Senior STTA - HIS & Data Governance Expert

FED TA: Development of software for THE National digital Health hub

Programme Overview 

Evidence for Health (E4H) is a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)-funded programme aimed at strengthening Pakistan's healthcare system, thereby decreasing the burden of illness and saving lives. E4H provides technical assistance (TA) to the Federal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Punjab governments, and is being implemented by Palladium along with Oxford Policy Management (OPM).

Through its flexible, embedded, and demand-driven model, E4H supports the government to achieve a resilient health system that is prepared for health emergencies, responsive to the latest evidence, and delivers equitable, quality, and efficient healthcare services. Specifically, E4H delivers TA across three outputs:

Output 1: Strengthened integrated health security, with a focus on preparing and responding to health emergencies, including pandemics.

Output 2: Strengthened evidence-based decision-making to drive health sector performance and accountability.

Output 3: Improved implementation of Universal Health Coverage, with a focus on ending preventable deaths.

Position Summary

The objective of this TA is to develop a National Digital Health Hub (NDHH) software and implement an integrated, scalable, and interoperable digital health information platform within a six-month timeframe. This will involve the development of a standards-based system architecture built on HL7/FHIR protocols, a user-friendly and mobile-responsive frontend interface, and a robust backend infrastructure capable of secure data processing, load balancing, and real-time API integration. In parallel, artificial intelligence functionality will be embedded through API-accessible models to support data-driven insights and decision-making. The platform will also feature enhancements to the Knowledge and Practice Hub, enabling structured knowledge sharing, collaboration, and institutional learning. Collectively, these efforts aim to strengthen data exchange, improve service delivery, and promote evidence-informed decision-making across all levels of the health system. The TA will be guided by the Operational Roadmap for NDHH developed earlier with E4H support and in consultation with federal/ provincial stakeholders.

Scope of Work and Methodology

As a part of this TA assignment, the consultant(s) will cover the following scope of work:

• Governance and Coordination: Facilitate the effective operationalisation of the existing HIS data governance mechanism within the M/o NHSR&C, ensuring provincial inclusion. Leverage the Federal Minister of Health’s strong support for digitisation by assessing and securing his endorsement to navigate federal-provincial dynamics. Upon successful implementation, this mechanism will be scaled and integrated to establish a comprehensive Unified Data Governance Framework. Ensure active stakeholder engagement and promote cross-provincial collaboration throughout the process. MOU/s development and agreement between the M/o NHSR&C, NIH and Provincial/ Area health departments to firm up commitment on data sharing with clarity on roles and responsibilities
• Planning and Requirement Analysis: Develop a detailed workplan for execution of the TA and define requirements by developing indicators (performance measures), specifying data elements (individual data points), and establishing metadata (data descriptions and context).
• System Architecture Design: System design, data modelling, system development, meta data configuration, adopt HL7/FHIR Interoperability standards. Ensure scalability, interoperability, and compliance with national and international data standards.
• Frontend Development: Design user interface, data analytics and visualisation, dashboard configuration, develop user interface components, optimise UI for devices
• Backend Development: Develop and integrate DHIS2 Application Performing Interface (APIs) with other health data sources i.e., TB MIS, Malaria MIS, HIV MIS, etc., data ingestion using DHIS2 APIs, Health Surveys, standardise data formats and structures, and develop the document management system. Implement robust data validation and error-handling mechanisms to ensure data integrity.
• AI Implementation: Integrate OpenAI/Google AI API for AI-powered insights, implement AI models using APIs, and enhance the Knowledge and Practice Hub. Ensure the ethical use of AI, including data privacy, bias mitigation, and transparency.
• User Access and Security: Define user roles and permissions, as well as security configurations. Implement multi-factor authentication and encryption to safeguard sensitive health data.
• Testing and Quality Assurance: Conduct Functional Testing in at least two provinces
• Documentation and Training: Document architecture and APIs, Develop guides and video tutorials, Print training materials for workshops and user guidance, Design and schedule training
• System Deployment Testing: Perform pilot deployment with iterative feedback loops before full-scale rollout to identify and resolve operational issues.  
• M&E and Risk Management: Develop M&E and Risk Management Plan. Include key performance indicators (KPIs), risk mitigation strategies, and contingency planning.
• Maintenance, Support, and Continuous Improvement: Establish Support Mechanisms, configure real-time alerts in DHIS2, Enable Periodic Data Processing for Monitoring, HR Support & Coordination
• Sustainability and responsible handover: Initially, provide hand-holding support to NIH staff for the operationalization of the National Digital Health Hub at the NIH. Once fully operational, hand over to NIH - M/o NHSR&C, to be supported by HPSIU staff until NIH can fully takeover as per discussions at the NAC meeting held on July 2, 2025. In the next phase, develop a capacity-building plan to ensure government ownership and long-term sustainability.

Focal points nominated by the Director General (Health) and NIH will be actively engaged in the activity. Staff of HPSIU and the Ministry will also be engaged in the activity.

Responsibilities

The HIS & Data Governance Expert will work to achieve the following:

1. National Data-Governance Framework & SOP set.
2. Metadata catalogue (indicators, data-elements) & HL7/FHIR profiles and Info-security & privacy compliance checklist.
3. Data-quality baseline report & DQA toolkit.
4. Training package & hands-on sessions and two provincial capacity-building workshops + e-module.
5. Monthly DQ scorecards automated.
6. Final implementation completion report.

Timeline and Days

The level of effort (LOE) for the role is Maximum 90 days from Aug 2025 – Mar 2026.

Requirement

Technical Expertise

• Postgraduate degree in IT/ software development.
• Minimum 15 years' experience in the relevant field.
• Strong understanding and experience in Health Information Systems and its capacities with skills and in-depth understanding of HIS governance models, data stewardship, and digital health architecture.
• Strong report writing and data analytics

Competencies

• Planning and delivering work
• Analysis and use of information
• Decision making
• Influencing