International Consultant for Conducting Scoping and Feasibility Assessment of Developing the Electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (EIDSR) System – Namibia

TERMS OF REFERENCE

International Consultant for Conducting Scoping and Feasibility Assessment of Developing the Electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (EIDSR) System – Namibia

1. BACKGROUND
Namibia adopted its first edition of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) Technical Guidelines (TGs) in 2003 and started systematic implementation at all levels of the health system. The 2nd edition of the national IDSR TGs were adopted in 2011. The IDSR TGs have provided valuable guidance for surveillance, outbreak detection, investigation, response, and reporting in Namibia. The country adapted the 3rd edition of the IDSR TGs to further re-inforce the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks and other public health events as required by IHR (2005). In alignment with the Africa Regional IDSR Strategy (2020-2030), the Ministry of Health and Social Services, with support from partners, launched and started implementation of the IDSR 3rd edition in all health districts in 2023.

The implication of the third edition of IDSR Technical Guidelines is the real-time reporting of public health events and priority diseases using the digital platforms. MoHSS, with support from development partners, is in the process of implementing the electronic IDSR. The system will be implemented in the public health sector, with the potential to expand to the private health sector. In Namibia, current reliance on largely paper-based and non-interoperable systems presents significant challenges to accessing real-time data for early detection and response. This underscores the need to enhance surveillance through technological innovations.

Given the complexity and variety of mechanisms and platforms available, it is essential to evaluate what is feasible for the proposed e-IDSR system and to ensure that it is tailored to meet the country’s specific needs. Therefore, to fully understand the scope of the project, there is need to enlist consultancy to conduct a scoping and feasibility analysis for the national implementation of the e-IDSR .
2. OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY
The main objective of the consultancy is to conduct a scoping and feasibility assessment of developing the national electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (eIDSR) system in Namibia.

Scope of work
The firms/ individual consultants will work to carry out the following tasks:
Perform a technical review of the current IDSR and provide technical solutions for the development of the electronic IDSR, as detailed below:
Review the feasibility of developing an eIDSR operationally, financially and technically and advice on legal considerations and compliance requirements
Assess the flow of data reporting from points of healthcare service delivery and advice on the best electronic reporting point for eIDSR
Identify and gather the systems requirements and hardware infrastructure needs and detailing
Provide Bi-weekly reports to MoHSS and WHO eIDSR focal points on progress made
Develop a comprehensive feasibility report on the development and implementation of e-IDSR roadmap in Namibia

Other tasks for consultant
The consultant shall report and update their direct supervisor, bi-weekly (to track progress made and address challenges encountered during the phase).
At the beginning of the above consultation, all parties (the Consultant, WHO, MoHSS) must have common understanding of project deliverables
Failure to deliver the specified objectives of the project, is considered unsuccessful
3. Deliverables
MoHSS expects the consultant to complete and submit the following deliverables by 20 September 2024:
Review the feasibility of developing an eIDSR operationally, financially and technically and advice on legal considerations and compliance requirements – 25% initial remuneration
Conduct a multistakeholder meeting on the development and implementation of e-IDSR roadmap in Namibia
Provide multi-stakeholder meeting report – 25% remuneration
Develop and provide a comprehensive feasibility report on the development and implementation of e-IDSR roadmap in Namibia – 50% final remuneration

4. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The duration of the assignment is 1 month, 17 days (05 AUGUST to 20 SEPTEMBER 2024)
In-country throughout: 05 AUGUST to 20 SEPTEMBER 2024
5. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Identify the educational qualifications and expertise needed for the terms of reference outlined above.

Educational Qualifications
Bachelor of science in informatics/ health information systems, data science, computer science, computational epidemiology, public health informatics.

Desirable
Advanced university degree (Masters or higher qualification) in informatics/health information systems or other related fields.

Experience
At least five (5) years’ experience in data management or other related fields, and/or knowledge of local public health practices, with a minimum of 3 years inclusive at the international level in low and/or middle-income countries.

Desirable
A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in the development, integration, and delivery of scalable multi-country technology solutions related to national and international-level public health surveillance and/or intelligence efforts. At least 2 years must be recent and in an international context.

Skills/Knowledge
Experience contributing to the technical enhancement of surveillance, including engaging with public health stakeholders at the national, regional, or international levels.
Experience coordinating and managing the development of strategies, processes, and innovative technology solutions for public health across disciplines and sectors.
Demonstrated experience with technology solutions for strengthening public health surveillance and/or intelligence at the subnational through global levels.
Strong Knowledge of the DHIS2 tracker and e-IDSR platform and development of modules in the system
Strong knowledge of the IDSR public health management processes
Demonstrated experience with DHIS2 solutions and approaches.
Knowledge of the work of MoHSS, WHO, and/or UN would be an asset
Proven ability to use standard office software packages, conversant with common IT software including DHIS2 and Epi-info.
Languages and level required
Demonstrate expert oral and written communication skills, including presentations in English
6. Technical Supervision
Indicate the name and title of the supervisor with email address.
– Ms. Maria Shikongo, Strategic Health Information Officer, WHO Namibia.
7. Location
Please specify where the consultant will work: Works in Namibia during the full duration of the consultancy period
On site: WCO Namibia and Ministry of Health and Social Services during In-country: 05 August to 20 September 2024
Off site: N/A
On site for insurance purposes: WCO & MoHSS Namibia (please indicate location/address). (This is where a duty travel is planned during the course of the consultancy, but the consultant is being hired to work from home)

8. Travel – If travel is involved, full medical clearance is required
Please specify any expected travel(s): dates, location and purpose.
Travel to Windhoek, Namibia upon inception of the contract, from 05 August to 21 September 2024
A living expense is payable to on-site consultants

9. Remuneration and budget (travel costs excluded)
Rate: Grade P3 7,000 USD per month [TOTAL = 10,966.61 USD). 25% of total to be paid upon signing of contract (2,741.65 USD), 25% upon submitting the multi-stakeholder meeting report (2,741.65 USD) & remaining 50% (5483.31 USD) upon submission of final report].

Currency: USD

Work schedule (if applicable): 1month, 17 Days (05 August to 20 September 2024)