Reference #

PN/FJI/109/21

Consultancy Title

HIV/STI National Strategic Plan Development and Key Populations Definitions and Service Delivery Package Update Consultant (IC)

Project Name:

Multi-Country Western Pacific (MWP) Integrated HIV/TB Program

Location

Home Based Assignment (Remote Support)

Application deadline

23 January 2022

Type of Contract

Individual Contractor (IC)

Post Level

International Consultant

Languages required:

English

Duration of Initial Contract:

67 working days in 5 months period (1 March – 31 July 2022)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nation’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

UNDP is a lead agency in UNAIDS for addressing the dimensions of HIV and AIDS relating to human rights, gender and sexual diversity. In addition, UNDP contributes to public health and development partnerships through collaborations with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the ‘Global Fund’), Roll Back Malaria, Stop TB Partnerships, and special programmes on human reproduction and infectious diseases that disproportionately affect poor populations.

As part of its wider engagement with the United Nations, the Global Fund has partnered with UNDP since 2003 to ensure that grants are implemented, and services are delivered in countries facing complex challenges. The partnership focuses on three closely linked areas of work: implementation support, capacity development, and policy engagement. For implementation support UNDP serves as an interim Principal Recipient (PR) (currently in 25 countries) in a variety of settings including countries that face capacity constraints, complex emergencies, poor governance environments, political upheaval, or donor sanctions. It does so upon request by the Global Fund and/or the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) and when no national entity is able to assume the role at the time. UNDP’s role as PR is an interim arrangement until national entities can assume full responsibility for implementation and the capacity of national partners (Government and CSOs) is also strengthened to ensure long-term sustainability of health outcomes.

In December 2020, UNDP was once again nominated by the PIRMCCM  for the role of PR for two grants in the Western Pacific region: 1) Malaria, covering Vanuatu only; and 2) Multi-Country TB/HIV Programme covering 11 Pacific Island Countries (PICS) namely Republic of Marshall Islands, Federal States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Nauru, Niue, and Palau. The current funding cycle is for 1 January 2021 – 31 December 2023.

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager, the Consultant will develop the HIV/STI 2022-2027 NSP with costed business plan and monitoring and evaluation result framework for four countries (Nauru, Palau, Samoa and Vanuatu). The consultant will also review and update the Key Populations Definitions and Service Delivery Package which was developed in partnership with WHO in 2018.

The Project Goals are:

• To halt the spread of HIV among the population of the Western Pacific and maintain HIV incidence rates below 0.1 percent annually;
• To reduce AIDS-related mortality by strengthening HIV case finding and case management;
• To reduce the prevalence, incidence and mortality from all forms of TB in the 11 Pacific Island Countries, thereby contributing to the post-2015 global TB strategy; and
• To promote universal and equitable access to quality diagnosis and appropriate treatment of TB, MDR-TB, TB/DM and TB/HIV patients across 11 Pacific Island Countries.

Project Description and Consultancy Rationale

HIV prevalence in the 11 Pacific Island Countries (Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Marshall Islands, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) continues to be low with prevalence in the Western Pacific estimated at 0.1%. The cumulative number of persons ever diagnosed, with HIV up until December 2019 in the 11 supported countries is 251.  Despite the low rates and numbers, HIV vulnerability is still high due to factors such as widespread migration and mobility, dense sexual networks, a large caseload of untreated STIs, low knowledge about HIV and STIs, high levels of transactional sex and significant levels of intimate partner violence.

In addition, PICs are also geared towards supporting people living with HIV and ensuring that they have access to proper treatment, care and support services to live longer and healthier lives. All program efforts and interventions are targeted towards the regional and country achievement of the global UNAIDS Fast Track 90-90-90 targets which is to ensure that:

1. 90% of all people living with HIV know their status
2. 90% of PLHIV who know their status are put on treatment and
3. 90% of those PLHIV who are on treatment have viral suppression

The assignment contains two components:

Component 1: Review and Develop updated HIV/STIs National Strategic Plans for Nauru, Palau, Samoa and Vanuatu -:

In 2019, UNDP reviewed and updated HIV/STI National Strategic Plans for 7 program countries namely Cook Islands, Federated State of Micronesia, Kiribati, Niue, Republic of Marshall Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu, under a similar consultancy assignment.  The NSPs for Nauru, Palau, Samoa and Vanuatu were still valid then, but now have expired and requires updating to cover the period 2022 – 2027. 

The Ministries of Health in these four countries have requested technical assistance from UNDP in updating their HIV/STI National Strategic Plans to accelerate progress towards ensuring adequate protection, care and support to vulnerable groups, to reflect the strategic direction affirmed in the 2016 UN Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  The NSP will include costed business plan and a monitoring and evaluation results framework. The documents will provide HIV/STI strategic direction and guidance for the national response, way forward on coordinating activities, mobilizing resources, and sustaining positive impacts in the long term. The consultant is required to complete developing the four NSPs within 60 working days.

Component 2: Review and Update Key Populations Definitions and Service Delivery Package -:

To improve access to HIV/STI services by Key Population (KP), community-based interventions are essential. Though higher HIV/ STI vulnerability relative to the general population, KP have limited access to preventative and diagnostic services due to stigma, discrimination and other social issues barriers.[1] PICs are committed in improving Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) Services for key populations by increasing access to SRH/HIV/STI prevention, diagnosis and treatment services.

In 2018, UNDP with support from WHO developed the key populations definitions and recommended service delivery packages within the Multi-Country Western Pacific Integrated HIV/TB Programme (2018 - 2020).[2] This document covered three key population (Men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM), Transgender Women (TG) and Female Sex Workers (FSW)) and two vulnerable population (Seafarers and prisoners). Since this document expired in 2020, the consultant is required to review and update the Key Populations Definitions and Service Delivery Package and make appropriate changes within 7 working days.

Key Stakeholders/Partners:

The HIV/STI National Strategic Plan Development and Key Populations Definitions and Service Delivery Package Update Consultant will work closely with the national counterparts such as Ministries of Health and relevant national communicable diseases units and clinicians, UNAIDS, WHO, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), community groups of people living with HIV and the UNDP Programme Management Team based in Suva, Vanuatu and Samoa.

Scope of Work

1. The consultancy will develop the HIV/STI 2022-2027 NSP for four countries.

1. The 2022- 2027 NSP should be aligned with:

• The National HIV/ STI guidelines
• UNAIDS 90-90-90: An ambitious treatment target to help end the AIDS epidemic 
• WHO Global Health Sector Strategy on HIV 2016-2021
• WHO Global Health Sector Strategies on Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2016 – 2021
• 2016 – 2020 WHO Global Health Sector Strategies on HIV and STIs
• 2017 – 2022 Global Fund Strategy
• Sustainable Development Goals on Health
• WHO 2012 policy on collaborative TB/HIV activities
• National frameworks and legislations.
• Global Fund HIV Information Note
• Any other available resources/literature

1. The 2022- 2027 NSP should include:

• Costed business plan
• Detailed monitoring and evaluation results framework with integrated donor information and national key performance indicators in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

       The final draft of NSP with costed business plan and monitoring and result framework should be presented to the MHMS and UNDP for endorsement.

1. The consultant will review and update the Key Populations Definitions and Service Delivery Package and amend as per latest evidence, guidelines, and literature.

       The final draft of Key Populations Definitions and Service Delivery Package should be presented to the MHMS, CSOs and UNDP for endorsement.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The consultancy will be for a total of 60 working days to complete 2022- 2027 NSP for four countries (Nauru, Samoa, Palau, and Vanuatu) and 7 working days to review and update Key Populations Definitions and Service Delivery Package.

The duration and timeline of the deliverables is indicated in the below table:

TOTAL NUMBER OF DAYS IN 5 MONTHS: 67 DAYS

Institutional Arrangement

• The HIV/STI National Strategic Plan Development and Key Populations Definitions and Service Delivery Package Update Consultant will report to and work under the guidance of the UNDP MCWP Programme Manager.
• The Consultant will work closely with the national counterparts such as Ministries of Health and relevant national communicable diseases units and doctors, UNAIDS, WHO, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), community groups of people living with HIV and the UNDP Programme Management Team based in Suva, Vanuatu and Samoa.
• The consultant is required to provide fortnightly progress update to UNDP Team.
• The consultant is required to use his/her own computer and cover own internet costs for virtual meetings and consultations with partners and stakeholders.

Duration of the Work

1. The assignment duration is for 67 working days during which all 4 NSPs ( 60 working days) and Key Populations Definitions and Service Delivery Package (7 working days) need to be completed.
2. The start date is upon signing of contract and consultant’s availability but no later than 1 March 2022.
3. The consultant is required to submit implementation plan with tentative dates.

Duty Station

• The consultancy is primarily home based. The development of the NSPs and Key Populations Definitions and Service Delivery Package and endorsement will be provided through email communications, skype and other online means.  

• Technical expertise in at least two of the following domains: clinical management, disease surveillance, health situation analysis, strategic thinking, supply management, programme management and evaluation, operational research.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Good inter-personal skill and tact in working with a range of government and civil society stakeholders.
• Experience working in the Pacific.
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
• Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet in conducting research;
• Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills;
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
• Positive, constructive attitude to work;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Educational Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Medicine, Public Health, Health Management, Development Studies or any other relevant Science. Additional training and certification in Communicable Diseases is a strong asset.

Experience

• Minimum five years of HIV/STIs policies development and strategic planning experience.
• Strong understanding of HIV/AIDS programming, planning, performance monitoring and evaluation.
• Relevant experience in setting national indicators and targets.
• Experience in working/developing documents for key population.
• Excellent analytical and drafting skills.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft word and Excel with excellent attention to detail.
• Fluency in oral and written English

Language requirements

• Excellent working knowledge of English.
• Proficiency in computer application and information technology

Evaluation Method and Criteria

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative Analysis

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria (70%) and financial criteria (30%). Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by UNDP for the assignment.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation

Technical Criteria for Evaluation (Maximum 70 points)

• Criterial 1: Minimum Master’s degree in medicine, public health, development studies or any other relevant science – 10 points
• Criteria 2: Strong understanding of HIV/AIDS programming, planning, performance monitoring and evaluation – 20 points
• Criteria 3: Minimum five years of HIV/STI policies development and strategic planning experience – 10 Points
• Criteria 4: Relevant experience in setting national indicators and targets – 10 Points
• Criteria 5: Experience in working/developing documents for key population – 10 Points
• Criteria 6: Previous experience of working in the Pacific region and knowledge of the context is a strong asset – 10 Points

Interviews maybe conducted for the technically qualified consultants as part of the validation process.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Price proposal

Consultant must send a financial proposal based on Lump Sum Amount. The total amount quoted shall be all-inclusive and include all costs components required to perform the deliverables identified in the TOR, including professional fee, travel costs, living allowance (if any work is to be done outside the IC´s duty station) and any other applicable cost to be incurred by the IC in completing the assignment. The contract price will be a fixed output-based price regardless of extension of the herein specified duration.

In the event of unforeseeable travel not anticipated in this TOR, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Schedule of payments

Payment shall be provided upon satisfactory completion of the deliverables outlined in the Expected deliverables and timeline section and upon submission and acceptance.

• Upon completion of deliverable 1-3 – 35% (upon acceptance of deliverables)
• Upon completion of deliverable 4-5– 35% (upon acceptance of deliverables)
• Upon completion of deliverable 6-7– 30% (upon acceptance of deliverables)

Payment request submitted by the consultant must be certified by the UNDP Programme Manager and UNDP Programme Analyst and accompanied by payment invoice.

Payment is to be made within 30 days from receipt of the invoice/Certificate of Payment.

Documentation required

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications.

• Cover letter, including a) a brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;
• Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal using the template provided in Annex II. Financial Proposal to be submitted in United States Dollars (USD)
• Personal CV, indicating all experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.

Note: Successful individual will be required to provide proof of medical insurance coverage before commencement of contract for the duration of the assignment.

Incomplete, joint proposals and proposals sent to the wrong mailing address will not be accepted and only candidates for whom there is further interest will be contacted.

Individuals interested in this consultancy should apply and will be reviewed based on their own individual capacity.

All required templates are available on the UNDP Procurement website: www.pacific.undp.org

Annexes

• Annex I - Individual IC General Terms and Conditions
• Annex II – Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability for the Individual IC, including Financial Proposal Template

Proposal Submission

• All applications must be clearly marked with the title of the consultancy (HIV/STI National Strategic Plan Development and Key Populations Definitions and Service Delivery Package Update Consultant​ )with reference (PN/FJI/109/21) and by 11.59pm, 23 January 2022 (Fiji Time) online via UN Jobs website https://jobs.undp.org/  or [email protected]
• For further information concerning this Terms of Reference, please contact UNDP Pacific Office by email: [email protected], cc [email protected]
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Women applicants are encouraged to apply