Columbia University
Background
GRID3 (Geo-Referenced Infrastructure and Demographic Data for Development) works with countries to generate, validate and use geospatial data on population, settlements, infrastructure, and boundaries. GRID3 combines the expertise of partners in government, United Nations, academia, and the private sector to design adaptable and relevant geospatial solutions based on capacity and development needs of each country.
Problem statement
Proper planning processes are key for optimizing the delivery of health services in any given geography. These planning processes usually take place at both scales: macro and micro levels. A microplan is a tool that includes all the necessary details for planning, programming, and monitoring the provision of health services at the health facility and/or health post level (i.e. micro level). Challenges around microplanning involve inefficiencies and redundancies that are difficult to account for or address when the workflow relies on manual or semi-manual processes; and/or when there is no centralized database where all involved stakeholders have access to the same information in real time. Moreover, the process benefits enormously when geospatial information is included in the form of maps or similar visualizations, to complement the assimilation of complex information and support decision-making. The negative effects of an incomplete, incorrect and/or less optimal microplan compound at the tail end of service delivery, where inequalities in health service provision are exacerbated; and where corrective actions take higher than average levels of effort.
Proposed solution
GRID3 aims to support microplanning processes in Nigeria by proposing a digital approach through the GMT, a geospatial microplanning toolkit that integrates and displays geographic and demographic data (i.e. health facilities/ health posts, settlements, boundaries, and population estimates) in both tabular and map formats; and provides the framework for local health teams to design, adjust, and validate digital microplans, responding to specific needs and requirements based on pre-established reach strategies for service provision.
GRID3 has partnered with Novel-T to create the GMT. Currently, the GMT’s routine immunization (RI) module has been developed and piloted in selected wards in Kano and Lagos states. Based on the feedback compiled from the pilot, as well as additional insights from the GRID3 Nigeria team, there is a need to critically assess and adjust the proposed workflows at all levels (health facility catchment, ward, LGA, state, and federal) and other requirements for a successful roll-out.
Scope of Work
GRID3 is looking for a consultant that can provide technical expertise to fulfill the following work packages:
- Document the current RI microplanning workflow
The consultant is expected to familiarize him/herself with the current state of affairs: 1) interactions with local teams in Nigeria, 2) GMT development. Likewise, the consultant is expected to gather all available literature related to RI microplanning in Nigeria including but not limited to SOPs, templates, manuals, presentations, among others. It is required for the supplier to conduct at least 10 face-to-face interviews with key informants and obtain narratives from a mix of local health teams, middle management, and upper management on the current state of RI microplanning in at least 3 different (TBD) states –specific locations are agreed between the consultant and the Columbia/Novel-T team. Some of these interviews should include participants during the GMT pilot in Kano and Lagos, documenting their feedback and suggestions under specific use cases (TBD with the Columbia/ Novel-T team). Visits to at least 6 health facilities (2 per state, combination of urban and rural wards) as an observant are mandatory.
Deliverables:
- A diagram in the form of decision tree or similar depicting the current RI microplanning in Nigeria (example from 3 states as mentioned above)
- A report narrating the decision tree, including roles and responsibilities from the various teams involved.
- A folder in google drive (provided) containing available literature and documentation related to RI microplanning in Nigeria, in electronic format.
- Transcripts of interviews conducted and notes from visits to health facilities.
- Quick analysis on use cases presented to users.
- Assess the requirements to adopt a revised workflow utilizing technology such as the GMT
Based on learnings obtained from work package 1 (above), conduct an assessment of the process to determine the (1) minimal and (2) ideal requirements needed to adopt geospatial technology (i.e. GMT) as part of the RI microplanning in Nigeria. Identify critical factors needed to ensure proper intake and usability of the tool from the perspective of local users, middle management, and upper management. Risk factors for proper implementation are identified, and mitigation strategies proposed.
Deliverables:
- A report identifying and discussing the minimal and ideal factors required for proper GMT intake. Potential dimensions to consider include geospatial skills, equipment, infrastructure (+more, TBD).
- Produce a draft GMT SOP/ roll-out procedure, where minimal requirements are assumed, and risk and mitigation factors are considered.
- A report discussing technical and UI/UX recommendations for modifications to the current GMT platform and outputs formatting (i.e. microplanning table, pdf map); and subsequent integration with the GRID3 Nigeria geodatabase.
Minimal qualifications
- At least 10 years of experience in:
- Designing complex workflows and processes
- Creative thinking approach to solving complex problems
- Development (fullstack): strong front-end, experienced back-end
- Design: Strong UI/UX, graphic/web, and data visualization
- Experience with:
- Programming languages such as: Python, Ruby, Java, PHP, Modern JavasScript
- Modern Web Application Frameworks such as: Vue, Svelte, Meteor, React, Angular
- GIS analysis/thinking, and web mapping applications
- Adopting new technologies through research
- OpenSource software and tools
Terms
Start date: August 1, 2022
Length of consultancy: 80 days
Travel to Nigeria for at least 2 weeks is required.
CIESIN/ Columbia University reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any point and is under no obligation to issue a contract as a result of this solicitation. CIESIN/ Columbia University will not reimburse any expenses related to the preparation of any proposal related materials, or delivery.
How to apply
Offers must be submitted by email to [email protected] by Friday July 1, 2022, 17:00 EDT.
The consultant is expected to submit the following documentation:
- A signed cover letter presenting the consultant’s capabilities and relevant prior experience to conduct this work (2 pages, maximum).
- A quotation for services with an estimated number of person-days per work package and a daily rate (in USD). Total costs should be provided inclusive of applicable fees, taxes, and/or other duties. The quotation should exclude travel costs and expenses (those are covered separately).
- Curriculum vitae of the consultant.
How to apply
Offers must be submitted by email to [email protected] by Friday July 1, 2022, 17:00 EDT.
The consultant is expected to submit the following documentation:
- A signed cover letter presenting the consultant’s capabilities and relevant prior experience to conduct this work (2 pages, maximum).
- A quotation for services with an estimated number of person-days per work package and a daily rate (in USD). Total costs should be provided inclusive of applicable fees, taxes, and/or other duties. The quotation should exclude travel costs and expenses (those are covered separately).
- Curriculum vitae of the consultant.
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