UNICEF Careers 2013. Consultant Job

UNICEF Somalia Careers 2013
REF: UNSOM/2013/045
Title:Health Management Information System (HMIS) Consultant
Type of Contract:Special Service Agreement (SSA)
Length Of Contract:Five (5) months
Organization Unit:Programme
Duty Station:Nairobi
Closing date of Application:4 November 2013
If you are qualified and looking for a chance to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable Somali children while gaining opportunities for career growth, you are invited to apply for the above consultancy with UNICEF Somalia.
If successful, you’ll be part of a dynamic and passionate team in Somalia and Nairobi that works together to improve the health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, and basic education of Somali girls and boys and protect them from violence, exploitation and abuse.
Background:
The importance of a health information system cannot be ignored because health policies and planning in any country mostly depend on the correct and timely information on various health issues.
Health managers need accurate and timely information on health statistics and management operations to gauge the utilization of their services, the effectiveness of their operations and to support the government to understand and monitor the prevailing health conditions of the communities.
UNICEF is supporting Health Management Information System (HMIS) in Somalia since 2007 and collects monthly data from Maternal and Child Health centers. Currently HMIS is generating information and its coverage is encouraging, but at the same time, it has room for strengthening at various levels. The HMIS approach seems more ‘data driven’ than ‘action oriented’.
As part of UNICEF continuous efforts to support the strengthening of routine HMIS from various health facilities, and the management and use of data at various levels, it is the process of strengthening a HMIS that addresses the problem of timely availability of reliable and accurate information.
Purpose: The overall objective of the consultancy is to strengthen a system for routine HMIS data collection, collation, aggregation, and analysis to enhance the use of data.
The Consultant will support the national HMIS system in generating service and disease specific data and enhancing use for program performance. In addition, the HMIS consultant will work closely with HMIS stakeholders on all technical matters.
S/he will be based in Nairobi and supports the program activities with frequent travel (15% time) to the field for HMIS purposes. The position will report to the Maternal & Child Health Specialist Specialist, UNICEF Somalia Support Centre (USSC), Nairobi.
Main Duties / Responsibilities:
The assignment includes: Data collation and information
Ensure all data according to the National Indicator Data Set is collected using standard data element definitions and data collection tools on time from all three zones.
Ensure that the zonal Data flow system is implemented throughout the country during collection of data.
Integrate, where appropriate, vertical data collection systems into the current routine data collection system i.e. malaria, HIV.
Ensure that all ad-hoc information needs, surveys and additional information required from facilities are channeled through the HMIS.
Assist each zonal Ministry of Health (MOH) or agency to submit timely HMIS monthly compiled facility (HP/MCH/Hospital) HMIS data and database Data cleaning and entry:
Clean and process HMIS/monitoring data, and submit data for central processing on time at data base.
Ensure all data is correct, complete and consistent
Run validation checks and data integrity checks
Set data quality standards for national HMIS system Data analysis and interpretation:
Analyzing HMIS data and other pertinent data by facility, district, region and zone to monitor the national health program direction and achievement Report writing:  Prepare Quarterly HMIS reports, contribute in preparation of annual HMIS report;
Prepare lessons learned etc. that are useful for Monitoring & Evaluation / HMIS documentation Data dissemination:  Ensure timely transmission of information and data from the MoH-HMIS departments, to other relevant stakeholders. Data storage/Data base management:
Ensure that the HMIS database in UNICEF are functional and in use
Co-ordinate and maintain a central data repository of information. Feedback:
Provide Monthly feedback to MOH, partners and health facilities on data quality, timeliness and submission rates.
Deliverables:
Submission of monthly HMIS reports based on HMIS zonal data
Submission of HMIS 3rd and 4th quarter reports
Submission of annual HMIS 2013 report
Submission of HIV/Malaria report for Global fund
Final consultancy report
Duration & Renumeration
This consultancy would be initially for five months (with possibility of extension if regular HMIS specialist not hired) and fees will be negotiated.
Consultancy fee will be paid on submission of deliverables.
For non-residents in Kenya, USD 3,000 per month subsistence allowance (on prorated basis) will be paid irrespective of the consultant being in Nairobi or inside Somalia. During missions in Somalia, the consultant will get DSA as per policy.
Management, Organization and Timeframe
The consultant will be supervised and guided by the Maternal & Child Health Specialist Specialist, in close consultation with Chiefs of Health, Nutrition, and WASH.
The overall time frame for the consultancy is total of five months, including four days residential SSAFE training.
Qualification and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree in public health, social sciences, statistics, planning development, and/or related field is required. Degree in epidemiology or biostatistics will be an added advantage.
Experience:
Essential:
Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH), or medical statistics or epidemiology or equivalent degree from recognized University/College or equivalent experience;
3-5 years of work experience in management information system, experience in conflict and post-conflict countries with be an added advantage;
Strong knowledge and experience in monitoring and evaluation of programmes in developing countries;
Sound knowledge of the health sector surveillance system, data analysis and management;
Experience in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other organizations, and governmental agencies;
Good interpersonal and communication skills and very good analytical skills and solid experience with Windows word, Excel, Power Point, and Microsoft Office;
good knowledge of data analysis and management; statistical analysis applications (SPSS, Stata) desired, but not required.
Knowledge and understanding of the UN system and capacity to promote consensus and establish positive working relationships.
Integrity, tact, discretion and demonstrated sensitivity to cultural differences.
Desirable:
Familiarity with the work of UN agencies in the area of health system strengthening.
Skills:
Strong skills in project management and ability to facilitate the involvement and collaboration of a broad range of external partners involved in the humanitarian response in the field of health.
Excellent coordination, communication, cross-cultural and negotiation skills; ability to convene and work with all relevant national and international stakeholders; ability to build, motivate and lead a team; gender sensitivity and understanding of cultural diversity issues; awareness of cultural and social factors particularly as related to the sexual and reproductive health situation; capacity to work under pressure and with a high degree of independence.
Conditions of Work
The consultant will be based in USSC Nairobi; however, planned field missions will be made into Somalia according to an agreed work plan to be developed at the beginning of the consultancy. This position does not support relocation expenses.
Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications with updated UN Personal History Form (P.11) form, updated CV and copies of academic certificates.
UN staff are requested to provide the last two Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs). Please quote the vacancy number in your application.
email to: somaliahrvacancies@unicef.org
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted
QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
UNICEF IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT