Background information:
* Since the beginning of 2018, ESHE has engaged counties in work planning sessions where technical assistance intervention areas for improved access and uptake of FP services have been prioritised. So far, the counties of Baringo, Wajir, Garrissa, Mandera, Samburu and Turkana have been engaged in this process and work plans to be implemented have been developed.
* Health information systems (HIS) strengthening has been identified as a priority area for technical assistance. To ensure more targeted technical assistance, some counties have requested rapid HIS needs assessment to define the specific HIS bottlenecks/gaps as well as solutions and strategies to address those bottlenecks. Some have requested for more specific HIS technical assistance.
* To respond to these county requests, the ESHE programme seeks services of experienced HIS consultants to provide technical assistance to the counties. Based on the outcome of the initial support, the consultant may be further assigned to provide more targeted technical assistance to specific counties.
Purpose of the assignment:
The overall purpose of this consultancy is to provide targeted health information systems strengthening technical assistance to selected counties supported under the DFID funded ESHE program. This support is expected to strengthen data quality for monitoring FP response as well as promoting effective use of data for decision making in FP programming. While some tasks are general and may apply to all focus counties, county specific HIS technical assistance areas will be defined as part of the rapid HIS capacity strengthening needs assessment. The specific tasks to be implemented are as outlined in the matrix below.
Tasks and deliverables:
This section of the ToR presents HIS strengthening tasks that have already been requested by the counties. The table presents a general description of the tasks which may slightly change based on inception discussions with the specific counties. While the ToR presents proposed methods and approaches, prospective consultants are encouraged in consultation with the HSS Advisor to propose additional innovative approaches for implementing the outlined tasks.
TasksProposed LoEDeliverables
* Undertake rapid HIS capacity strengthening needs assessment 7 days per county
* Detailed county specific report outlining the health information system gaps/bottlenecks, solutions and strategies for addressing the gaps, proposed targeted ESHE TA to address identified bottlenecks and a county agreed action plan for implementing the proposed ESHE technical assistance.
* DHIS training 8 days
* DHIS Training agenda
* Power point presentations and any other relevant training materials including case studies for group activities
* Training report with action plan for implementing skills attained
* Data Quality Assessments and Audits 8 days per county
* DQA tool with special focus on FP
* Training agenda, power point presentation and other relevant training materials
* DQA report
Prospective consultants must meet the following minimum qualifications and skills:
* Advanced degree in information Science, statistics, health records management, monitoring and evaluation, demography, public health epidemiology or related field
* Demonstrated experience in providing health systems strengthening support to counties including in DHIS training
* Demonstrated expertise in HMIS and familiarity with the DHIS2 platform
* An understanding of relevant indicators used to track family planning service provision
* Good written and oral communication skills
* Experience developing and implementing training programs in health information systems
Timeframe:
Although timing may change based on the inception meetings with the targeted counties, tasks outlined in these terms of reference are to be implemented within the month of July and August 2018. The DHIS training for Mandera County is specifically planned for implementation starting the week of July 4th 2018. The final schedule for each task will be developed and agreed with the specific counties.
Reporting:
The consultant will report to and work under supervision of the Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) advisor. All deliverables will be approved by the ESHE Team Leader with guidance of the HSS Advisor.
Organization Description:
Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact - the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.
For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved - and is committed to continuing to improve - economies, societies and most importantly, people's lives.
Palladium is a child-safe organisation, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children. We also provide equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.
About the ESHE family planning programme:
The ESHE family planning project is supported by DFID and managed by Palladium. The intended impact of the ESHE FP programme is increased use of FP among women of reproductive age including adolescent girls, and the expected outcomes are greater access to more FP choice, including for the poorest Kenyans.
The programme is underpinned by four outputs namely:
Output 1: Increased access, choice and quality of FP
Output 2: Ineased awareness for FP and reduction of socio-cultural barriers
Output 3: Greater involvement and sustainability of the private sector
Output 4: Total Market Approach3 (TMA) for FP effectively planned, coordinated and supported
In collaboration with partners, ESHE has reach in 40 counties. The programme provides a range of client-focussed and high-quality services and products through both the public and the private sector; scale up demand for services and break-down socio-cultural barriers that can prevent women and girls from using family planning. We place importance on strengthening health systems to ensure availability, access and utilisation of quality FP services. As a technical assistance programme, ESHE partners closely with the national and county Ministries of Health. Palladium provides technical support through its core team of staff and also through expert consultants who are hired to provide technical assistance on specific short-term assignments.
