Project Manager – Data Analytics and Digitalization International Consultant (for 9 Months, 5 Months Home-Based and 4 Months in Kabul, Afghanistan)

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:
Afghanistan’s healthcare system requires robust data management to support the Health Emergency Response (HER) project effectively. UNICEF seeks an experienced International Consultant to lead data analytics and digitalization initiatives, emphasizing the deployment of the mSupply system. This role is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of the supply chain in procurement and logistics, ensuring rapid delivery of healthcare services across the country. This 10-month (200 working days) consultancy will adopt a hybrid working model, with a duration of 4 months of on-site support (1-month assignments) to establish a strong foundation and direct engagement, and additional 6 months of remote work. This approach allows for hands-on involvement in the critical early stages and continued, flexible support to drive substantial improvements and success throughout the project’s lifecycle

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, Protection 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbkJiMmvKqk

How can you make a difference? 

Background:

Afghanistan’s health landscape is currently facing significant challenges, marked by resource constraints and an increasing demand for support. These challenges are made worse by the use of separate digital systems and the old-fashioned way of relying on paper for everything. In response, the Health Emergency Response (HER) project, supported by the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) and the Global Financing Facility (GFF), aims to address these critical issues head-on. The project’s mission is to transform health services across the nation by enhancing the efficiency of monitoring systems, improving access to medical supplies, and elevating the quality of health service delivery. This initiative is designed to close the gaps in the current health framework, optimize the management of medical resources, and significantly boost health outcomes throughout Afghanistan. Through a concerted effort, the HER project not only seeks to ameliorate existing healthcare services but also to lay the groundwork for a robust, future-proof medical infrastructure in Afghanistan.

Scope of Work:

The International Consultant, assigned to drive data analytics and digitalization for the Health Projects, will play an extensive role in shaping and advancing the digital landscape of Afghanistan’s healthcare supply chain. This will involve overseeing and refining a variety of digital and analytical solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of the health supply chain.

The consultant will act as a support to UNICEF Afghanistan Country Office (ACO), facilitating collaboration among healthcare providers, UNICEF, MoPH officials, and partners. This role emphasizes enhancing the team’s ability to successfully implement and leverage data and digital tools in health systems. The consultant will provide critical support, sharing expertise in data analytics and digitalization to empower CO staff and stakeholders, thereby contributing significantly to the HER project’s success by improving health supply chain management.

The consultant’s primary duties will include:

– Dashboard Development and Management:

Design, develop, and manage custom and non-duplicated dashboards for the HER project, with a specific focus on the needs of the Afghanistan Country Office (ACO) Supply and Logistics section. These dashboards will harness data from various Service Providers to offer real-time insights into supply chain operations, integrating health and supply data for a comprehensive project impact view. Developed in close collaboration with the ACO, these tools aim to enhance strategic decision-making and operational efficiency and leveraging and utilizing available SD supply dashboards to provide informed decisions.

–  Capacity Building and Training on supply data analytics and reporting:

Develop guideline and conduct comprehensive training programs emphasizing effective data analytics and reporting skills. Equip UNCIEF staff, Service Provider data personnel (and/or pharmacist) with the proficiency to utilize digital tools for improved decision-making and operational efficiency, focusing on transitioning from interim Excel-based to eLMIS reporting systems.

–  eLMIS Implementation and Training:

Oversee the rollout of the eLMIS system (mSupply), ensuring its seamless integration into the current healthcare supply chain management processes.

Integration mSupply essential medicine with immunization related commodities, and pilot DHIS2 Logistics module (immunization) to optimize subnational vaccine monitoring. This integration aims to enhance data sharing and improve supply chain management. Key deliverables include the successful completion of the integration, a pilot program to assess the system’s functionality and user adaptability, and a detailed report to Gavi outlining the integration process, pilot outcomes, and impact on the supply chain, scheduled for completion and submission.

Manage to conduct targeted training sessions for UNICEF, MoPH, and Service Provider (SP) personnel. These sessions will cover the practical aspects of utilizing new digital tools and systems, aiming to elevate their proficiency in navigating the digital healthcare ecosystem effectively.

–  Supply Chain Digitalization Knowledge Management:

Lead the development and operationalization of a centralized knowledge management framework. This involves coordinating the collection, analysis, and sharing of data analytics insights across the healthcare supply chain.

Facilitate the creation and adoption of a digital platform that centralizes data analytics tools, digitalization resources, and key learnings from the field. This platform will serve as a cornerstone for sharing best practices and enhancing data-driven decision-making capabilities within the healthcare system.

–  Supervisory Work:

Provide technical guidance and supervision to national consultants who coordinate mSupply (data reporting) training with AFIAT for Service Providers (SPs). Monitor and evaluate the training’s effectiveness, ensuring the material and delivery meet project standards. Ensure the consultants’ adherence to the objectives and quality expectations of the training programs.

Objectives:

Develop and oversee a data analytics framework tailored to the healthcare supply chain and logistics management within the Health Project. 

Lead the integration and scaling up of the mSupply platform across health facilities.

Facilitate the transition from manual excel based data collection to digital records, ensuring accurate and timely data for decision-making.

Capacity Building and Training on supply data analytics and reporting’ and ‘eLMIS Implementation and Training.

The Major Tasks to be Completed:

Dashboard Development:  Creating tailored dashboards based on ACO Supply and Logistics section needs, using data from Service Providers for strategic insights.

Capacity Building and Training on supply data analytics and reporting: Guiding Service Provider personnel through training programs on effective data analytics, reporting skills, and the transition to eLMIS systems.

eLMIS Implementation and Training: Overseeing eLMIS (mSupply) integration and conducting practical training sessions for UNICEF, MoPH, and SP personnel.

Supportive Collaboration: Facilitating partnership among healthcare stakeholders, aiding UNICEF ACO in leveraging digital tools for health system improvements.

Knowledge Management: Leading a digital platform development for centralized data analytics insights, enhancing decision-making capabilities within the healthcare system.

Supervisory Work: Providing technical supervision to national consultants on mSupply training, ensuring adherence to project standards and effective training delivery.

Work Assignments Overview	Deliverables/Outputs	Delivery Deadline
Dashboard Development and Management:
Task 1.1: Conduct a thorough analysis of ACO Supply and Logistics section needs.	A detailed report documenting the ACO Supply and Logistics section’s requirements, including the designed dashboard prototypes that integrate health and supply data for strategic decision-making.	31st August 2024 (20 Working Days)
Task 1.2: Design, develop, and deploy tailored dashboards, ensuring no duplication and full integration of health and supply data.	1.1    Interactive Dashboards for supply, procurement, logistics operations 1.2    Update the Dashboard for supply, procurement, logistics operations.	30st Sep 2024 (10 Working Days) 15th Dec 2024 (10 Working Days)
Capacity Building and Training on Data Analytics and Reporting:
Task 2.1: Create a comprehensive guideline for data analytics and reporting training.	Training guideline and materials for trainer	30th Sep 2024 (20 Working Days)
Task 2.2: Oversee trainings for Service Provider data personnel, focusing on the data entry (quality, integrity) and transition from Excel to eLMIS systems.	Report on training sessions including participant feedback	31st March 2025 (20 Working Days)
Supporting Collaborative Engagement:
Task 3.1:  Facilitate communication and collaboration between healthcare providers, UNICEF, MoPH, and external partners.	3. 1 A summary report of facilitated collaborative engagements, highlighting key discussions, agreed actions, and a roadmap for ongoing partnership between healthcare providers, UNICEF, MoPH, and external partners.	31st March 2025 (13 Working Days)
Task 3.2:  Share expertise in data analytics and digitalization to enhance project implementation and health supply chain management.
Supply Chain Digitalization Knowledge Management:
Task 4.1:  Develop a digital platform (SharePoint) for consolidating data analytics tools and resources, facilitating best practice sharing.	4.2 Digital Platform Setup for sharing data analytics tools, resources, and lessons learned of data reporting and eLMIS implementation.	10th Nov 2024 (20 Working Days)
eLMIS Implementation and Training:
Task 5.1:  Plan the integration of eLMIS systems into existing healthcare supply chain management processes.	5.1 Work plan for eLMIS System Rollout Plan, focusing on mSupply integration.	31st Aug 2024 (13 Working Days)
Task 5.2 Integrate mSupply (essential medicines and vaccines) and pilot DHIS2 Logistics module (Immunization)	Progress report on integration within mSupply (essential medicines and vaccines), including master data, testing and validation to ensure data accuracy and system compatibility. Pilot Implementation: Launch a pilot program to evaluate the integrated system’s effectiveness in a real-world setting, focusing on user adaptability and system reliability.   Supporting reporting to Gavi: Compile and submit a comprehensive report detailing the integration process, pilot program outcomes, and overall impact on supply chain efficiency to Gavi.	31st Oct 2024 Summary report 30th Nov 2024 (10 Working Days) 31st December 2024 (25 Working Days) 30th April 2025 (25 Working Days)
Task 5.3:  Lead targeted training sessions on the practical use of digital tools and systems for UNICEF, MoPH, and SP personnel.	5.2 An integration report detailing the process, challenges, and successes of integrating eLMIS systems into the healthcare supply chain, accompanied by a comprehensive training summary, outlining the scope, coverage, and impact of the sessions conducted.	1st summary – 31st October 2024 Final report – 30th April 2025 (30 Working Days)

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• An Advanced Degree in Data Science, Public Health, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Information Management, or a related field
• A minimum of 8 years’ experience in Data Analytics within the healthcare sector, preferably in emergency response or in resource-limited settings.
• Proven expertise in handling large datasets and experience with data visualization software.
• Demonstrable success in digital health initiatives and system implementations.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Advanced IT literacy (MS Office suites, Data visualization tool (PowerBI or Tableau).
• Excellent knowledge of English.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Applications must include:

• Cover letter.
• Resume.
• Samples of previous work.
• Financial offer in USD. (This should only be the day rate for working days.
• Applications submitted without financial and technical proposals will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advanced to the next stage of the selection process.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

 To view our competency framework, please visit here. 

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

Remarks:  

Interested consultants are required to apply online, indicating availability and all-inclusive lump sum fee to undertake the terms of reference.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.