Consultants (– Assessment on the level of community engagement in delivery of Key and Vulnerable Population (KVP) – (2105477) at WHO November, 2021

Purpose of the Consultancy:

This consultancy work aims to learn and understand the inclusivity and existing enabling environment for the implementation of Key and Vulnerable Population (KVP) focused interventions in the communities. In this era of COVID-19 pandemic, community services for marginalized and vulnerable populations are critical towards ending HIV epidemic.

Background

HIV epidemic in Tanzania has span for over three decades now and claimed many lives during this period. Substantial headway in the scale up of HIV interventions in the country has led to a reduction of the prevalence in the general population from 7.0% in 2003 to 4.7% in 2017. However, the decline has not been the case in Key and Vulnerable populations. Key and Vulnerable populations include people who are both extremely vulnerable to, and at an increased risk of HIV due to their specific behaviours. Data in the country shows HIV prevalence of 36% among People who injects Drugs; 26% among Female Sex Workers; 25% among Male Who Have Sex with Men; and 6.7% among prisoners. Often these population groups do not have equitable access and coverage to HIV prevention, care and treatment services as the general population; they are societal stigmatized and culturally discriminated in the communities.  Given the disproportionate burden of the HIV epidemic among the key and vulnerable populations in the country, focus is now needed to address the special needs in HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support for Key and Vulnerable Population groups.

In order to make a significant change and impact in controlling HIV epidemic client centered services through community led programming is inevitable. However, this approach needs to be backed with supportive policies and enabling environment.

Scope and Methodology

Review of existing policies and legal instruments  in the health sector and beyond that support delivery of HIV services to KVP and assess the existing environment in KVP service provision in the community. The review process will be coordinated by TACAIDS, CHRAGG, NACP, UNAIDS, UNDP, WHO and UNFPA. Local consultancy will be engaged to lead the whole process. The consultancy will be tasked to:

Assigned Tasks:

• Review relevant literatures and reports on key and vulnerable population programming, in the different communities in different groups
• Conduct interviews with communities and key stakeholders to assess the level of community engagement in delivery of KVP services and existing barriers
• Identify funding streams  for the implementation of the different KVP services in the communities
• Review culturally specific measures implemented to address stigma and discrimination among KVP groups.
• Assess efforts and impacts on community empowerment towards addressing challenges facing KVP groups.
• Review community roles in tackling violence and other barriers facing KVP groups in their day to day activities.

Deliverables

Key deliverables from this assignment will include:

• An inception report from the consultants with clear provisions on methodology, time frame and deliverable
• Final report from the review with clear community recommendations on policies and legal factors to improve KVP service delivery.

LANGUAGE: 

English Language is required                       

Read:     Expert knowledge 

Write:   Expert knowledge

Speak:  Expert knowledge

EDUCATION:

Essential: University degree in Social science,  Community Health or other health related discipline.

Desirable: A master’s degree in Public Heath, Epidemiology,  Demography, ,Social Sciences.

EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• At least five years related experience on the review of policies, and operational issues of the policies
• Proven experience in KVP Programming and community interactions is a requirement.

Desirable:

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in doing reviews of community interventions and social services -should be the required years of experience

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Preferably with an extensive experience in Monitoring and Evaluation of community-related programs
• Excellent understanding of policy and legal framework reviews.
• Previous experience in working on KVP programming locally or international.
• Excellent command of English including presentation and writing skills.
• Acquaintance with the dynamics of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Tanzania is an added advantage

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Extensive experience in stakeholders consultation in the areas of KVP including CSOs/NGOs, Government of Tanzania, Donors and UN agencies
• Excellent understanding of policy and legal framework reviews.
• Previous experience in working on KVP programming locally or international.
• Excellent command of English including presentation and writing skills.
• Acquaintance with the dynamics of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Tanzania is an added advantage

WHO Competencies REQUIRED

1. Communicating in a credible and effective way
2. Fostering integration and teamwork
3. Producing Results
4. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
5. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Other Skills (e.g. IT):

• Good command of Computer Application Systems
• Working knowledge of online data collection applications, statistical analysis packages (EPI Info, SPSS, Stata, etc).

• The consultant will be based in WHO Country office, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
• This consultancy will be at NOB level 4
• Mission to the field: in this case, the WHO will issue a Travel Request and provide a subsistence allowance, in line with WHO travel policies

Duration

• The expected duration of the assignment for period of 25 working days in November 2021. The final report will be submitted by 20 December 2021.

Salary

• Grade: NOB – 04

Proprietary rights

• Outputs delivered under this consultancy contract will remain the property of Tanzania Commission of AIDS.