RFP: Organisation to develop an approach and carry out rapid assessments of national health data governance landscapes

Details of work required: Develop a health data governance landscape analysis (rapid assessment) approach/methodology (template) that can be used to assess current approaches to health data governance and take stock of relevant national legislation, regulation, policies, practices and capacity, and how they align with the Health Data Governance Principles. The approach/methodology should also identify best practices and understand barriers and challenges in countries. Carry out landscape analyses (rapid assessments) in six countries in Africa using the methodology/template to deepen understanding of the health data governance landscape in those countries, with a focus on the regulatory and legislative environment. Refine the approach/methodology following its application across the six pilot countries.

 

Expected duration: the work should be carried out between November 2023 – March 2024.

 

Background

More robust, effective  and equitable governance of health data is needed to ensure we are fully harnessing its potential for public benefit and improved health outcomes, while also managing risks, protecting individual rights, and ensuring people’s data is protected from misuse. This is important to lay the foundation for improved public trust in health data systems where individuals feel protected, respected and in control of their own data, while allowing institutions working to protect the health and well-being of the population to access and use it for the public benefit. 

While several countries are instituting health data governance policies and legislation, there is no overarching consensus around what should be the minimum standards or considerations for national regulations for the effective and equitable governance of health data. Given the complex and diverse landscape of regulations and legislations across countries, as well as gaps within this landscape, we believe that there is value in countries and other stakeholders coming together to build consensus and alignment around what the minimum and optimal regulations should be – essentially to establish a set of minimum standards (considerations) for health data governance regulations. 

Transform Health is working with partners to catalyse and feed into the development of a set of minimum standards (considerations) for health data governance regulations, as well as to develop technica guidelines to support their implementation and strengthen national health data governance approaches. Key regional strategies and frameworks in Africa recognise the need for stronger health data governance across the region, particularly regulatory aspects, including the AU Data Policy Framework, the Africa CDC Digital Health Transformation Strategy, and the 2022 African Internet Governance Forum. In response to this, work is underway to support governments across the region to strengthen their health data governance approaches through: (a) an African Common Position to build country consensus around a set of minimum standards for health data governance regulations; (b) technical guidance to support governments to assess their national context relevant to the governance of health data and identify areas that need to be strengthened; and (c) technical and normative guidance to support governments to strengthen national approaches.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) responds to the first and second areas, through the development of approaches and tools to assess national landscapes (through rapid assessments), as well as carrying out assessments to help inform the development of an African Common Position (minimum standards).

 

Scope of work

In support of this work, Transform Health is seeking to recruit an organisation to develop a health data governance landscape analysis (rapid assessment) approach/methodology (template) that can be used to take stock of and assess national health data governance approaches (with a focus on the regulatory and legislative environment) and how they align with the Health Data Governance Principles. This approach will then be used to carry out landscape analyses (rapid assessments) in six countries in Africa. This will include the follow key activities:

  • Develop a health data governance landscape analysis (rapid assessment) approach/methodology (template), using the Health Data Governance Principles as a guiding framework, including reviewing other relevant tools to identify effective approaches. 
  • Liaise with regional partners and relevant working groups, as well as governments and other stakeholders (as relevant) to solicit feedback on the landscape analysis (rapid assessment) approach/methodology.
  • Identify a proposed list of countries for the landscape analyses (rapid assessments), based on the country selection criteria, for agreement by Transform Health and relevant partners.
  • Carry out landscape analyses (rapid assessments) in six countries in Africa using the methodology/template, producing summary reports/assessments for each country. 
  • Refine the approach/methodology for conducting landscape analyses (rapid assessments) following its application across the six pilot countries.

The organisation will work closely with Transform Health and other regional stakeholders and working groups in carrying out this work.

 

Key deliverables and deadlines

  1. Proposed list of countries for the landscape analyses (rapid assessments). Deadline: 21 November 2023..
  2. Draft health data governance landscape analysis (rapid assessment) approach/methodology (template). Deadline: 30 November 2023.
  3. Draft landscape analysis (rapid assessment) reports for each of the six agreed countries. Deadline: 15 February 2023.
  4. Final landscape analysis (rapid assessment) reports and final approach/methodology (template), incorporating stakeholder feedback and learnings from its testing in six countries. Deadline: 15 March 2024.

 

Timelines 

  • RFP published: 3 November 2023
  • Deadline to submit proposals for consultancy: 15 November 2023  
  • Organisation selected: 20 November 2023
  • Start date: ~23 November 2023
  • Deadline for completion of work: 15 March 2024

 

Profile and experience 

We are looking for an organisation with extensive experience carrying out landscape analyses, and with regulatory/legislative expertise in the areas of health, data governance, or specifically health data governance. The organisation should also have a strong footprint and/or experience in Africa, including engaging with governments and other stakeholders in the region. The organisation should have strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise findings and make clear recommendations. 

 

Remuneration

The proposed budget for this assignment is approximately US$80,000 – 100,000 (to be agreed based on experience and the proposal).

 

Application process 

To apply, please submit the following to [email protected] by 18:00 CET on 15 November 2023: 

  • A letter outlining your organisation’s experience relevant to this assignment.
  • A short proposal (max. 1-2 pages) outlining your approach to this assignment.
  • Your proposed budget to carry out this work, including a breakdown by task/deliverable.

 

About Transform Health 

Transform Health is a global coalition of organisations dedicated to achieving health for all in the digital age. Transform Health sets out to build a global movement that brings together organisations and institutions across different sectors, committed to achieving universal health coverage by 2030 by expanding the use of digital technology and increasing access to data. We campaign and collaborate with the individuals, communities, governments, organisations and institutions that are most affected by the lack of access to equitable, affordable and high-quality healthcare.