BACKGROUND

The current National Health Strategic Plan (NHSP) of Solomon Islands has been in place since 2016 and was supposed to end by 31st December 2020 but was extended till 31st December 2021. The strategic document serves as a guiding document to reform health service delivery and strengthen primary health care. The health system is currently in transition and the Solomon Islands Government has embarked on an ambitious reform agenda focused on devolving health services to the provinces and integration of health services. The Solomon Islands National Health Strategic Plan for 2016–2021 has four key result areas: improving service coverage; improving service quality; building strong partnerships; and setting the foundations for the future.

The NHSP identified six priority interventions: immunization; family planning; water, sanitation and hygiene; supervised hospital or facility- based deliveries and neonatal care; malaria control; and tuberculosis control. The plan also identifies four underserved provinces (Malaita, Makira, Choiseul and Central Islands) and two priority population groups (people with disabilities and women exposed to violence and abuse). The NHSP is aligned to the National Development Strategy 2016-2035 and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The overarching goal is UHC and the main driver to achieve this is the Role Delineation Policy. As necessary step for developing the next health strategy (2021-25), MHMS together with World Health Organization seek technical support to conduct a health situational analysis evaluation of progress of key results areas (KRAs) and the Outcomes and Objectives of the NHSP 2016-2020 from a quantitative and qualitative perspective.

During the last quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2021, a team that consists of and international team leader and 3 national consultants conducted in-depth review of the 2015-2021 NHSP and submitted a final report that provided findings, analysis of results and recommendations to inform the development of the new NHSP for 2022-2026. Virtual TA of an international consultant/firm are required to support the MHMS team develop the new plan assisted by a local consultant who will be recruited to work on the ground.       

Since the STC type of contract entails tremendous efforts in terms of follow up in terms of number of work and travel days and tracking attendance to ensure that deliverables will be submitted in time we opted to resort to the APW type of contract that ensures submission of timely deliverables within the planned budget.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

To provide guidance and technical assistance for the MHMS to 1) Analyse the NHSP 2015-2021 review report in preparation for the development of the new plan; 2) provide technical support to conduct MHMS division and stakeholder workshops, consultations or other meetings to develop the different sections of the new NHSP; and 3) draft a NHSP for 2022-2026 that incorporate comments of MHMS Senior Executives on the submitted draft.

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 NHSP for 2022-2026 submitted.

Activities:

• • Analyse the 2015-2021 NHSP review report and review its Recommendations Section for applicability.
• • Provide orientation and planning meetings with the various MHMS divisions and Programs to prepare for the development of the new NHSP sections and areas.
• • Ensure representation of all relevant stakeholders at all levels of the health system in the NHSP development, review and endorsement processes.
• • Review drafts and outcome of workshops Data and Prioritization
• • Follow up on the drafting of the NHSP and its M&E Plan.
• • Develop a plan for validation and decentralized socialization of strategy of the new NHSP.
• • Document the process and Debrief and next steps.
• • Coordinate/lead with other international and national consultants.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

To support the NHSP development task, the consultant will use tools to convene a representative group of key stakeholders to conduct Division and Program plans in workshop setting in light of the existing and expected role Delineation Policy (DRP), Annual Operational Plans (AOP) and other guiding documents and policies. This process will be undertaken online in collaboration with the other international or national consultant and the Policy and Planning Division (PPD) of the MHMS that will be working on the ground using the following proposed schedule/ approach. Prior to the workshops the consultant will:

• • provide the planning teams 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;
• • review the 2015-2021 NHSP Review Report, the RDP and other of key documents;
• • Finalize the workshop design - methodology and agenda, participant list;
• • Compile drafts and revise for consistency; and
• • Submit a final draft of 2022-2026 NHSP.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Degree in public health, health services management, health policy or relevant fields from recognized institutions, and/or experience as outlined below.

EXPERIENCE

At least fifteen years of experience in the public health sector, including more than ten years of international work experience in areas like those of this TOR. Experience in advising on public health policy or national health strategy for Pacific countries would be an asset.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Outstanding communication skills
• • Planning and 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 online and activities will be carried out in collaboration with the WHO-Solomon Island Team and the MHMS-Policy and Planning team.

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists or companies should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} with all subject matter and technical experts,  and Cover letter to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 08 July 2021.

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their total cost or rate and information of availability to begin work on 15 July and complete by 31 November 2021. Also include at least one example of similar work.

Please use Tender Notice No. 133531 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.