Country: Sierra Leone
Closing date: 30 Mar 2018
BACKGROUND
Strengthening health systems is a sustainable way of delivering the most important functions of improving health outcomes and providing services that are equitable and responsive. Health system responsiveness is the ability of a system to meet the legitimate expectations of the population for the non-medical aspects of its interaction with the health system. Responsiveness deals with the inter-personal interactions of patients with the health system which is an important component of the heath system. Responsiveness has a value on its own but it is also one major leverage for improving retention and thus, for improving the health outcomes.
Equity is one of the major concerns for health systems and aiming for a fair distribution will allow reaching that goal. The Empower project of Solthis in Sierra Leone is a three year project which started in January 2016 and works within the framework of a human rights based approach to empower people who live with HIV to demand for and receive the quality of health services that they deserve. The project operates through targeted health systems strengthening interventions to work at 3 critical levels; first at the national level to influence the policy and strategy environment; at the health facility level to build the technical and organizational capacity of health workers and health facilities and at the community level to ensure the involvement of people living with HIV in their own care
In this light, one of the main goals of the Empower project is implement activities which would improve the responsiveness of the health system in the areas of focus of the Empower project. A baseline health responsiveness survey was already conducted at the start of the Empower project in 2016.
This year, the final year of the Empower project, an endline health responsiveness survey will be conducted to look through gains that have been made but also highlight lessons and challenges that could be worked on and improved
OBJECTIVES OF THE SURVEY AND SCOPE OF THE WORK
The overall aim of the survey will be to evaluate the responsiveness for HIV care in health centres of the EMPOWER project. The specific objectives will include:
1. To evaluate the inequalities of responsiveness among the study population and to identify potential vulnerable groups
2. To identify the individual and structural determinants of responsiveness
3. To compare responsiveness between HIV+ and HIV- patients
4. To produce recommendations to support evidence-based policies
In general, the survey methods and tools were developed will be in line with the World Health Organisation’s framework for measuring health responsiveness. These tools were used for the baseline survey of the Empower project and would reviewed and be used for the endline survey. The researcher must refer to the methodology in the baseline report which describes the survey questions, methodology and approaches. It is essential that this endline survey is in accordance with the methodology envisaged under the baseline survey. However, the researcher is expected to revise the survey methods and tools and propose amendments including in sample size in line with current realities of the endline period
SPECIFIC TASKS WILL INCLUDE:
Go through and review the baseline survey report
Review all the research tools and instruments used for the baseline survey
Recent literature review to adapt the study methodology (for instance integrate qualitative open question to give more details or to complete with others patients experience method)
Elaborate a clear, workable and feasible work plan with clear timelines based on the resources and scope of the project
Present the health responsiveness survey to partners and stakeholders under the supervision of the medical coordinator
Lead the conduct health responsiveness survey, working with Empower project country team:
Train data enumerators, supervise data collection and ensure quality of data being collected and entered on daily basis.
Submit monthly status reports to the medical officer.
Process and analyse the data, write and submit a draft report of the survey
Present the draft report of the findings to the stakeholders for comments and feedback
Organize study restitution
DELIVERABLES
Submit a brief note (3 pages maximum) which will include an interpretation of the tasks and methodologies which will be used in the health responsiveness survey. The note will include how the survey is proposed to be conducted, proposed sample size. Submit a clear, workable and feasible work plan with clear timelines based on the resources and scope of the project
Submit a draft survey report including recommendations which must be submitted within 10 working days of the end of the work. It will be consolidated with the comments made by the team
Submit all the supportive documentation including complete and accurate database. Solthis will maintain copyrights of all project materials and reports
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
Skills and Knowledge
Good knowledge and understanding of public health and research.
Skills in literature review, quantitative analysis and technical writing.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Supervision skills, problem solving skills and an ability to work and adapt to challenges.
A verifiable ability to work autonomously and as part of a culturally diverse, multidisciplinary team.
Education
Essential: A minimum Bachelor’s degree in public health, research, social sciences or other related fields.
Experiences
At least two years’ work experience in quantitative public health research or mixed methods which led to publications.
Experience in data analysis and working with local health officials.
Experience to lead field study in RLS, especially in Africa
Experience in Sierra Leone is an asset
Languages
Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English
EXPECTED DURATION AND WORKSITE ARRANGEMENT
The expected duration is 60 working days, with an expected start date of 1 August 2018. The researcher must ensure that the whole process of the survey work that includes preparation, review of the survey tools, actual field work, data analysis, dissemination of the key findings to stakeholders and reviewing of the final report can be completed within this time frame.
The researcher is expected to work on a full-time basis (i.e. Monday through Friday, 08:00 – 17:00).
PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
Your proposal should include the following at minimum.
Detailed CV of the researcher with description of the profile and experience
A cover letter outlining the suitability of researcher for the assignment, motivation and summarizing relevant experience
Contact details from at least two independent referees with in-depth and proven knowledge of the applicant’s expertise and relevant work experience
Proposed comprehensive budget in Euros (maximum 6500 euros for all expenses of the researcher)
Availability
CONTRACTUAL ISSUES, PROCEDURES AND LOGISTICS
Solthis and the selected researcher will enter into a contract highlighting the terms and conditions of the research including payment modes.
Accommodation in Freetown will be provided by Solthis.
While working in the field, the researcher will be provided with office space in the offices of Solthis
Training logistics would be provided and organized by Solthis.
OTHERS
The researcher will work under the supervision of the Empower Project Senior Medical Officer Solthis.
How to apply:
If you feel you fit the required profile and are available at this period, please submit your complete application to headofmission.sl@solthis.orgbefore 30 March 2018headofmission.sl@solthis.org. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis.