Consultancy: To conduct Pre-Validation Assessment of elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Congenital Syphilis in Namibia

UNICEF is looking for an individual consultant to support the Ministry of Health and Social Services to conduct pre-validation assessment of elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Congenital Syphilis in Namibia. The consultant will be required to undertake the following activities: 1. Assess the implementation status of existing national polices, strategic plans, national EMTCT and Syphilis plans, national guidelines and testing algorithms of EMTCT of HIV and Syphilis (where applicable), and their consistency or alignment with WHO recommended policies, algorithms and standards. 2. Identify potential gaps and areas that need more clarification and discussion and highlight key data and programme issues for both HIV and Syphilis 3. Document and analyze the available national programme data for HIV and Syphilis testing, for maternal viral load, and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID). 4. Provide a summary status and analysis of impact and process indicators for EMTCT and path to elimination of HIV and Congenital Syphilis validation

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Background and Justification

In 2017, World Health Organisation (WHO) launched the second edition of the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) global validation guidance document that provides standardized processes and consensus-developed criteria to validate EMTCT of HIV and Congenital syphilis, and to recognize high-HIV burden countries that have made significant progress on the path to elimination. The guidance places strong emphasis on country-led accountability, rigorous analysis, intensive programme assessment and multi-level/sectoral collaboration, including the involvement of communities of women living with HIV.

Based on current progress made so far  in the prevention of MTCT, Namibia has decided to embark on dual elimination of  the eMTCT of HIV and Congenital Syphilis. In 2020, Namibia launched the National Roadmap for the Elimination of Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV and Congenital Syphilis 2020-2024 which sets the goal, and milestones to have Namibia certified as having achieved the Gold Status Tier as per the WHO Path to Elimination (PTE) targets. One of the key activities for the eMTCT roadmap is to conduct pre-validation assessment of PMTCT and STI programme, laboratory, data quality, gender and human rights on the country's readiness for path to elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV and Congenital Syphilis.

The National Validation Committee (NVC) which is mandated with the overall responsibility for the national validation process for eMTCT recommended to recruit a national consultant to lead and facilitate the pre-assessment exercise using the WHO standardized pre-validation tools and methodologies to establish baseline status for eMTCT of HIV and congenital Syphilis in Namibia.

It is against this background that the NVC through the Ministry of Health and Social Services requested UNICEF for a consultant to provide support for the pre-validation assessment. The assignment will be carried out under the leadership of the MOHSS in close collaboration with the UN Joint Team on AIDS (JUTA), and the National Validation Committee (NVC).

In line with the funding agreements in the UNICEF and Government of the Republic of Namibia Annual Rolling Workplan 2020/2021, UNICEF is seeking consultancy services for a qualified individual to conduct pre-validation assessment of elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Congenital Syphilis in Namibia.

How can you make a difference?

Scope of Work   

Goal and Objective: 

The goal is to establish baseline status of eMTCT of HIV and congenital syphilis indicators against the global standards for validation and provide an understanding of Namibia's current position on its Path to Elimination as stipulated in the national roadmap. 

Specific Objectives:

1. Assess the implementation status of existing national polices, strategic plans, national EMTCT and Syphilis plans, national guidelines and testing algorithms of EMTCT of HIV and Syphilis (where applicable), and their  consistency or alignment with WHO recommended policies, algorithms and standards.
2. Identify potential gaps and areas that need more clarification and discussion and highlight key data and programme issues for both HIV and Syphilis
3. Document and analyze the available national programme data for HIV and Syphilis testing, for maternal viral load, and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID).
4. Using the pre-validation check list to assess the country EMTCT and STI programme, and identify critical gaps, highlight key data and programme issues for both HIV and Syphilis with the following focus areas:

• Programme and services assessment
• Human rights, gender and community engagement - general legal issues
• Laboratory and commodities assessment
• Data assessment 

5. Provide a summary status and analysis of impact and process indicators for EMTCT and Path to Elimination of HIV and Congenital Syphilis validation.
6. Provide recommendations and management response action plan to facilitate the country process towards validation of Gold, Silver and Bronze Tiers on the Path to Elimination.

Activities and Tasks:

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Child Survival and Development (CSD) of UNICEF and the NVC  Chairperson, the consultant will perform the following tasks:

1. 1. Develop an inception report to ensure clarity in understanding of the TORs and propose the methodology and timelines for the work.
   2. Hold an inception meeting with the MOHSS, NVC and the PMTCT Technical Working Group to present the inception report (methodology and timelines).
   3. Conduct a desk review of all relevant documents (e.g., global criteria, Namibia's policies, eMTCT roadmap, strategic plans and programme documents) and identify key information in line with global recommendations.
   4. Facilitate the completion of the pre-assessment tool
   5. Prepare a pre-validation report (using the National pre-validation report template) on the status of PMTCT and STI Programmes including process and impact indicators, critical gaps, key data and programme issues for both HIV and Syphilis, laboratory, data quality, gender, health systems, human rights & equity in Namibia against global benchmarks and guidance on the path to elimination
   6. Present preliminary pre-validation results to NVC and key stakeholders
   7. Facilitate development of action plan for the NVC based on the findings
   8. Submit final pre-validation report that includes Namibia's stand in terms the Path to Elimination, recommendations, and action plan to guide the  further implementation of the national roadmap.  

Work relationships:

The consultant will report to the Chief, Child Survival and Development, UNICEF and the Chairperson of NVC - Director, Primary Health Care. The consultant will work closely with the NVC and the PMTCT and STI programme in the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

Deliverables:

The following are the expected deliverables.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Desired profile  

• Masters Degree in public health, epidemiology, or related field etc.
• At least minimum 5 years' experience in conducting similar baseline studies with  demonstrable in-depth understanding of SRH, MCH and PMTCT programming. Proven professional experience in conducting assessments at national and international levels.
• Evident knowledgeable/experience on recent global developments in the HIV and AIDS field and in particular PMTCT and Syphilis programming.
• Strong analytical, quantitative and qualitative research skills with experience in managing large data sets.
• Should possess following competencies: strong communication skills, both written and oral, team work and leadership skills.
• Shortlisted candidates may be required to share examples of similar previous work done in in the last five years.

Administrative issues

The consultant will be engaged on a full time basis for a period of 6 weeks (30 working days). However, working days will be determined as per the prescribed duration of each deliverable.

The Consultant will work on his/her own computer and use his/her own office resources and materials in the execution of this assignment but will have access to office printing and scanning facilities.  UNICEF or Ministry of Health and Social Services will allocate office space for the consultant.

The Consultant will provide own transport for movement within Windhoek. For field trips outside Windhoek, UNICEF will provide transport. However, the consultant fee shall be inclusive of all office administrative costs i.e. (travels, airtime, internet and Daily Subsistence Allowance ).

As per UNICEF policy, payment will be made against approved deliverables. Please also see UNICEF's Standard Terms and Conditions attached.

Consultants are not entitled to payment of overtime.  All remuneration must be within the contract agreement.

No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant.

Consultant will be required to complete online courses related to Ethics, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Security related trainings prior to taking up the assignment and/or travel.

Consultant will be required to sign the Health Statement for consultants/individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to share an appropriate proof of health insurance covering COVID-19, including Medical Evacuation.

Risks

COVID-19 is unprecedented emergency where the Consultant may potentially be at risk while conducting the assessment. It is important that  he/she follows the MoHSS Standard Operational Procedures and UNICEF guidance to all staff including social distancing, wearing mask, hand washing or sanitizing.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.  To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

How to apply

Qualified candidates are requested to complete an online application including profile to the respective advertisement on https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/. Suitable candidates are also requested to send their CVs, letter of interest clearly indicating how their qualifications and experience match the requirements, as well as samples of relevant previous work products. Please indicate your ability, availability and financial proposal/quote to complete the terms of reference above.

Rates must include all expenses related to the assignment (e.g. consultancy fee, transport etc.).  Applications submitted without a financial proposal will not be considered.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.