIS2, GIS, STATA, EPI Info and Tableau);

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.

COMPETENCIES

1. Producing results.
2. Fostering integration and teamwork.
3. Communicating in a credible and effective way

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• • Extensive travel within Lao PDR will be required; some international travel
• • Duration of contract is for initial period of 1 year starting 1 July 2021

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 21 May 2021. 

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. 128321 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.