Sr. Health Information Systems Expert

Job Description

USAID/Tanzania, through GH-TAMS, seeks candidates to provide short-term support with possible extension to its Health Information Systems portfolio and lead policy, technical and program management for information systems in Tanzania. Level of effort is 130 days beginning as soon as possible.

Background

Over the past couple of years, Tanzania has witnessed the expansion of efforts to improve information systems and data use as reflected by prominent initiatives emerging both out of the Government of Tanzania (GoT) and the donor community. The overall goal of these efforts is to build systems for data driven decision making in-service delivery, management, and governance. Information systems, as an integral part of health systems strengthening, are critical for improved health outcomes. USAID is looking for a Senior Health Informatics and Information Systems Advisor (Senior Advisor) to provide policy, technical and program management expert for Information Systems in Tanzania.

Responsibilities

The consultant will support the Health Systems Strengthening (HSS Team) to provide strategic and technical expertise to the USAID/Tanzania Health Office and the interagency USG PEPFAR team. The consultant will provide advisory and deep technical acumen, including hands-on health information system/ information technology (HIS/IT) technical expertise, conduct results-oriented analysis, manage communications in close collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders including GoT, USAID, and other USG agencies.
S/he will work with other offices at USAID and within the interagency community to guide USAID/Tanzania’s strategic engagement and support of activities that ensure a more cohesive and harmonized Information Systems strategy for Tanzania.

Major Tasks & Activities

● Enhance USAID/Tanzania’s capacity to manage and integrate information systems across projects and activities.
● Build capacity of mission and partners to effectively use information systems to support USG priorities in the health sector.
● Improve the coordination of information systems activities.

Example tasks include:
o Provide support for Information Systems portfolio planning and activity development as part of PEPFAR COP planning
o Review current progress of USAID support of Tanzania (mainland and Zanzibar) digital health strategy, roadmaps and plans
o Define steps and actions for more harmonized and coordinated approach to the information and data management systems across USAID portfolio
o Provide technical input to improved systems integration and facilitate data collection, management and use within IP activities
o Support specific data interoperability activities, data systems development in support of unique technical needs (PEPFAR, PMI, MCH/FP)
o Define and develop recommendations for USAID’s support for key national level initiatives including AFYACare GoTHMIS and Digital Health Strategy, etc.
o Participate in critical GoT forums and discussions on the Information Systems arena in Tanzania, e.g. Health Data Collaborative, Data Use Partnership etc.
o Contribute to critical coordination activities and mechanisms including the USG HIS Inventory System and build on the work done under the inter-agency space to streamline these efforts
o Conduct consultations with key teams at USAID and other USG agencies to define the opportunities for continued USAID support
o Maintain high level of communication and close working relationships with USAID Tanzania staff, IPs, and other key stakeholders operating in the information systems arena in Tanzania

Qualifications

● Master’s degree or higher in public health, health informatics, computer science, management information systems, public or business administration or a related social science field.
● Minimum thirteen years of relevant technical experience with master’s degree or a minimum fifteen years of relevant technical experience with bachelor’s degree.
● Experience with PEPFAR data reporting systems including DATIM, SIMS and expertise in building national level capacities for information systems – including national client registries, data harmonization etc.
● Extensive knowledge of health informatics, information technology and public health IT standards and applications. Experience with the following a large plus: electronic medical records, laboratory information systems, DHIS, and health information exchange.
● Demonstrated experience managing the full software development lifecycle of mid-to large-sized projects (i.e. crossing multiple program areas and conflicting needs; Proven experience with managing the development or sourcing of health information systems that are currently in use.
● Active user and proponent of Open Source solutions Proven ability to oversee the design or modification of sophisticated computer applications to meet data collection and reporting requirements.