Consultant: Strengthening the national response to HIV/AIDS epidemic
United Nations Development Programme
UNDP in Montenegro: Good governance for poverty reduction and sustainable development of the ecological European state
TERMS OF REFERENCE
A. Job Title: Consultant: Strengthening the national response to HIV/AIDS epidemic in Montenegro,
through reinforcing implementation of the PHC reform organizational model as a key prerequisite to efficient and sustainable HIV/AIDS service delivery
B. Type of position: International, short term
C. Post Reference: MNE-11-011
D. Duty Station: Podgorica, Montenegro and home based during the period of assignment
E. Duration of appointment: 15th March 2011 – end of December 2011
F. Contract type: Special Service Agreement (SSA)
G. Deadline for application: 28th February 2011
i. Background:
In the last few years, Montenegro has undertaken solid steps in reforming health care system to improve quality, accessibility,
efficiency of health services and financial sustainability of the health system. The first reform efforts were made at the Primary
Health Care (PHC) level where was introduced for the first time. Quality, equitable and efficient HIV/AIDS service delivery at the
PHC level will be conditional upon fully functional and operational support centres i.e. Centre for Prevention and Control.
Although the reform results were evaluated by relevant international and specialized organizations as highly satisfactory, setting
up a reform standard in the region, certain segments of the reformed organizational model are still not in the place and
functional. Primarily, it is the case with the Support centre, specifically Centres for Prevention and Control as an organizational
unit within which HIV/AIDS services are to be delivered. Within these centres, there are population counselling units, counselling
Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHS) and counselling units for reproductive health. Since Montenegrin health system is
organized on the basis of primary health care and since one of the proclaimed key aims of the primary health care system
reform is prevention of HIV/AIDS and other diseases1, it is of the utmost importance for the national response to HIV and our
health system in general to eliminate barriers to health care access and access to treatment, particularly addressing most at risk
adolescents and vulnerable groups.
Namely, working standards for the respective Centre for Prevention and Control of Diseases defining patient’s rights to quality
services, the human resources (number and profile of staff), spatial and technical conditions have not been defined yet. However
it should also be noted that YFHS standards have already been developed and are pending adoption. Additionally, some very
specific clinical guidelines and protocols are to be developed and applied to ensure standardized and quality HIV/AIDS service
delivery throughout the country. What matters the most is that a National Program on HIV/AIDS control and prevention, as a key
instrument for HIV/AIDS service delivery at the PHC level, has not been developed yet.
Montenegro has developed several important national documents, such as National Universal Access Plan (Roadmap) in 2007,
National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2005-2009, Mid-term Review Report on implementation of Nat’l HIV/AIDS Strategy 2005-2009, Nat’l
HIV/AIDS Strategy 2010-2014 and National Universal Access Report in 2011. These activities were supported with PAF funds
provided by the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) through activities of the UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS and UN
Joint Team on HIV/AIDS. Also, Strategy on Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) was developed in 2009 and
1 Strategy on Development of Health Care System in Montenegro, 2003
incorporated into the new Nat’l HIV/AIDS Strategy 2010-2014. Several key areas and priorities were defined by these strategic
documents.
Since access to treatment, prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, mother-to-child transmission and
prevention of risky behaviour through promotion of healthy life style are some of the key priorities and programmatic areas of
these national strategic documents, we believe this intervention under PAF Project will contribute the most to securing access to
treatment and prevention to all vulnerable target groups. Development of National AIDS Programme will define scope and type
of services that can be provided, contribute to standardization and quality of work, and contribute to achieving national goals as
defined in the Strategy.
It is important to note that services provided in Centres for Prevention and Health Promotion are dominantly of preventive nature,
counselling, individual and group work, but also fast diagnostics will be done (early treatment).
The idea is to have these HIV/AIDS services provided through Centres for prevention and health promotion that is their
respective organisational units: for reproductive health, population counselling and youth counselling. Benefits would be two
folded:
A) these centres i.e. organizational units exists in all PHC facilities in MNE. This will ensure better coverage and improve
access to HIV/AIDS services, what was not achieved with VCTs that were organized at the regional level. This should
be considered as a sort of an improvement at the organizational level bringing about improved access to health care;
B) HIV/AIDS problem would be addressed from several perspectives (reproductive health, perspective of youth, etc and
not in an isolated manner).
Given the complexity of scaling up a comprehensive response to HIV/AIDS in Montenegro, and moving towards universal
access, national counterparts approached again UN TG and UN JT and again requested assistance for implementation of these
activities which is of great importance for the future HIV/AIDS plans and overall successfulness of national response.
In this context, UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS is seeking for one (1) international consultant who will work closely with four (4)
national/ local consultants on above described issues and deliver all mapped out outcomes and outputs in accordance with
recommendations given in above mentioned national documents.
ii. Duties and Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
1. To review all HIV/AIDS documents relevant to this Project, including the national strategic documents on HIV/AIDS and
Universal Access Plan Roadmap;
2. To review the PHC organizational model and identify aspects that would have to be strengthened and identify
requirements to ensure that VCT is fully integrated into the PHC system and support centre for prevention in providing
quality HIV/AIDS services in an efficient and effective manner;
3. To facilitate and support local consultants while being engaged into a dialogue with the national authorities on the
national HIV/AIDS programme concept through which the counselling units will provide HIV/AIDS services at the PHC
level.
Deliverables:
1. To review PHC organizational model with recommendations on aspects that would have to be strengthened and
identify requirements to ensure that VCT is fully integrated into the PHC system and support centre for prevention in
providing quality HIV/AIDS services in an efficient and effective manner;
2. To develop and finalize the national HIV/AIDS programme concept through which the counselling units will provide
HIV/AIDS services at the PHC level.
Timing of the work: The consultant will be engaged under special service agreement immediately following the
selection process. The date of the engagement will be in the mid of March 2011 till end of December 2011. The
consultant will be required to undertake three visits to duty station (Podgorica, MNE) during the period of assignment
(each visit will require 4 working days).
iii. Competencies:
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Demonstrates ability of analytical work and excellent report writing;
iv. Qualifications and Requirements:
Educational
Background
- Post-graduate degree in Public Health, international development, social sciences or health
management, PhD is an asset.
Level of
Experience
- 10 to 15 years experience working on international HIV/AIDS strategy development and
review, monitoring and evaluation and health programming
General skills - Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication and management skills.
- Strong knowledge of global HIV/AIDS trends, strategy, donors, and programmes.
- Sound knowledge of UNAIDS strategic approaches (Three Ones, Intensifying prevention,
Monitoring and evaluation for Most at-risk populations, and Universal Access Plans).
- Strong people and project management skills and ability to set strategic targets and
implement effective programmes.
- Ability to work collaboratively with country stakeholders to achieve agreed plans.
- Proficient knowledge of written and spoken English.
v. Application Process
Interested applicants are requested to submit their applications to UNDP Office in Podgorica
by e-mail to consultancy.me@undp.org by 28th February 2011.
United Nations Development Programme
The application should contain:
1. Duly completed Personal History Form (P11) can be downloaded
from http://www.undp.org.me/files/jobs/index.html
2.Cover/Motivation Letter
The short-listed candidates only would be requested to submit a letter of interest including a price
quotation indicating the lump sum (in EUR) requested for the work and travel (total 3 visits) envisaged in the
section "Duties and Responsibilities".
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer.
UNDP in Montenegro: Good governance for poverty reduction and sustainable development of the ecological European state
TERMS OF REFERENCE
A. Job Title: Consultant: Strengthening the national response to HIV/AIDS epidemic in Montenegro,
through reinforcing implementation of the PHC reform organizational model as a key prerequisite to efficient and sustainable HIV/AIDS service delivery
B. Type of position: International, short term
C. Post Reference: MNE-11-011
D. Duty Station: Podgorica, Montenegro and home based during the period of assignment
E. Duration of appointment: 15th March 2011 – end of December 2011
F. Contract type: Special Service Agreement (SSA)
G. Deadline for application: 28th February 2011
i. Background:
In the last few years, Montenegro has undertaken solid steps in reforming health care system to improve quality, accessibility,
efficiency of health services and financial sustainability of the health system. The first reform efforts were made at the Primary
Health Care (PHC) level where was introduced for the first time. Quality, equitable and efficient HIV/AIDS service delivery at the
PHC level will be conditional upon fully functional and operational support centres i.e. Centre for Prevention and Control.
Although the reform results were evaluated by relevant international and specialized organizations as highly satisfactory, setting
up a reform standard in the region, certain segments of the reformed organizational model are still not in the place and
functional. Primarily, it is the case with the Support centre, specifically Centres for Prevention and Control as an organizational
unit within which HIV/AIDS services are to be delivered. Within these centres, there are population counselling units, counselling
Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHS) and counselling units for reproductive health. Since Montenegrin health system is
organized on the basis of primary health care and since one of the proclaimed key aims of the primary health care system
reform is prevention of HIV/AIDS and other diseases1, it is of the utmost importance for the national response to HIV and our
health system in general to eliminate barriers to health care access and access to treatment, particularly addressing most at risk
adolescents and vulnerable groups.
Namely, working standards for the respective Centre for Prevention and Control of Diseases defining patient’s rights to quality
services, the human resources (number and profile of staff), spatial and technical conditions have not been defined yet. However
it should also be noted that YFHS standards have already been developed and are pending adoption. Additionally, some very
specific clinical guidelines and protocols are to be developed and applied to ensure standardized and quality HIV/AIDS service
delivery throughout the country. What matters the most is that a National Program on HIV/AIDS control and prevention, as a key
instrument for HIV/AIDS service delivery at the PHC level, has not been developed yet.
Montenegro has developed several important national documents, such as National Universal Access Plan (Roadmap) in 2007,
National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2005-2009, Mid-term Review Report on implementation of Nat’l HIV/AIDS Strategy 2005-2009, Nat’l
HIV/AIDS Strategy 2010-2014 and National Universal Access Report in 2011. These activities were supported with PAF funds
provided by the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) through activities of the UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS and UN
Joint Team on HIV/AIDS. Also, Strategy on Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) was developed in 2009 and
1 Strategy on Development of Health Care System in Montenegro, 2003
incorporated into the new Nat’l HIV/AIDS Strategy 2010-2014. Several key areas and priorities were defined by these strategic
documents.
Since access to treatment, prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, mother-to-child transmission and
prevention of risky behaviour through promotion of healthy life style are some of the key priorities and programmatic areas of
these national strategic documents, we believe this intervention under PAF Project will contribute the most to securing access to
treatment and prevention to all vulnerable target groups. Development of National AIDS Programme will define scope and type
of services that can be provided, contribute to standardization and quality of work, and contribute to achieving national goals as
defined in the Strategy.
It is important to note that services provided in Centres for Prevention and Health Promotion are dominantly of preventive nature,
counselling, individual and group work, but also fast diagnostics will be done (early treatment).
The idea is to have these HIV/AIDS services provided through Centres for prevention and health promotion that is their
respective organisational units: for reproductive health, population counselling and youth counselling. Benefits would be two
folded:
A) these centres i.e. organizational units exists in all PHC facilities in MNE. This will ensure better coverage and improve
access to HIV/AIDS services, what was not achieved with VCTs that were organized at the regional level. This should
be considered as a sort of an improvement at the organizational level bringing about improved access to health care;
B) HIV/AIDS problem would be addressed from several perspectives (reproductive health, perspective of youth, etc and
not in an isolated manner).
Given the complexity of scaling up a comprehensive response to HIV/AIDS in Montenegro, and moving towards universal
access, national counterparts approached again UN TG and UN JT and again requested assistance for implementation of these
activities which is of great importance for the future HIV/AIDS plans and overall successfulness of national response.
In this context, UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS is seeking for one (1) international consultant who will work closely with four (4)
national/ local consultants on above described issues and deliver all mapped out outcomes and outputs in accordance with
recommendations given in above mentioned national documents.
ii. Duties and Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
1. To review all HIV/AIDS documents relevant to this Project, including the national strategic documents on HIV/AIDS and
Universal Access Plan Roadmap;
2. To review the PHC organizational model and identify aspects that would have to be strengthened and identify
requirements to ensure that VCT is fully integrated into the PHC system and support centre for prevention in providing
quality HIV/AIDS services in an efficient and effective manner;
3. To facilitate and support local consultants while being engaged into a dialogue with the national authorities on the
national HIV/AIDS programme concept through which the counselling units will provide HIV/AIDS services at the PHC
level.
Deliverables:
1. To review PHC organizational model with recommendations on aspects that would have to be strengthened and
identify requirements to ensure that VCT is fully integrated into the PHC system and support centre for prevention in
providing quality HIV/AIDS services in an efficient and effective manner;
2. To develop and finalize the national HIV/AIDS programme concept through which the counselling units will provide
HIV/AIDS services at the PHC level.
Timing of the work: The consultant will be engaged under special service agreement immediately following the
selection process. The date of the engagement will be in the mid of March 2011 till end of December 2011. The
consultant will be required to undertake three visits to duty station (Podgorica, MNE) during the period of assignment
(each visit will require 4 working days).
iii. Competencies:
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Demonstrates ability of analytical work and excellent report writing;
iv. Qualifications and Requirements:
Educational
Background
- Post-graduate degree in Public Health, international development, social sciences or health
management, PhD is an asset.
Level of
Experience
- 10 to 15 years experience working on international HIV/AIDS strategy development and
review, monitoring and evaluation and health programming
General skills - Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication and management skills.
- Strong knowledge of global HIV/AIDS trends, strategy, donors, and programmes.
- Sound knowledge of UNAIDS strategic approaches (Three Ones, Intensifying prevention,
Monitoring and evaluation for Most at-risk populations, and Universal Access Plans).
- Strong people and project management skills and ability to set strategic targets and
implement effective programmes.
- Ability to work collaboratively with country stakeholders to achieve agreed plans.
- Proficient knowledge of written and spoken English.
v. Application Process
Interested applicants are requested to submit their applications to UNDP Office in Podgorica
by e-mail to consultancy.me@undp.org by 28th February 2011.
United Nations Development Programme
The application should contain:
1. Duly completed Personal History Form (P11) can be downloaded
from http://www.undp.org.me/files/jobs/index.html
2.Cover/Motivation Letter
The short-listed candidates only would be requested to submit a letter of interest including a price
quotation indicating the lump sum (in EUR) requested for the work and travel (total 3 visits) envisaged in the
section "Duties and Responsibilities".
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer.
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