Data visualization developer consultant for Epidemiological Model of Dengue in Brazil, Home Based

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UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

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BR Home-based; Brasilia (Brazil)

Application deadline 2 years ago: Tuesday 27 Jul 2021 at 02:55 UTC

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Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Background & Rationale

A considerable number of people in the Brazilian population are affected by the spread of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya every year, all transmitted by the same mosquito species (primarily Aedes aegypti). In 2016, more than 1.5 million cases of Dengue were reported and in 2020 close to a million cases were registered, putting additional pressure on the public health system in a time when Covid-19 was already causing unparallel harm. To make matters worst, safe and effective vaccines are not available for these diseases, leaving interventions that combat Aedes mosquitoes as the only means of prevention and control. This depends critically on quality implementation and quick response. Forecasting new epidemic events could, therefore, have a major impact on reducing the burden of these diseases.

In this context, UNICEF Brazil piloted the development of a solution to link historical and eventually real-time data on Dengue cases associated with different states and municipalities to forecast the spread of the disease and facilitate the focus of timely interventions in the main geographic nodes of dispersion. The models and proposed platforms were developed in partnership with the University of Notre Dame (ND) and explored both semi-mechanistic Dengue transmission simulations, as well as Deep Learning models trying to gather many tools to be refined and combined in the search for better outcomes.

However, data analysis and model development are the initial stages of the process. One of the focus of the work is on effective communication with the public and with public authorities, therefore it's important the implementation of data communication platforms, using the power of the web as the main channel of propagation for the information gathered.

The project already completed two stages. First, gathering data of past epidemic events and human spatial mobility to be used by the various simulation models of dengue virus transmission. Second, developing computational models for dengue transmission that enable promising predictions of future epidemics in a specific location.

Now we reach the third stage, going for the development of data visualizations tools incorporating some of the models developed as well as the data gathered during the development of the project. It focus on ease-of-use for final users and effective communication through the universal medium of the web.

Purpose

This consultancy will work with UNICEF M&E Team in Brasilia and the Data Scientist Consultant. The main goal is to develop and write the code for data visualizations based on the gathered Dengue data and the developed epidemiological models. The consultant is expected to work remotely, with weekly meetings previously scheduled with the stakeholders of the project.

1. Expected result: Workplan

1.1. Deliverable: Work plan with the formal descriptions of the visual solutions to be developed, defined through a collaborative requirement gathering process.

1.2. Duration: 2 weeks

1.3. Deadline: 29 July 2021

1.4. Payment: 20%

2. Expected result: Interactive data visualizations on the incidence of Dengue in Brazil

2.1. Deliverable: interactive data visualization graphs focused on the historical incidence of dengue in Brazilian states that can incorporate temporal series and geolocated information.

2.3. Duration: 1 month and 2 weeks

2.4. Deadline: 12 September 2021

2.5. Payment: 40%

3. Expected result: development of thematic web pages about Dengue

3.1. Deliverable: set of web pages that presents the forecast interactively done by the models through the visualizations.

3.2. Duration: 1 month

3.3. Deadline: 12 October 2021

3.4. Payment: 40%

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

  • Drive for results
  • Ability to produce high quality analysis
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Ability to timely collect required data
  • Ability to effectively communicate

Technical background, and experience

Required:

  • Advanced degree in communication, computer science, design, engineering, health sciences, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research focused on data communication and/or experience in Front-end development Jobs focused on graphics and design.
  • Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript and D3.js.
  • Knowledge of some UX prototyping tool (Sketch, Figma, etc.).
  • Proven – via portfolio check - writing and editing skills, and ability to convey complex ideas in a creative, clear, and direct style.

Desired:

  • Experience with data communication projects focused on the healthcare field.
  • Experience with the use of web programming notebooks (specifically Observablehq.com).
  • Knowledge of Python and / or R.

General Conditions: Procedures and Logistics

  • Consultant will work from home using own equipment and stationery. UNICEF will provide office space for consultative meetings when needed.
  • For Consultant’s, travel costs should be included in the consultant’s fee.
  • No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or individual Contractor
  • Consultants will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.

Financial Proposal

  • Costs indicated are estimated. Final rate shall follow “best value for money” principle, i.e., achieving the desired outcome at the lowest possible fee.

  • A financial proposal including the fee for the assignment based on the deliverables and number of days must be submitted. Consultants and individual contractors are asked to stipulate all-inclusive fees, including lump sum travel and subsistence costs, as applicable.

  • The payment will be based on submission of agreed deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

Insurance and health coverage

  • The contractor is fully responsible for arranging, at his or her own expenses, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the term of the contract as he or she considers appropriate.
  • The contractor is not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to UNICEF and United Nations staff members.

    Restrictions

  • Consultants may not receive training at the expense of UNICEF. Notwithstanding, consultants and individual contracts must complete the applicable mandatory trainings.

  • In case of government officials, the contract cannot be issued without prior written clearance by the Government​, or unless on leave without pay.

UNICEF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unicef.org