The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a leading Africa-based international research and policy institution headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with a regional office in Dakar, Senegal. Our work contributes to evidence generation on critical population health and well-being issues affecting Africa’s development to inform policies and decision-making processes at various levels.
Our programs focus on four thematic areas:
- Human Development
- Health and Well-Being
- Data Science and Evaluation
- Population Dynamics and Urbanization in Africa
APHRC also leads programs in Research and Capacity Strengthening, as well as Policy Engagement and Communications, all aligned with these priorities.
We are currently seeking a consultant or consultancy firm to support the development of A-SEARCH, an AI-powered intelligent search and research optimization platform that will enhance data integration, analytics, and decision-making at health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) sites across Africa.
Consultancy Details
- Title: Consultancy to Develop an AI-Powered Research Optimization Platform for APHRC (A-SEARCH)
- Location: Remote with potential travel to HDSS sites
- Deadline for Applications: 7th February 2025
- Contract Duration: 180 working days
Purpose of the Assignment
To strengthen research capabilities and data utilization, APHRC aims to develop an AI-powered intelligent platform (A-SEARCH). This system will:
- Optimize research processes and reduce inefficiencies in data integration, analysis, and anomaly detection.
- Enhance automation of routine tasks such as data collection notifications.
- Improve data quality and reliability for research and policy decision-making.
- Empower researchers and enable responsible AI use at HDSS sites across Africa.
A-SEARCH will be designed for data collected from HDSS sites under the INSPIRE project, which integrates datasets from health facilities, households, and surveillance systems.
Key Responsibilities of the Consultant
1. Needs Assessment and Stakeholder Engagement
- Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to determine system requirements for HDSS sites.
- Engage stakeholders, HDSS site managers, and health facility teams to identify usability needs.
- Develop a detailed system design and implementation roadmap.
2. Data Mapping & AI System Development
- Assess data ecosystems, data capabilities, and maturity levels at HDSS sites.
- Develop AI algorithms to:
- Map historical data collection at HDSS sites.
- Identify family planning and health trends.
- Generate research questions from existing datasets.
- Implement record-linkage algorithms to integrate data from HDSS, health facilities, and households.
3. AI-Powered Automated Notification System
- Develop a system that sends follow-up alerts for data collection tasks via email, SMS, or notifications.
- Customize notification schedules based on site-specific protocols.
4. Voice-to-Text Integration
- Design an AI-driven voice-to-text system for use in field research settings.
- Implement transcription capabilities for interviews, focus groups, and health facility interactions.
5. AI-Based Anomaly Detection
- Create machine learning models to detect missing values, outliers, and inconsistencies.
- Automate alerts and corrective measures for flagged anomalies.
6. Platform Development, Testing, & Deployment
- Develop a functional A-SEARCH prototype for testing and review.
- Integrate AI-driven research features into a single, scalable platform.
- Conduct user training and deploy A-SEARCH at selected HDSS sites.
- Develop user manuals, guidelines, and training videos.
Expected Deliverables
The consultant/consultancy firm will provide:
- Needs Assessment Report – outlining stakeholder requirements and system design.
- Data Mapping Report – detailing available datasets per HDSS site.
- AI Algorithms – for research question identification, record linkage, and automated notifications.
- Voice-to-Text Application – integrated with HDSS data systems.
- Anomaly Detection Tool – machine learning models for data quality assurance.
- Platform Prototype – a testable version of A-SEARCH.
- Final Platform Deployment – fully operational AI-powered research optimization system.
- User Training Materials – guides, manuals, and video tutorials.
- Performance Report – evaluating system functionality, accuracy, and user feedback.
Project Timeline
The consultancy will be completed within 180 working days from the date of contract signing.
Budget & Financial Proposal
The consultant/firm will submit a financial proposal that includes:
- A technical proposal outlining the approach, methodologies, and tools to be used.
- A detailed work plan aligned with the project deliverables.
- A cost breakdown for system development, travel expenses, and additional costs.
- CVs of key personnel and a company work profile.
- A list of similar projects completed, with references and contact details of supervisors/clients.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit applications to [email protected], with a copy to [email protected], using the subject line “AI-Powered Research Optimization Platform”.
Application Deadline: 7th February 2025
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable consultant/firm is identified.
Special Notice
APHRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. No applicant is required to make any payments at any stage of the recruitment process. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.
For more information about APHRC and its work, visit www.aphrc.org.
