Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Digital Health Informatics Consultant for the Global Public Health Digital Innovation (GPHDI) project in Zambia

Background

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) (www.aphl.org) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the United States and globally.

Through a cooperative agreement with the United States of America (US) Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), APHL is supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) to strengthen the laboratories system in Zambia. An important aspect of this support is to establish and improve health information systems that are relevant to the laboratories and ensure there is built capacity for these systems within the MoH.

The consultant will support APHL in meeting the Global Public Health Digital Innovation (GPHDI) project objectives as well as aligning these with the MoH goals.

The successful candidate will serve as a full-time consultant to APHL until September 29, 2024. APHL Headquarters is in Bethesda, MD. This is a local position located in Lusaka, Zambia.

Scope

APHL is seeking a full-time Consultant with a background in computer science or other related computing field. The scope of work will support APHL in meeting the Global Public Health Digital Innovation (GPHDI) project objectives as well as aligning these with the MoH goals such as the digital health strategy. The desired candidate should have strong data analytics experience, strong customer support orientation, and apt project management skills, preferably in health informatics contexts. The candidate will in addition demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills.

Deliverables

The consultant’s work will undergo monthly assessment, with a technical report detailing each month’s activities submitted to the Informatics Program Coordinator. The following key deliverables are expected from the consultant:

• Collaborate with program managers, and other stakeholders to identify and define user requirements, technical specifications, and process workflow provided and implement configurations for LIMS functionality, that will ensure high-quality data.
• Analyzing information to recommend and plan the installation of new information systems or modifications of existing information systems.
• The consultant will be required to participate in and facilitate internal and external meetings with APHL, MOH, CDC and other stakeholders.
• Establish appropriate methodologies, processes, and standards for data sharing.
• Lead the development of source code version-controlled information products for decision-makers to generate data-driven actionable insights.
• The consultant might need to travel to various health facilities across the country to oversee and aid in the adoption of digital solutions.
• Assess suitability of emerging trends and data analytics technologies for deployment to ensure sustainable service solutions.
• Stakeholder coordination in establishing sustainable connectivity solutions.
• Coordinate Laboratory Informatics Training Content Development and delivery mechanisms
• Additional duties that are not specified but may be necessary to achieve the goals of the Global Public Health Digital Innovation (GPHDI) project may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 

Required:

• Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in a strong data analytics/software development environment
• Understanding of software development methodologies, programming languages, and software architecture principles.
• Must understand data analytics/software engineering concepts, with proficiency in any of the following: relational and NoSQL databases, Microsoft.Net, PHP, Python, C#, Java, Web development frameworks, and front-end languages and libraries.
• Understand the MVC framework and its components.
• Experience deploying and maintaining software on Windows and Linux servers; including cloud platforms.
• Experience developing and working with REST APIs
• Experience in leading software development projects from inception to final delivery.
• Strong project management orientation.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Health Information Exchange Architecture
• Experience in Health Information Interoperability using prevailing standards; FHIR, HL7
• Knowledge and experience with public health programs in Zambia

Length of assignment

The consultant is expected to remain engaged until September 29, 2024.

Language

English

Location

This is a full-time consultancy position based in Lusaka, Zambia. Remote work is not supported.

How to Apply

We kindly ask that qualified and interested consultants email their CVs with a cover letter to Kasimona.Sichela@zmb.aphl.org, and also copy Elias.Munshya@zmb.aphl.org. Please use “Informatics Consultant Zambia” as the subject of the email.

This consultant position is located in Lusaka, Zambia and does not qualify for relocation cost reimbursement. Work authorization in Zambia is necessary.

The closing date for receiving applications is 19th January 2024.

APHL is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.