National Consultant - Information Technology and Digital Systems Specialist for HIV

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Purpose of consultancy

This consultancy will support the HIV response in Fiji related to the area of information technology and digital systems and using data for impact.

Background

The HIV situation in Fiji has changed in recent years, with more infections linked to new patterns of risk. Injecting drug use, especially with methamphetamine, has become more common, and many people who inject drugs share needles because there are no harm reduction services such as needle and syringe programmes or opioid substitution therapy. This gap has created a fast route of transmission in some communities. At the same time, many people are still being diagnosed late, testing does not always reach those most at risk, and stigma continues to discourage early care.

The national response from the Fijian government is focusing on broadening testing options, improving access to treatment, and strengthening surveillance and laboratory systems. Community groups now play a larger role in reaching people who do not access formal health services. There is also continued work to better connect HIV, STI, Hepatitis and TB services so that people can get what they need in one place and stay in care.

Digital systems and information technology are increasingly central to effective HIV surveillance, especially when an epidemic is expanding and timely data is needed to guide the response. Well-maintained digital platforms enable timely case reporting, tracking of testing and treatment outcomes, smooth data flow between clinics and laboratories, and early identification of gaps across the cascade of care. Reliable databases also support modelling, forecasting and resource planning as programmes scale up. In an emerging HIV epidemic, investing in strong IT systems, secure data architecture, user training and ongoing system maintenance ensures that information is complete, consistent and actionable, allowing health authorities to target interventions quickly and effectively.

Deliverables

The specific outputs under this consultancy include:
Output 1: Assessment of Existing HIV, STIs, Hepatitis and TB Information Systems

• Deliverable 1.1: Mapping of current HIV, STIs, Hepatitis and TB data systems, platforms, and reporting tools across national, divisional and facility levels.

• Deliverable 1.2: Analysis of data flows, interoperability issues, timeliness and completeness of reporting.

• Deliverable 1.3: Gap assessment report highlighting system weaknesses, user challenges and priority areas for improvement.

Output 2: Phased Systems Strengthening Roadmap Developed

• Deliverable 2.1: Roadmap outlining short-, medium- and long-term actions to improve digital systems and data quality.

• Deliverable 2.2: Interoperability plan specifying required linkages, data standards and security protocols.

• Deliverable 2.3: Framework for real-time monitoring, confidentiality safeguards and ethical data use.

Output 3: Technical Assistance for HIS Governance and Capacity Building

• Deliverable 3.1: Updated standard operating procedures for data entry, reporting, validation and confidentiality.

• Deliverable 3.2: Data governance guidelines covering roles, permissions, oversight and system maintenance.

• Deliverable 3.3: Training modules for health workers and programme staff on system use, data quality and troubleshooting.

• Deliverable 3.4: Develop and implement a structured capacity-building and knowledge-transfer plan, including regular mentoring sessions with the MHMS Digital Health Officer, to ensure sustained national ownership and management of HIV and related health information systems beyond the consultancy period.

Output 4: Strengthened Integration Across Key Health and Programme Systems

• Deliverable 4.1: Detailed linkage plan between PATIS+/PATIS-CMRIS, Tamanu, STARLIMS, mSupply, and the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS) and HIV, STIs, Hepatitis, and TB programme databases.

• Deliverable 4.2: Data exchange templates and technical specifications for interoperability.

• Deliverable 4.3: Progress report documenting implemented linkages, testing outcomes and remaining gaps.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications

Essential: University degree in IT, Computer Science, Health Informatics, or related fields.