National/International Consultant - Integration of IDSR System with Weather

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. Established with a mission to promote the rights of every child, UNICEF is committed to ensuring that children everywhere have the opportunity to thrive. The organization is known for its dedication to child welfare and development, and it employs a diverse workforce that is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and communities around the world. UNICEF offers its staff various opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of growth and belonging. The organization is proud of its attractive compensation and benefits package, which reflects its commitment to its employees.

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this consultancy is to establish an integrated climate-informed disease early warning system by linking the Ministry of Health's electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (eIDSR) and District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) surveillance data with the Tanzania Meteorological Authority's (TMA) weather, climate, and environmental information. This integration aims to enhance outbreak prediction, preparedness, and timely response to climate-sensitive diseases in Tanzania. The consultant will employ a participatory, multisectoral, and iterative methodology that includes a comprehensive desk review of existing surveillance, climate, and environmental information systems, conducting key informant interviews, stakeholder consultations, and facilitating joint technical design workshops. The consultant will also be responsible for analyzing interoperability requirements, defining use cases, configuring data integration workflows, developing prototypes, conducting user testing, and supporting the deployment of the system. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF Tanzania Health Specialists for Digital Health and Emergencies and collaborate with the Ministry of Health and the Tanzania Meteorological Authority to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with the technical, analytical, and operational integration of meteorological and environmental data systems with the national electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response platform. Key responsibilities include conducting a thorough system assessment, designing data integration frameworks, configuring predictive analytics, and developing dashboards and alert workflows. The consultant will also be responsible for user testing, validating early warning workflows, and planning for the scale-up of the system within existing public health structures. The consultant will engage in stakeholder consultations, facilitate technical workshops, and ensure that the integration aligns with public health objectives. Additionally, the consultant will provide training and support for the deployment of the integrated system, ensuring that all stakeholders are equipped to utilize the new functionalities effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Health Informatics, Information Systems, Public Health, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Climate Science, Computer Science, or related fields. A strong background in public health surveillance, health information systems, epidemiology, climate services, or digital health is essential. Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience, demonstrating expertise in IDSR, DHIS2, and disease surveillance platforms. Experience in climate-health data integration, early warning systems, and environmental health surveillance is highly desirable. Proven experience in facilitating multisectoral technical consultations and workshops, as well as working with government institutions and development partners in Tanzania or similar contexts, is an asset. Candidates should also have demonstrated experience in interoperability architecture, APIs, data exchange mechanisms, and data warehousing.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Health Informatics, Information Systems, Public Health, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Climate Science, or Computer Science is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health information systems and their integration with environmental data.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as public health surveillance, health information systems, epidemiology, climate services, or digital health. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in IDSR, DHIS2, and disease surveillance platforms, as well as experience in climate-health data integration and early warning systems. Familiarity with facilitating multisectoral technical consultations and workshops is also important, along with experience working with government institutions and development partners in Tanzania or similar contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with proven strong writing and presentation skills. This proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders and for the preparation of reports and presentations. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy contract is for a duration of 5 months and will involve remote work with travel to Dodoma and Dar es Salaam as necessary. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and all positions are advertised, with only shortlisted candidates being contacted for the next stage of the selection process.