Information System Analyst Consultancy

Dear all ,

please find below the terms of reference for the consultancy of a system analyst . 

Terms of Reference for contracting a Systems Analyst

Background

Having timely, complete, and reliable data is essential for informing decisions on immunization programs, whether regarding the adaptation of vaccination strategies, modification of routine schedules, or introduction of  new vaccines into a country series. In the majority of countries in the Americas, the Expanded Program on Immunization has been growing. Accordingly, immunization-related data collection has become more complex, as it is done by a variety of actors (e.g., epidemiology divisions, statistics offices, immunization programs, etc.) using a variety of software platforms. This presents additional coordination challenges in terms of providing high-quality data and useful information for decision-making.

An accessible system is needed that incorporates surveillance information to enable exhaustive analysis of immunization-related data and facilitate early detection, investigation, and reporting of all suspected cases, as well as implementation of appropriate monitoring and control measures. In addition, PAHO must facilitate data submission by the Member States and is required to provide information on the data received. PAHO must also report to the World Health Organization and to other related agencies and organizations that help support the Regional Immunization Program.

Objective of the consultancy

Prepare the technical requirements for contracting the development of a Web-based solution to compile, analyze, and consolidate data from cases at all geographical levels for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) that meets different users’ needs in real time. The new system must also interact with the Region’s current systems and the global WHO Immunization Information System (WIISE) in Geneva.

Work to be performed

To achieve the general objective, the consultant must work closely with the information systems specialists in the Organization, the technical unit, and the technical group, as well as current users, in order to ensure that new and changing needs of the current systems are clear and thus provide solutions that are incorporated into the new system’s requirements.

1. Systematize the operation of the various current systems: PAHO currently compiles disease case data from the Member States on measles, rubella, and poliomyelitis. This is done through four main information systems: (1) the Integrated Surveillance Information Systems (ISIS); (2) Data exchange formats (DEFs) for countries with their own systems, where data bridges are built to extract data in PAHO standardized formats; (3) the Measles Elimination Surveillance System (MESS); and (4) the Polio Eradication Surveillance System (PESS), which one country currently uses. To this end, the consultant must:
   1. Analyze the current system architecture of VPD system applications.
   2. Review the current functionality of existing systems and the business rules; and provide detailed documentation.
   3. Review existing system reports and results and provide detailed documentation.
   4. Review existing automated ETL tools to extract, transform, and upload country data; document the tools and propose process analysis-based improvements.
2. Provide pre-development architectural design details for new and existing user applications.
3. Meet with users to compile and document requirements and interview users at the regional and country
4. Organize a regional meeting to share the process and gather more information from country users.
5. Meet the requirements for the new Web applications system, including the new functionalities for entities, user types, and roles.

Deliverables

Present the technical requirements for the request for proposals for developing the new Web-based information system. This should include a:

1. Study of the current structure of the system
2. Summary of interviews with users
3. Detailed document outlining the technical requirements for hiring a company or person, which should include:
   1. The detailed functional and non-functional requirements for developing the new Web-based system, including flow charts, business rules, etc.
   2. A definition and outline of reports; dashboards with required indicators
   3. A draft resources plan and timetable of activities

The documents are to be delivered in English.

Timetable for deliveries

Remuneration

The monthly amount payable will be the amount for a consultant (Band B) plus the respective Consultant Subsistence Allowance, if applicable.

Required qualifications

Education:

Essential: Degree in public health, information systems, computer engineering, senior systems analyst, systems architect, solutions engineer, or equivalent.

*Desirable: Professional qualification or basic certification in analysis methodologies such as IIBA-CCBA / CBAP or PMI-BPA. Advanced degree in data management.

Essential experience:

• At least five (5) years of professional experience in collection, analysis, and documentation of requirements for building information systems
• At least three (3) years of experience in proposals for system architecture solutions
• At least three (3) years of proven experience building information systems on Web-based platforms
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft development tools, such as Microsoft .net, .asp business intelligence tools; Microsoft Azure, R2, SQL Server/2014 or greater ability to understand complex database models
• Proven experience implementing Web/API services
• Proven experience using XML and XML-based technologies
• Excellent writing skills and ability to clearly document highly technical information system requirements.

Desirable experience:

• Professional experience with international projects or projects with international organizations
• Experience with health surveillance systems
• Experience building information systems and Web platforms for public health
• Knowledge of client-server architecture and Web-based technologies
• Ability to follow and apply standard procedures.

Skills

• Highly efficient, with strong interpersonal skills in a multicultural, international environment.
• Solid analytical skills with proven capacity to quickly compile and consolidate information from multiple sources.
• Ability to produce user stories, UML diagrams, wireframes, report prototypes, and other aids to validate requirements and inform the technical design phase.
• Highly organized approach to work; in-depth implementation under time pressure; strong problem-solving ability.
• Proactive, flexible, resourceful, and capable of working independently.
• Highly competent with MS Office and MS Visio.
• Familiarity with administrative and/or health data administration business domains.
• Strong technical communication skills in spoken and written English and Spanish.

Submission requirements

Up-to-date CV or résumé, including the consultant’s work experience developing products and methodologies similar to those described above.

For more information please contact: Claudia Ortiz [email protected], Paola Ojeda [email protected], or Martha Velandia [email protected], Comprehensive Family Immunization Unit.

Can you provide the TOR in English? I emailed  the speciffied addresses but received no reply. Thanks!