International Consultant (HIV/AIDS)

UNICEF Pacific is seeking the services of an international consultant to provide technical support to MoH for strengthening HIV testing, PPTCT and ARV treatment.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Assignment

Update the national guidelines according to new WHO Global Strategies in PICTs countries (Kiribati, Samoa, Tuvalu, Cook Island, Niue, Nauru and RMI) and provide technical support to MoH for strengthening HIV testing, PPTCT and ARV treatment.

1. Guidelines on ARV Treatment, PPTCT, and HIV testing.
2. Validate new testing algorithms using the DUO kits (Syphilis and HIV) prior to its implementation
3. Work in close coordination and oversight of the training of Teachers and community volunteers to support the delivery of Just Play activities in selected Pacific Island countries (cook Island, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Island, and Vanuatu)
4. Provide technical support on procurement of equipment and supplies (HIV testing, PPTCT and ART)
5. Provide technical support to the MOH to strengthen HIV testing and PPTCT, ART.
6. Oversight of the UN Joint programme with UNFPA.

Assignment Tasks

Under the overall supervision of the UNICEF Pacific, Chief of Child Survival and Development and with direct supervision from the MCH Specialist based in Suva the consultant will work in team to achieve the objective of the assignment:

The delivery of technical assistance will be through team approach, meaning, a regional team composed of UNAIDS, UNICEF, WHO and SPC was created and already provided support to Vanuatu, FSM and Palau. WHO will serve as the technical lead. Individual country support is divided into two phases, the in-country support that will run for ten days and the off-site support allocated at two days per country. The team will do preparatory work that will include liaising with countries to obtain information on status of NSP, guidelines, reporting forms and surveillance system.

The consultant will join the team and visit the countries and support updating the following national guidelines according to new WHO Global Strategies in PICTs countries (Kiribati, Samoa, Tuvalu, Cook Island, Niue, Nauru and RMI)

• Responsible to provide technical support to PPTCT guidelines – elimination of MTCT, congenital syphilis
• Contribute to:

1. 1. • ARV treatment guidelines – treat all who tested positive for HIV and monitor Viral Load 6 months from initiation then every 12 months thereafter
      • HIV testing guideline – expand HIV testing services through consideration of trained lay providers
      • STI guideline
      • Validate new testing algorithms using the DUO kits (Syphilis and HIV) prior to its implementation

1. Implementation of the UNICEF HIV/AIDS workplan:

   1. Work in close coordination and oversight of the training of Teachers and community volunteers to support the delivery of Just Play activities (S4D) in selected six Pacific Island countries (cook Island, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Island, and Vanuatu)
   2. Provide technical support on procurement of equipment and supplies (HIV testing, PPTCT and ART)
   3. Provide technical support to the MOH to strengthen HIV testing and PPTCT, ART.
   4. Oversight of the UN Joint programme with UNFPA.

Expected Deliverables

• Country specific guidelines- ARV treatment , PPRCT, HIV testing services and STI guidelines
• Workshops reports by country
• HIV equipment and commodities procurement and distribution plan
• Monthly progress report 
• Final report.               

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education

A university degree in medicine, public health, social sciences, HIV/AIDS, maternal, child health and nutrition related fields

Years of relevant experience

• At least 5 years of relevant working experience in HIV/AIDS programme at national and international level
• A solid understanding on WHO Global strategies on PMTCT, STI, HTS guidelines, protocols and standards
• Strong inter-personal, teamwork and organizational skills
• Substantive knowledge on maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition (MNCHN), HIV/AIDS/ STI issues/ policies, strategies and guidelines
• Familiarity with information technology, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software
• Familiarity and experience of working with UN agencies is an asset

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English required. 

Competencies of Successful Candidate

• Good analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills;
• To view our competency framework, please click here. 

Detailed copy of the Terms of Reference is attached:  EXTERNAL TOR International Consultant HIV_AIDS.docx

TO APPLY: Interested applicants are to include the following documents in their submission:

• A cover letter describing how you meet each of the requirements listed above (max. 2 pages)
• A detailed proposal that includes  your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable). Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

For any questions or clarifications in relation to the above consultancy please contact us at pacificvacancies@unicef.org. DO NOT forward any applications to this email address as they will not be considered, all applications must be submitted online on the UNICEF Employment page.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.