International Consultancy: DHIS2 Monitoring and Reporting System

Hiring Office:

UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Office

Purpose of consultancy:

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive and user-friendly DHIS2-based monitoring system to track and report on the key indicators of the Regional Safeguard Young People and the 2Gether 4 SRHR programmes. The system should facilitate data collection, disaggregation, analysis, and visualization, including geo-referencing of data, enabling evidence-based decision-making, programme management and reporting. At the country level, Mozambique as an SYP implementing country, will pilot the system for country programmes.
The specific objectives are:

- Development of User Requirements Specifications for SYP and 2 Gether 4 SRHR programmes, and Mozambique CO programme.

- Configuration of the DHIS2 system including mobile data collection (for online and offline data entry), piloting, testing and deployment.

- Data importation: Importing of historical data on the SYP and 2 Gether 4 SRHR programmes into DHIS2 .

- Dashboard and visualizer development, including integrating the AI-powered features and AI modules for trend prediction.

- Capacity building of administrators and users of the system.

- Pilot, testing and commissioning of the system.

- Support and maintenance of the helpdesk for SYP, 2gether 4 SRHR and Mozambique CO.

- Support the hosting of the DHIS2 system on the UNFPA server.

Scope of work:

(Description of services, activities, or outputs)

Introduction
UNFPA ESARO is implementing two flagship regional programmes, Safeguard Young People Programme (SYP) and the Joint UN Programme to strengthen integrated SRHR/HIV and SGBV Services in the ESA Region (2Gether 4 SRHR). SYP is funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands (EKN) and is being implemented in 11 countries in East and Southern Africa - Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 2gether 4 SRHR is a comprehensive programme funded by the Swedish Government with a focus on improving the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all people in East and Southern Africa, particularly adolescent girls, young people and key populations. It combines the unique strengths and contributions of four United Nations agencies - UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO.
UNFPA ESARO has been implementing the Data For All Monitoring (DFA), an online and open source platform since March 2019 to enable effective and efficient monitoring and reporting of the results of the initiatives.
Considering the evolving and dynamic nature of the two programmes, the RO would like to adopt the DHIS2 which is a free open-source software that other UNFPA Business units, among them WCARO, and some country offices have adopted. The DHIS2 system is is also the main software used by many country governments for monitoring health data. DHIS2's flexible data model and customizable dashboards allow for tailoring the system to UNFPA's specific programmatic needs and indicators, with in-built data quality and validation mechanisms.The DHIS2 provides the option to establish additional platforms to monitor any programme, and generate reports and dashboards. The interactive dashboard and reports will show progress against the programme indicators and targets. The data is presented by appropriate disaggregation: i.e. by subnational geographic areas, age groups, sex, SRHR services, and other socioeconomic characteristics. In addition, implementing partners will have access to and participate in data capture and reporting, which leads to their further capacity development.
DHIS2's open-source nature and robust API facilitate integration with other health information systems and data sources, enabling seamless data sharing and collaboration.
The scope of work includes the following main components:
3.1. Review and Analysis of the monitoring and reporting for SYP, 2gether 4 SRHR and Mozambique Country Office

- Consultations with UNFPA ESARO, ITSO and Mozambique CO teams before the system design and development.
- Conduct a thorough review of the Safeguard Young People and 2Gether 4 SRHR programmes M&E framework and existing data collection tools including reporting requirements at country and regional levels.
- Identify and map the key programme indicators to be tracked within the DHIS2 system for both programmes.
- Assess the current data collection and reporting processes, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement for both programmes.
- Analyze the existing DHIS2 system infrastructure and its capabilities to accommodate the Safeguard Young People and the 2 Gether 4 SRHR programme indicators.

3.2 System Design, Development, piloting, testing, deployment and hosting:

- Design a customized DHIS2 data model and structure to capture the Safeguard Young People and 2Gether 4 SRHR programmes indicators effectively.
- Design a customized DHIS2 data model and structure to capture indicators of various projects of the Mozambique Country Office
- Develop data entry forms, validation rules, and data quality checks to ensure accurate and reliable data collection, including linking and ensuring interoperability between the Mozambique DHIS2 and the regional DHIS2 systems .
- Develop Mobile Data Collection Module to enable decentralized data collection on tablets and smartphones through customizable electronic forms. This system will include offline data entry allowing for synchronization of data when the user is back online.
- Configure data aggregation and analysis tools within DHIS2 to enable real-time monitoring and reporting of program progress.
- Create user-friendly dashboards and visualizations to present key findings in a clear and accessible manner.
- Configure the DHIS2 system to integrate AI-powered features as listed below:

- Question answering: Users can ask specific questions related to the SYP and 2Gether 4 SRHR programmes, M&E data, and platform functionality, and receive accurate and contextualized responses.

- Data exploration: Users can inquire about specific metrics, indicators, or trends, and the AI chat will provide summarized insights and visualizations.

- Guided analytics: The AI chat will assist users in performing complex analyses by guiding them through the process, suggesting appropriate visualizations, and interpreting the results.

- Configure the DHIS2 system to integrate AI Modules for Trend Prediction with key features as follows:

- Historical data analysis: The AI modules will analyze historical data across various indicators, such as program outcomes, financial metrics, and beneficiary data, to identify trends and patterns.

- Predictive modeling: Using machine learning algorithms, the modules will build predictive models that can forecast future values of key indicators based on historical data and external factors.

- Scenario analysis: Users can explore different scenarios by adjusting input variables and assumptions, and the AI modules will generate corresponding predictions, enabling users to assess the potential impact of various interventions or changes

- Import data from the DFA system and relevant other platforms for SYP and 2Gether 4 SRHR programmes into DHIS2.
- Integrate the DHIS2 system with other relevant data sources, if applicable, to streamline data collection and analysis.
- Pilot and test the system at regional and country office levels. Mozambique CO will be used for piloting and testing at CO level.
- Using the results of the pilot and testing, update the system functionality.
- The DHIS2 monitoring platform of UNFPA ESARO will be hosted on the UNFPA server as guided by the UNFPA HQ.

Capacity Building and Training:

- Prepare comprehensive documentation on the DHIS2 system design, data model, data entry procedures, and user guides.
- Ensure a smooth handover of the system to UNFPA staff and provide ongoing technical support during the initial implementation phase.
- Conduct training sessions for system administrators, program staff and data collectors on the use of the DHIS2 system at regional and country levels.
- Provide ongoing technical support and mentorship (for an agreed period) to ensure effective utilization of the system.

Duration and working schedule:

The contract for these services will run from 28 October 2024 to 15 February 2025 - 40 days.
Deliverables
The service provider will produce:

- Detailed inception report - 5 days.

- Gathering user requirements and specifications

- Workplan and timeline

- Customization and configuration of DHIS2 (ESA Regional Office, Mozambique Country Office) - 20 days

- Develop data model and structure

- Develop data entry forms, validation rules, and data quality checks.

- Configured data aggregation and analysis tools.

- Mobile data collection module accessed through smartphones and tablets - with offline data entry capability and user able to synchronize data regularly.

- Data from SYP, 2Gether 4 SRHR and Mozambique CO programmes imported into DHIS2. - 3 days

- User-friendly dashboards and visualizations - 7 days

- Data aggregation and analysis tools

- AI-powered features and AI modules for trend prediction integrated into the system and dashboards generated.

- User Training, Training materials development and documentation - 5 days

- Way forward and recommendations for an expansion plan of the DHIS2 system in other countries supported by SYP and 2Gether 4 SRHR programmes based on the pilot in Mozambique.

Place where services are to be delivered:

UNFPA ESARO Office, Johannesburg
However, S/he may be required to travel to the pilot country as may be determined during the development of the system.

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.)

- Detailed inception report - by 8 Nov 2024.

- Customization and configuration of DHIS2 - by 8 Dec 2024

- User-friendly dashboards and visualizations - by 15 Jan 2025

- User Training, Training materials development and documentation - by 30 Jan 2024

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

The consultant’s work will be monitored jointly by the M&E Specialists, SYP and 2Gether 4 SRHR, and may be advised to interface with other relevant UNFPA technical and programme staff of the i SRHR Team at regional level and Mozambique Country Office staff, as necessary, to facilitate the work.
The consultant will provide weekly updates on the progress made with the consultancy work.

Supervisory arrangements:

The consultant will work under the supervision of the M&E Specialists for SYP and 2Gether 4SRHR, in consultation with UNFPA HQ Quality Programming Branch and Mozambique CO M&E Specialist and Management. Oversight will be provided by the coordinators of the two programmes.

Expected travel:

The consultant may travel within the ESA region for in person meetings, when required, and this will be authorised by the supervisor and regional office leadership as per UNFPA policy.

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

Qualifications and Experience

- An advanced degree or equivalent level in one of the following fields: IT, Public health, Demography, Statistics, or other related fields relevant to the consultancy

- Minimum 7 years demonstrated experience and expertise in DHIS2 system design, development, and implementation.

- Strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles and practices.

- Experience in working with SRHR programs and youth-focused initiatives will be an added advantage.

- International experience is required and past experience in working with the UN.

- Past experience as a team leader in a related assignment(s) and production of a quality deliverable with traceable references

The following are also an added advantage:

- Demonstrated experience in developing and supporting monitoring and reporting systems

- Expertise in IT solutions

- Excellent communication and training skills

- Experience working in Southern Africa

- Experience and understanding of UN programming processes

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable:

UNFPA ESARO will help facilitate contact with regional and country office staff, as well as help obtain some required documents such as proposals, results frameworks and other relevant reports and data that is within UNFPA’s control.
UNFPA ESARO will also ensure that all work delivered by the consultant for review by internal and external partners is attended to timely, and sent back to the consultant with comments within the stipulated reasonable time frames.
The performance of the consultant will be measured against the following criteria:

- Expected output achieved
- Timely delivery of the service
- Quality and technical competence demonstrated during the accomplishment of the task
- Effective communication (e.g. regular updates, direct communication, relevant communication etc.)

UNFPA will provide:

- Guidance and quality assurance throughout all phases of execution
- Ensure support in-country through the UNFPA Country Offices
- Approval of all deliverables including final sign offs for the purpose for making payments.

The consultant will:

- Produce all deliverables in accordance with expected outputs and the contractual agreement.

Other relevant information or special conditions, if any:
Interested individuals will submit a Technical and Financial Proposal. The financial proposal will provide a detailed professional budget in USD indicating daily professional rates and number of days.
All interested consultants are requested provide the following in their proposal:

- Information explaining their competencies to meet the requirements of the assignment
- Details of the methodology to be used in carrying out the assignment
- Attach brief technical bio data of consultant and core team members if applicable
- Time schedule of the assignment and dates of availability
- Evidence of similar work undertaken recently (Not more than 5 years) and references

Proposals received after the date and time may not be accepted for consideration.
Applications must be submitted in English.
Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.The timelines are summarized below:

Invitation for Applications issue date
11 October 2024

Deadline for submissions of proposals
25 October 2024

Deadline for requests of additional information/ clarifications
18 October 2024

Review of submissions
8 November 2024

Notification of results communicated to consultants
15 November 2024

UNFPA will only respond to those applicants in whom we have further interest.
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training) or other fee, or request information on applicants’ bank accounts or HIV status.