- Background
The Ministry of Health and Wellness seeks to strengthen the capacity for analysis of surveillance data at the national level. This is in recognition of the increased availability of data and the need for rational use of data to inform interventions. This includes the use of data generated via routine disease/event based and sentinel surveillance systems as well as the identification and harnessing of non-traditional data sources. It is apparent in light of recent outbreaks that a critical component of the national surveillance system is the ability to maintain capacity and remain resilient in the face of new public health threats. The system must therefore be able to maintain routine data management functions while responding to increased demand for useful information synthesized in the face of public health threats.
To this end, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is building a data science team capable of processing large volumes of routine and new or Big data in ways that meet the needs of stakeholders. This includes building not just capacity, but also to make use of buy-in and user-informed design to develop and maintain resilient systems for timely data capture, processing and information synthesis and dissemination. The data science team will consist of existing staff with the addition of data scientists and other staff who will enhance the analytical capabilities at the national level and improve the capacity for data analysis and use at the subnational levels.
A Communication Specialist is to be recruited to develop, implement, and monitor internal and external media and communication platforms and mechanisms essential for successful dissemination of appropriate epidemiological and ongoing project information.
- Objective(s)
- Ensure dissemination of appropriate information to relevant stakeholders thereby closing the surveillance feedback loop.
- Ensure project specific operational and other critical information are channelled to those who need to act in a timely manner.
- Scope of Work
- Collaborate with field teams, epidemiologists, analysts, information technology experts, public relations experts, and other subject matter experts internally and externally to design and implement communication and media mechanisms.
- Translate the needs of the field teams (key users) for the National Data Science team and other stakeholders.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to produce communications, media and technical documents.
- Design and disseminate reporting templates for key field and central level reports.
- Select appropriate media forms, platforms and communications methods for disseminating and receiving accurate and timely information based on audience.
- Select or produce appropriate digital media content to support effective dissemination of information to intended audience.
- Prepare web-based content as required.
- Develop systems for documentation and dissemination of changes to procedures and protocols.
- Measure and monitor communications mechanisms and media platforms to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement in-line with industry standards and best practices.
- Support the communications and media requirements of the CDC-MOHW Cooperative Agreement Epidemiological Surveillance Improvement Initiative.
- Support communications and media needs of staff training, workshops and other relevant events.
- Any other related duties that may be assigned.
- Responsibilities of the Ministry of Health and Wellness
- The Ministry of Health and Wellness will provide access by the Communications Specialist to the relevant personnel and other resources to facilitate completion of specified tasks. The Ministry will also provide guidance and feedback to ensure adequacy of work outputs.
- Responsibility of the Contractor
- The Contractor will ensure that (i) assigned tasks and regular duties are effectively carried out in accordance with the standards and principles of the Ministry of Health and Wellness (ii) support is provided to sub-national teams in a timely manner and (iii) confidentiality is maintained in the execution of duties.
- Accountability and Reporting Systems
- Services will be contracted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The Contractor will report to the Medical Epidemiologist, Communicable Disease Surveillance, and will also work with the Principal Medical Officer, National Epidemiologist.
- Deliverables
Table 1. Deliverables and due dates
| Deliverable | Due | Amount due |
| 1. Detailed work plan. | 2 weeks of signing contract. | 3% |
| 2. Communication and Media Plan, and Implementation. | Monthly | 48% |
| 3. Communications and Media report. | Monthly | 12% |
| 4. Ad-Hoc internal and external reports. | Monthly | 6% |
| 5. User Satisfaction Surveys – Communication and Media (with results > 60% – 90%). | Quarterly | 12% |
| 6. Reporting template for Quarterly HIV Report Revised and implemented | First Quarter | 5% |
| 7. Reporting Template for Annual Report revised and implemented | Second Quarter. | 4% |
| 8. Dissemination of changes to documentations standardization. | Third Quarter
|
3% |
| 9. Dissemination of changes to procedures and protocols standardization. | Fourth Quarter | 3% |
| 10. Annual Communications and Media report. | Fourth Quarter | 4% |
- Eligibility Requirements
The Consultant should have:
- An undergraduate university degree in English, Communications, Media or other related degree.
- A degree in a health or science related field is an asset.
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in health or technical writing.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in the use of the word processing applications (MS Word, Open Office, etc.).
- Proficiency in the use of Adobe Creator or other graphics design software.
- Advanced proficiency in English (written).
- Proficiency in English (verbal).
- Experience or training in Public Relations, an asset
- A portfolio demonstrating work.
- Duration
The duration of the contract will be one year