Zim-TTECH, on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), is inviting Expressions of Interest for a Consultant to Develop an Online Training Platform for Key Populations
Project Title: Development of an Online Training Platform for Key Populations Health Provider Training - Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC)
Deadline for Receipt of Expressions: - 21 July 2024.
1. Background and Introduction
Zimbabwe has made significant strides in achieving epidemic control and is progressing toward the 95-95-95 UNAIDS Fast Track targets. However, challenges persist for key populations as they continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. Sex workers in their diversity (SW), gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender and gender diverse individuals (TGD), and people who inject or use drugs (PWU/ID) are considered to be key populations in Zimbabwe. These groups encounter barriers when accessing HIV prevention, treatment, and care services. To address this, Zimbabwe’s National AIDS Strategic Plan III emphasizes tailored interventions for key populations and vulnerable demographics.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) is committed to improving the health outcomes of Key Populations (KP) in Zimbabwe. Currently, training for healthcare providers is delivered through a printed Key Populations Health Provider Training Manual. While this manual provides valuable information, it limits accessibility and interactivity for continuous learning and skill development.
To address this, the MoHCC seeks to engage a qualified Digital Consultant/Graphic designer to transform the existing Key Populations Health Provider Training Manual into an engaging and effective online training platform. This platform shall be accessible to nurses and other healthcare providers across Zimbabwe, enhancing their ability to deliver quality, stigma-free care to KP communities.
2. Objectives
The primary objective of this project is to develop a user-friendly online training platform that effectively delivers the content of the Key Populations Health Provider Training Manual.
Specific objectives include:
2.1 Developing a platform that is accessible on various devices (desktops, laptops, tablets) with internet connectivity across Zimbabwe.
2.2 Converting the training manual content into an engaging online format with multimedia elements relevant to the Zimbabwean context.
2.3 Designing interactive learning activities to reinforce knowledge retention and practical skill development.
2.4 Ensuring the platform is accessible to users with disabilities, adhering to national accessibility standards.
2.5 Integrating the platform with existing MoHCC healthcare systems (if applicable).
2.6 Providing user training and ongoing support for trainers and healthcare providers.
2.7 Implementing a system for monitoring and evaluating user engagement and learning outcomes to inform continuous improvement.
3. Scope of Work
The Digital Consultant shall be responsible for the following activities:
3.1 Review and Analysis: Analysing the existing Key Populations Health Provider Training Manual, identifying Learning Management System (LMS) needs considering Zimbabwe's infrastructure and MoHCC requirements, and engaging with stakeholders including trainers, healthcare providers, and MoHCC representatives.
3.2 Content Conversion and Design: Restructuring, converting, and designing the training manual content for online delivery, incorporating multimedia elements (images, infographics, audio clips, short videos) relevant to the Zimbabwean context. This may involve collaborating with local health experts and potential KP community representatives for content validation.
3.3 Platform Development and Implementation: Setting-up and configuring the chosen LMS platform considering scalability for nationwide access, customize branding to reflect MoHCC identity, manage user roles and permissions, and integrate with existing MoHCC healthcare systems (if applicable).
3.4 Launch and Post-Launch Activities: Providing user training for trainers and healthcare providers across Zimbabwe, considering potential regional variations in internet access and technical literacy. Launching the platform, monitoring user engagement through the LMS, and making data-driven adjustments for improvement based on feedback and learning outcome evaluations.
4. Deliverables
The Digital Consultant shall deliver the following:
1. A fully functional online training platform for Key Populations Health Provider Training, accessible across Zimbabwe.
2. User guide for trainers and healthcare providers, considering potential regional variations in access and technical literacy.
3. A comprehensive report outlining the development process, platform functionalities, user engagement data, and recommendations for ongoing improvement.
5. Consultant Qualifications
The ideal candidate should possess the following:
a) Proven experience in developing and implementing online learning platforms using Learning Management Systems (LMS), with consideration for scalability and accessibility in resource-constrained settings.
b) Expertise in converting traditional training materials into engaging online content, with sensitivity to the Zimbabwean context.
c) Experience in designing interactive learning activities for adult learners, including those with limited internet access or technical proficiency.
d) Strong understanding of accessibility best practices for online platforms, adhering to national standards.
e) Excellent project management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
f) Experience working with government agencies or international organizations in a developing country, context would be an asset.
6. Timeline
The project is expected to be completed within 5 months following the signing of the contract. A detailed project timeline will be developed in collaboration with the chosen consultant.
7. Reporting
The Digital Consultant shall submit regular progress reports to the MoHCC and other relevant partners throughout the project lifecycle. These reports shall detail completed tasks, upcoming activities, and any identified challenges.
8. Copyrights
The Digital Consultant shall be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to protect the confidentiality of the MoHCC's information and training materials. The copyright of the digital training manual shall be owned by the MoHCC.
9. How to Express Interest
Applicants should submit their application documents to kponline@zimttech.org on or before 21 July 2024. They should indicate the level of experience in doing consultancy work of same or a similar nature, fee/cost structure, qualifications, draft workplan and demonstration of understanding of the Zimbabwean context.
Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.