In the past decade, several countries in sub-Saharan Africa have undertaken assessments of their eye health systems. These assessments are vital for understanding the relative strengths and weaknesses of the eye health system within the wider health system. In Sierra Leone, the first assessment was conducted in 2013 just before the outbreak of Ebola in the country. 

The study will be conducted in two connected phases, and this consultancy will cover phase one. Phase one will focus on a systematic desk-based review of documents (print or electronic), analysis and interpretation of data. This will be a complimentary but comprehensive analysis to answer the research questions set out in the study protocol (see approved study protocol). 

Responsibilities

The purpose of this consultancy will be to conduct document analysis and write-up, as the first component of study activities for the Sierra Leone Follow-up Eye Health Systems Assessment. This will be guided by a stand-alone activity plan to be developed by the consultant in consultation with Sightsavers and is mostly going to be about interpretation (and not description) and update of the baseline eye health systems assessment conducted in 2013. The ability to interpret and glean understanding, as well as to construe the big picture and provide new understanding would be the focus of this consultancy. Analysis of data derived from documents is about the search for explanation and understanding, not description.

Skills and Experience

As the ideal consultant you will have experience of engaging stakeholders in the eye health sector to access documents (print and electronic) that are required to complete the assignment in a timely manner. You will also have excellent knowledge of technical issues and the politically sensitive strategies that one must take to negotiate access to documents and datasets so that work can be successfully conducted. 

Further requirements include: 

• Master’s in a discipline related to public health, health economics, social or behavioural science, or relevant fields, with expertise in HSR. PhD preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to gain the trust and rapidly engage with stakeholders in the eye health sector to access documents (print and electronic) that are required to complete the assignment in a timely manner. 
• Substantial prior experience leading and conducting HSR studies in Sierra Leone.  
• Proven ability to prepare compelling written products including reports is required.  
• Excellent written and analytical skills are required.  

This consultancy work is a highly varied and involved role and the above is not an exhaustive list of duties or required professional skills. 

Candidates are welcome to demonstrate their ability to match the person specification by expanding on how their experience, training and/or qualifications might have provided them with the knowledge or skills required for the role. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit. 

Next Steps

To apply for this exciting new opportunity, please complete our Expression of Interest form via our recruitment portal, along with uploading your CV and any links or documents showing previous similar work. 

We are particularly interested in learning of your motivations for applying. We anticipate that remote interviews will take place during the week of 17 March and the evaluation process will include an oral interview, to be completed by shortlisted candidates.