Home based : Digital Health Consultant - 238 working days between 15 July 2023 and 31 December 2024 - Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO)

Contract

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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, an advocate

Scope of work

Background: UNICEF is committed to focusing on Primary Health Care (PHC) for the Strategic Plan 2022-2025 which highlights that PHC is an effective approach towards the global SDG3 targets, including 3.8.1 on Universal Health Coverage. Advances in digital, mobile, and wireless technologies offer a unique opportunity to accelerate PHC efficacy and efficiency, especially at the community level and to increase health equity. UNICEF’s Approach to Digital Health outlines a common vision for digital health at UNICEF, identify strategic priorities for investments in digital health and describe UNICEF’s comparative advantage in supporting governments and coordinating and aligning with other organizations, civil society, private sector, and communities to leverage digital technologies to accelerate achievement of health sector and strategic plan priorities. While most countries now have some level of digitalization of their health system functions, there are considerable challenges: weak national governance and coordination, lack of alignment with national Digital Health strategies, where such strategies exist, weak digital systems and infrastructure, missing health systems architecture and standards that impact interoperability, adoption of platforms not fit-for-purpose, limited human resource capacity, and lack of sustainable financial or technical support models to facilitate sustainability and full government ownership. This has caused fragmented and uncoordinated implementation of small-scale pilots with multiple digital tools and software solutions (often targeting the same health workers) not integrated or in communication with health management information systems (HMIS) and unaddressed health system problems or Ministry of Health needs. Further, there is very little allowance for data safeguards, use of data analytics, or an understanding of how to use advanced technical solutions like AI and medical Decision Support Systems in a manner that supports healthcare service delivery while protecting the children. Public Health risk management therefore is highly compromised.

Purpose of Activity/Assignment

This role will provide technical leadership and assistance in the assessment, formulation, and implementation of digital health strategies in/for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the Europe and Central Region (ECAR). The individual consultant will enhance health system strengthening to UNICEF Country Offices (COs) by providing:

• support for the expansion and integration of digital health components into UNICEF CO Health programming
• assessment of country digital readiness and advising on strategic entry points for UNICEF COs
• support for engagement and operationalization of national digital health strategies and development of investment cases
• assistance for development and analysis of country requirements,
• technical assistance to country deployments, including consortium building, partnerships, and knowledge management. This includes identification, assessment, planning, coordination, design, documentation, and deployment of digital health solutions, with focus on solutions that address bottlenecks and challenges to health service delivery for women and children.
• recommendations and strategies for integration of digital development and technology innovation into the health programme planning lifecycle
• support for building capacity and knowledge within the UNICEF ECAR Health section on digital development
• training to UNICEF staff, partners, government stakeholders, and end users on creation and maintenance of quality digital health systems.

Description of the Assignment The individual consultant will provide technical support and guidance in assessing needs, strengthen government digital health programmes and UNICEF priority digital-enabled health interviews, build capacity, and create partnerships to address bottlenecks to health service delivery for children and women in the Europe and Central Asia Region. The individual consultant will also assist with the planning and coordination of the Digital Health flagship activities in the Region which include country coordination and support and resource mobilization.

The Individual consultant’s duties will include: 1. Provide Technical and Programmatic Support in Digital Health, for RMNCAH+N and immunization services, but also Ukraine crisis response and other emergencies 2. Support Policy and Strategy review and Development for Technology-enabled Health Programming 3. Engage and facilitate partnerships and networks Capacity Building 4. Facilitate Knowledge Management and advisory on effective use of Digital Health Data

Activity and Deliverables

A. Provide Digital Health advisory and review and analyze existing digital health inventory / mapping tools across ECAR, leverage work already completed such as WHO Digital Health Atlas (DHA) and by UNICEF (https://uni.cf/mapping-digital-health), establish a baseline for further work with country teams to evaluate availability of digital solutions for health systems and health service delivery, public health emergencies, and health system strengthening.A1. Situation analysis of digital health landscape mapping and assessment in 4 priority countries (26 days)August 2023 through February 2024 A2. Digital Health Advisory Document to 3 Priority Countries in ECAR (12 days)September 2023 through Dec 2024B. Provide Technical and Programmatic Support in Digital Health, for RMNCAH+N and immunization services, and Ukraine crisis response and other emergencies.B1. Participate in total 160 meetings of Health and DH&IS programs and initiatives. (32 days)July 2023 through Dec 2024 B2. Finalized draft Digital Adaptation Kit (DAK) for Home Visiting in consultation with ECD section and relevant country office (11 days)February 2024 B3. Roadmap of Telemedicine/digital Home Visiting solution in 1 priority country with a focused Technical Mission to the country. Days to be adjusted based on actual mission dates and include 2 travel days (16 days)December 2023 B4. Health Systems Strengthening with Digital Health in Environmental Health risk management Concept Note for 1 priority country (9 days)June 2024C. Policy and Strategy review and Development for Technology-enabled Health ProgrammingC1. Prepare Digital Health Policy Document on Data & AI in Digital Health (9 days)October 2023 C2. Digital Health Workplan 2024 (by February 2024) + MYR Update for 2024 (13 days)August 2024 C3. Digital Health in Emergencies with Health Security/Pandemic Preparedness, Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases risk management, ECD, and Nutrition Concept Note (9 days)December 2023D. Facilitate Knowledge Management, Capacity Building, and Partnership Management Build relationships and strengthen UNICEF ECARO involvement in digital health, health systems strengthening, and health security networks; close collaboration with UNICEF ECARO Health programmatic areas, Digital Health & Information Systems (DH&IS) UNICEF HQ, and WHO EUROD1. Develop finalized draft Deployment Kit of uSupport digital platform for Mental Health (19 days)January 2024 D2. Convergence WorkshopsOctober 2023 through February 2024 D2.a. Develop Concept Note to adopt Convergence Workshop mechanism for 1 country (3 days).October 2023 D2.b. Participate as observer in an active Convergence Workshop (5 days).November 2023 D2.c. Plan and Conduct Convergence Workshop in 1 country (10 days).November 2023 D2.d. Provide inputs and recommendations to WHO on new Convergence Workshop initiative (2 days)February 2024 D3. Plan and deliver Digital Health programmatic area session in 1 network meeting. Includes 2 travel days (5 days)October 2023 D4. Submit whitepaper to UNICEF HQ Digital Health & Information Systems on Business Model Innovation for Digital Health solutions (9 days)November 2023 D5. Guidance Note final draft submitted to UNICEF HQ Digital Health & Information Systems on Data and AI in Health (incl. chatbots, automation, health decision support, and social media). (16 days)May 2024 D6. Final report with details on regional coordination, partners engaged, brief assessment of digital health status for countries and programs supported, and identification of country needs for TA. (10 days)December 2024Deliverables based on need (up to a maximum of 259 days)

1. Digital Health Advisory Document to additional priority countries in ECAR. (4 days per Advisory Document)Up to 3 Advisory Documents for a total of 12 days2. Preparation (planning and coordination) for and conducting Technical Assistance (TA) Missions to Priority Countries including submission of Mission Reports. (19 days per TA Mission). Countries include but not limited to: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.

a. Preparation including planning and coordination and submission of Mission Report (6 days per country) b. Travel days (2 days per country) c. Mission days in addition based on actual dates.

Up to 9 TA Missions for a total of 171 days.3. Health Systems Strengthening Concept Notes for additional priority countries. (9 days per Concept Note)Up to 2 Concept Notes for a total of 18 days.4. Topical Concept Note on Digital Health or Health Information Systems. Relevant to country, regional, or Digital Health & Information Systems (HQ) contexts (9 days per Concept Note).Up to 3 Concept Notes for a total of 27 days.5. Plan and conduct Convergence Workshop in additional priority country. Includes submission of Concept Note for Convergence Workshop for each country relevant to their context. 2 travel days per country included. (13 days per Convergence Workshop)Up to 1 Convergence Workshop for a total of 13 days.6. Plan and deliver Digital Health programmatic area session in additional network and/or technical meetings. Includes 2 travel days. (9 days per network and/or technical meeting)Up to 2 network and/or technical meetings for a total of 18 days.Estimated Duration of the Contract

238 working days from 15 July 2023 to 31 December 2024

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

This is a remote consultancy, in the same time zone of Geneva or with maximum 2 hours’ time difference. Otherwise, consultant should confirm her/his ability to work as per Geneva office working hours.

As part of this assignment, there will be at least 4 travels from the home country to selected countries. The consultant will arrange her/his travel as and when they take place. Travel costs for any travel undertaken from home country will be reimbursed to the Consultant based on actual costs in support for the Activity.

Estimated Cost of the Consultancy & Payment Schedule

Payment of professional fees 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. Please propose a Professional Fee for 238 working days to undertake this assignment.

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

• Advanced university degree (Master's) in health informatics, computer science, public health/medicine, development studies or related field is required. Candidates with a first University degree in computer science, public health, or clinical health such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and 2 years of professional experience in digital health may also be considered for this consultancy.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required

Required experience

• 10 years of work experience of which minimum 5 years at the international level in digital health, from strategy/policy/governance to design/implementation of information systems and digital solutions Experience in providing technical assistance and thought leadership surrounding the design and implementation of digital solutions and/or health system strengthening, including health information system architectures and standards

Desirable experience and skills

• Experience advising on the development of digital health strategies, policies, or related regulations.
• Experience with project management, design and development of digital solutions, and ability to translate complex ideas from various areas into unified, clear guidance
• Experience with UNICEF, UN or other international NGOs in health (e.g., RMNCAH+N) and children/youth (e.g. early childhood development, adolescent mental health)
• Knowledge and experience working with Digital Public Goods (e.g. DHIS2, OpenMRS, OpenSRP, iHRIS, MoTECH, CommCare, RapidPro etc.) and related standards (e.g. OpenHIE)
• Knowledge and experience working with immunization information systems (including electronic immunization registries) and logistics management information systems, also geographic information systems (GIS)
• Experience with and knowledge of AI and AI-based platforms and smart medical solutions (e.g., medical devices) particularly in public health management or disease management
• Clinical experience, particularly with children/youth/adolescents is an asset
• Experience with any international organization in Europe and central Asia region is an asset
• Familiarity with WHO and UNICEF priorities in digital health is an asset

Other skills and attributes The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following competencies that are necessary to this consultancy: Core Competencies

• Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Able to quickly understand instructions, to proactively seek clarification when needed.
• Able to work well in a team environment.
• Demonstrates communication and relationship-building skills.
• Works in a multi-cultural environment and establishes harmonious and effective working relationships.

Functional Competencies

• Enterprise architecture design and standards and interoperability in digital health.
• Strong knowledge of digital health applications in health systems and public health.
• Ability to communicate and engage with experts and stakeholders from different fields, including policymakers, researchers, and the civil society.
• Works independently and is problem-solving oriented.
• Strong analytical, research and report writing skills.
• Effective project management skills.
• Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced environment.

Language Requirements Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of any other language(s) commonly used in European and Central Asian countries (e.g. Russian, Bosnian/Croatian/ Montenegrin / Serbian, Turkish or related languages) highly desirable.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS), and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Please include a full CV, and a Financial Proposal in your application by indicating your availability and a lumpsum based on 238 working days to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a professional fee will not be considered. 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.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants 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.