Consultants - Human Resources for Health Information System Specialist

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1. Purpose of the Consultancy

The consultant, as part of the Health Systems Development team at the WHO Country Office in Lao PDR will provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Lao PDR in analysing the current human resource information systems, identify and analyse the requirements of a new information management system, and provide recommendation.

2. Background

Accurate and timely health workforce data is crucial in health workforce planning, national referral, training, reducing, or eliminating misinformation and duplicate health worker records, improving regulation of practice and tracking appropriate licenses of health professionals. Hence, having a responsive human resource for health information system that can meet these data needs strengthen national health systems at all levels.

In Lao PDR, the Human Resource Personnel Information Management System (HPIMS) is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Health Personnel in the Ministry of Health maintains records of civil service staff of the Ministry of Health on this system. However, this system does not include records of contractual workforce and volunteers who constitute a significant proportion of the workforce are managed separately.

In this backdrop, there have been significant challenges in obtaining accurate statistics on the health workforce. Recognizing this issue, the Ministry of Health is interested in developing a human resources information management system which is interoperable with Ministry of Home Affairs’ HPIMS. To achieve this, MOH has sought technical support of WHO for comprehensive scoping and design efforts.

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3. Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date: 01/10/2023

End date: 31/12/2023

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4. Work to be performed

Under the direct guidance of Coordination, Health Systems Development, Technical Officer for Health Information System, and National Professional Officer for Human Resources for Health, the contracted consultant should review existing human resources for health (HRH) data systems. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive and thorough review of existing platforms got managing HRH data, identifying requirements for a new system, and provide recommendations on unifying all HRH data in one platform which is interoperable with HRPIMS, DHIS2, and other existing platforms.

Method(s) to carry out the activity

Under the close coordination and guidance of the WHO Coordinator for Health Systems and relevant technical officers in WCO Lao PDR, as well as the IT team of the Department of Health Personnel in the Ministry of Health, the consultant's role will involve conducting a thorough review of the current Health Personal Information Management Systems (HPIMS) and the software platforms used for managing records of contractual workers and volunteers. This review should align with WHO's recommendations on minimum datasets for health worker registries.

The consultant will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the existing systems, identify any gaps, and establish the specific requirements and objectives for the new system. This assessment will involve interviewing the IT team of the Department of Health Personnel and gaining a first-hand understanding of the currently used software systems.

Additionally, the consultant will provide support to the Department of Health Personnel in reviewing various Health Information Management Systems (HIMS) platforms as potential adoption options, with a preference for Digital Public Goods. Their comprehensive recommendations will be based on their findings, considering interoperability among different platform options, as well as with HPIMS and DHIS2. These recommendations will be informed by literature reviews and insights gathered from similar country implementations.

Output/s

Output 1: Review of current HRH information system landscape

Deliverable 1.1: Map all different data systems within Ministry of Health that capture HRH data

Deliverable 1.2: Conduct a comprehensive review of the various HRH systems/platforms used by the MOH and document their advantages and disadvantages

Deliverable 1.3: Clearly document information flow and data fields that are part of the different HRH databases

Output 2: Analyse the requirements for a new HRH information system

Deliverable 2.1: Gathering and documenting functional and technical requirements from stakeholders, including HR personnel, managers, and end-users. This involves conducting interviews, workshops, and surveys to capture the necessary information.

Deliverable 2.2: Develop detailed system requirement specifications for the HR information system

Output 3: Provide recommendations for a suitable platform to host Lao PDR HRH data

Deliverable 3.1: Conduct a thorough review of different platforms and document pros and cons and suitability for Lao PDR context

Deliverable 3.2: Present findings of the analysis, and recommendations to MoH and relevant stakeholders

The proposed Terms of Reference will be valid up to 24 months with renewals of the consultancy contract when needed, depending on the progress of the work and the government’s capacity and needs.

5. Specific requirements

- Educational qualification

Required: Bachelors level degree in health informatics, information systems management, human resource management or in a related filed from a recognized tertiary institution

Desirable: Postgraduate qualification in any of the aforementioned areas

- Experience

Required: At least 5 years of experience in information systems management with experience in human resources information systems

Desirable: Work experience in Lao PDR and/or other developing countries in the Asian Region

- Skills / Technical skills and knowledge

Required: HRIS expertise: In-depth knowledge and understanding of HR information systems, including their functionalities, architecture, and best practices. Familiarity with various HRIS software solutions and their capabilities is essential.

System analysis expertise: Ability to analyze the existing HR information system, assess its strengths and weaknesses, identify gaps, and determine the specific requirements and objectives for the new system.

Requirements Gathering expertise: Proficiency in gathering and documenting functional and technical requirements from stakeholders, including HR personnel, managers, and end-users.

Desirable: Ability to evaluate different HRIS technologies, considering factors such as interoperability, scalability, compatibility, security, and user-friendliness. This includes comparing and assessing the suitability of various software solutions or platforms and providing recommendations.

- Language requirements

Excellent proficiency in English is essential, basic understanding of Lao is desirable.

6. Competencies

Producing results

Teamwork

Communicating effectively

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

7. Place of assignment

Vientiane capital

8. Medical clearance

Yes

9. Travel

This role requires the candidate to be physically present in Vientiane Capital and hence, air-travel to Vientiane Capital and return ticket would be provided including 1 month per-diem if consultant is based outside the country.

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
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