Rehabilitation Packages Costing Consultancy for Learning, Acting and Building for Rehabilitation Systems (ReLAB-HS)

General Summary

Humanity&Inclusion (HI) is seeking candidates for a Rehabilitation Packages Costing Consultant for the Learning, Acting and Building for Rehabilitation in Health Systems (ReLAB-HS) activity (Activity). The purpose of this consultancy is to implement activities related to costing rehabilitation services within the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) packages of medical guarantees (PMGs) in Ukraine in close coordination with the ReLAB-HS Ukraine country office and technical team. The expected level of effort is approximately 25-30 days. Only candidates with work authorization in Ukraine will be considered; relocation benefits will not be provided.

About ReLAB-HS

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Learning, Acting and Building for Rehabilitation in Health Systems (ReLAB-HS) is a global project that will support the development of health systems that are responsive to the growing needs for rehabilitation within populations. It seeks to co-design and implement innovative, comprehensive, cost-effective interventions that strengthen health systems for provision of rehabilitation, including assistive technology. ReLAB-HS will focus on integrating rehabilitation and assistive technology services across all levels of care within health systems. The ReLAB-HS consortium comprises six international partners with expertise in health systems, implementation science, and delivery innovations.

The five-year program will work globally and initially concentrate on a number of low- and middle-income countries affected by conflict, with varying levels of rehabilitation needs and infrastructure. ReLAB-HS presents a genuine opportunity to provide real improvements in the quality of life, functionality, and independence for many people through simple interventions at the primary care level, and the use of technology to bring rehabilitation further into community settings. 

About Humanity&Inclusion (HI)

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an independent and impartial aid and development organization with no religious or political affiliations operating in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. We work alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable people to help meet their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. Since the organization was founded in 1982, we have implemented development programs in more than 60 countries and responded to many emergencies worldwide.

Consultancy Overview

Analyzing rehabilitation financing mechanisms and costing models is critical to strengthen national rehabilitation and AT systems, including their long-term sustainability and scale-up. In Ukraine, health sector reform is ongoing. Integration of rehabilitation services in the health system is on the national health agenda, with a new rehabilitation law generating momentum for the expansion of services through the NHSU health packages and for the improved coordination across and within ministries.

ReLAB-HS will mobilize a team of experts within the consortium and recruit a consultant to work with NHSU officials and health service providers to support costing of the PMGs. The ReLAB-HS country team will facilitate coordination in Ukraine with NHSU and health providers and join consultations on preliminary steps, data analysis and reporting. The aim of the costing exercise is to review and update four medical rehabilitation packages.

The Rehabilitation Cost Analysis and Forecast tool (R-CAF) will be used as a support instrument to collect data and allow costing. The R-CAF is one of the few comprehensive costing tools for rehabilitation and AT. It has been developed following an international literature review of existing tools, peer review of international experts, and several tests. The R-CAF includes both costing of assistive devices and rehabilitation therapy (physiotherapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy services), and it can be adapted to the specific needs of differing country contexts.

Data to be collected will include information on service personnel, such as professional profiles, wages, direct labor costs, average time spent per type of session; indirect costs of services, such as inventory of equipment and furniture, cost of building construction; list of consumables and equipment for therapy sessions; range and quantity of services delivered based on service statistics, service utilization such as number and profile of users, bed utilization; and prices of materials and components for AT when relevant.

Consultant responsibilities

The consultant, with the support of ReLAB-HS team, will

• Review previous packages and costing processes for rehabilitation and AT in Ukraine:

-        Previous costing methodology and national guidelines

-        Approach (retrospective or prospective cost calculation, period of costing, etc.)

-        Cost calculation tools

• Develop the data management plan:

-        Identify data set required

-        Determine the level of disaggregation

-        Develop strategies related to data issues

• Review the cost calculation tool, prepare questionnaire for interviews
• Select the sample to

-        Determine sampling criteria for selecting centers

-        Finalize the sample strata

-        Carry out the test in one service

• Share information on tools and data set to health facilities in preparation of data collection
• Collect, verify, and process data

-        Collect data

-        Monitor quality control measures; clean up the data

-        Identify irregular data for verification

-        Check the data and correct the database if necessary

• Validate the results and identify needs for additional data if relevant

-        Analyze the data

-        Document each step of the analysis

-        Determine if additional data needs to be collected or verified

-        Document limitations of the analysis.

-        Validate the results with the health facilities.

• Prepare a summary report with a description of the process, results, and recommendations

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in Economics, Finance, Management or Statistics
• Excellent interpersonal skills, team player
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, ability to write reports, communicate with external stakeholders in a comprehensive and diligent manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public health, healthcare
• Knowledge in health policy in Ukraine
• Strong analytical skills, experience in financial analytic
•  Ability to conduct research and analysis, prepare and present reports, graphics, and tables, propose solutions to problems
• Genuine interest in the healthcare system and rehabilitation development

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume in English to [email protected] by January 10, 2021. Please include “Application for Costing of Rehabilitation Packages: YOUR NAME” in the subject line. The application should contain your CV and cover letter in English.

HI is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. HI encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.