Consultant- Database

Country:          Turkey

Department:    International Operations

Essential Job Duties/Scope of Work:

International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through
health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND:

International Medical Corps’ operations for the Syrian Crisis covers Syrians living in Turkey with a range of activities including primary care, rehabilitation services, mental health and psychosocial support services.

Healthcare activities constitute the majority of programming, and include support for primary health care facilities (PHCs) in urban and community settings. IMC currently supports 85 health care facilities, providing 53,000 consultations on a weekly basis with 2,606,765 consultations since the start of the intervention. Efforts have been made towards the development and implementation of monitoring, data collection and information management tools and systems. Currently, data collection tools include weekly activity reports, field monitoring forms, patient registers, morbidity tracking sheets, reproductive health registers and medicine consumption reports. These data are collected, compiled and used to generate periodic reports including weekly and monthly reports and donor specific reports. The data and information collected throughout the program can be used for supporting routine program monitoring, grants management, and program development functions in a timely and accurate fashion.

OBJECTIVES OF CONSULTANCY: 

IMC is looking to migrate its existing data management system to a more robust system to provide greater functionality for program staff, and the ability to easily view progress against targets. Through this consultancy IMC also aims to build the capacity of relevant staff on the use of the database so they can maintain and update the system for the duration of programming.

Modules will be developed based on current data collection tools, as well as addressing any gaps as determined by the program team. This includes the development of an embedded mechanism to track individual patient records. The Consultant will develop a system that can be used on-line as well as off-line in areas of limited internet connectivity.

The Consultant will work closely with members of the health program team (including field-based staff), MEAL team and senior management to ensure that the final product meets all programmatic and administrative needs. The database will be developed in a collaborative manner to ensure that it takes into account the various existing data streams, in addition to the diverse user needs. The Consultant will involve key staff throughout the entire process to ensure they are well-trained and oriented on the system. A final workshop will be conducted to share key deliverables and to train staff.

SCOPE OF WORK: 

Database Design and Development:

• Determine detailed user requirements for the development of DHIS2 database for IMC’s health programming based on requirements of program management and users at various levels (site office, main office).
• Determine the structure of database by identifying the organization units.
• Identify and create all the data elements, data element groups, data element categories, date sets and indicators required to develop the database.
• Identify and create data entry forms to capture programmatic activities.
• Determine and develop various types of reporting content, formats, and frequency based on indicator plan and donor requirements.
• Configure data quality module by applying or identifying validation rules, validation rule groups and validation rule analysis.
• Configure the capability for mobile data collection into the database.
• Configure the data visualizer for the database to generate required reports.
• Configure mobile (light and smartphone) data entry modules to ensure data entry via mobile devices.
• Configure SMS reminders as required.
• Configure and create the mechanism and forms to track individual patients.
• Create a comprehensive dashboard to provide a comprehensive overview of data.
• Configure GIS module to visualize the progress of activities and trends of different diseases on GIS maps.
• Configure user rights module which can later be used to assign the access of database to the users as per their role in organization.
• Configure data administration module to ensure the proper administration of database.
Testing and Security
• Vulnerability testing of all software code must be performed before going live.

• A comprehensive back-up system must be included in the end product, such that data resources are secure and replicated at regular intervals.
Hosting Options
• Explore and present feasible and reliable hosting options. Support IMC to host the database on one of the selected hosting solutions.
Staff Training and Capacity Building
• Train and mentor key staff to properly develop, use, update and make changes to database system.
• Create User Manual.

DELIVERABLES: 

The Consultant shall complete and submit the following deliverables:

1. A comprehensive strategy along with the work plan at the start of the consultancy indicating the major milestones for the completion of the assignment.
2. Report of the requirement specifications including the list of organizational units, data elements, data element groups, data element categories, data sets, data entry forms, reporting formats and other modules as required.
3. Completed structure of database containing the organization structure, data elements, data element groups, data element categories, date sets, indicators, data entry forms, data visualization, and any other data points as required.
4. Configured data administration, data quality and uses modules
5. Data entry set up for online and offline modules and as well as for mobile data collection.
6. Reporting modules including:
a. Basic report
b. Data visualizer
c. Pivot table
d. SMS configuration
e. GIS configuration
7. Individual tracker for patient records.
8. Database testing and deployment plan, including hosting options.
9. Initial maintenance plan after final deployment.
10. Training plan for staff users.
11. Final presentation/workshop for relevant staff.
12. Completed User Manual for database system. 

Qualifications:

• Masters level or higher degree in social science, statistics, international development; experience or background in epidemiology, public health, health information management, biostatistics or a related discipline;
• Demonstrated experience in database design, development and follow-up support, preferably in DHIS and DHIS2;
• Demonstrated experience working in complex environments and tailoring technological solutions to a unique operating environment;
• Demonstrated experience in staff capacity building.