expert on HIV surveillance among most-at-risk populations (MARP)

Background

Belarus is characterized by concentrated HIV epidemic. As of January 1, 2012 there were 12 955 registered HIV cases, with 0,2-0,3% HIV prevalence among the population of reproductive age. Most-at-risk populations- injecting drug users (IDUs), female sex workers (FSW), men having sex with men (MSM) are most affected by HIV. Based on the results of 2011 Sentinel Surveillance, HIV prevalence among IDUs is 13,7% (reaching over 40% in some regions),FSW- 2,4% (reaching 6-10% in some regions), MSM- 2,8% (reaching 5-10% in some regions). Intravenous drug use remains the main driving force of the epidemic despite recent trend of growing sexual transmission. Cumulatively, injection transmission mode comprises almost half of all registered cases (47,2%). In support of its efforts to maintain the HIV epidemic in the concentrated phase, Belarus has received several grants funded by the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria The United Nations Development Programme in Belarus (UNDP) assumes the role of the Principal Recipient of the grants of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund). Since 2010, UNDP has been implementing two Global Fund HIV grants (RCC Round 3 and Round 8 HIV grants). It is envisaged that the grants will be consolidated with effective date of January 1, 2013 until 2015. Major interventions of the grants are directed at most-at-risk populations (MARPs) given the concentrated phase of HIV epidemic in Belarus

Duties and Responsibilities

The purpose of conducting HIV surveillance among MARPs is to track HIV risk behaviors as part of an integrated surveillance system and provide vital information on how HIV is spreading in the country. In 2013, Belarus will use RDS-sampling for the first time among IDUs and MSM instead of snow-ball sampling. International expert will provide necessary assistance and expertise in launching the RDS sampling as well as designing the overall bio-BSS. The overall goal of this assignment is to assist with formative research and to develop a detailed protocol on for conducting the Bio-Behaviour Surveillance Survey (bio-BSS) in 2013. The whole assignment will not exceed 20 working days in the period between 25 February and 1 December 2013 and will involve maximum 10 days’ of working in Minsk. He/she will work in close cooperation with the national specialists from medical institutions, UNAIDS, NGOs and UNDP/GFATM Grants Implementation Unit (GIU). In close cooperation with the specialists of the Ministry of Health, HIV-servicing NGOs, UNAIDS and UNDP/GFATM GIU the International Consultant will perform the following: Review of the surveillance schedule and cycle, developed by the National specialists; Pre-surveillance assessment of the survey sampling method among MARPs to be applied; Training of the specialists involved into the field work - on RDS (or another recommended sampling method), as well as WHO, UNAIDS recommendations for HIV surveillance system among MARPs; Together with the team of the National experts development and review of the bio-behavioral sentinel survey protocol among IDU, MSM and FSW based on RDS (or another recommended) sampling method, validation of selected sampling size and selection of the cities for the survey; Support to the team of the National experts with calculation of sample size of MARPs; Development of recommendations on HIV/Hep B, C tests in surveillance surveys in hard to reach populations; Development of recommendations on implementation of RDS (or another recommended) sampling method: selecting study sites, seeds and field staff, coupons, incentives, data collection forms; Development of expert recommendations on launch of RDS (or another recommended) sampling method: recruiting participants; staff roles responsibilities; data management and documentation; ending RDS (another sampling method; Provision of recommendations to manage risks in cases of challenges encountered with field work, data collection, analysis etc. Review of the draft report of the study (including interpretation of data and trend analysis) , provided by the National experts, development of comments and recommendations; Review the final report and develop recommendations to this report, including recommendations for the next round of surveys.

Competencies

Experience in interpreting bio-BSS data through RDSAT

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree in Healthcare, Social Science; First university degree in Healthcare/Public Health/Social Science may be accepted in combination with relevant experience; Experience: At least 5 years of experience in the development and supervision of conducting bio-Behavioral Surveillance Surveys among MARPs (injecting drug users, sex workers, men who have sex with men);  Profound knowledge and experience in conducting at least one Behavioral Surveillance using Respondent Driven Sampling, Time and Location sampling and other sampling methods, from the stage of protocol development, development of the survey tools, training research staff, conducting, supervising the bio-BSS, and writing analytical reports as well as interpreting data and making recommendations; At least 3 years of experience in international public health, including program monitoring and evaluation, BSS; At least one epidemiology study developed and supervised; At least 3 years of experience in developing, coordinating, supervising, and managing epidemiological studies. Previous M&E work in countries of the EECA region is an asset Language requirements: Excellent English skills, including strong drafting skills; Working knowledge of Russian would be an asset. DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications: Proposal: (i) Explaining why individual consultant is the most suitable for the work Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and availability and Financial proposal – please fill in Annex II and Annex  V Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 2 reference letters or 2 contacts. Proposal should be submitted by email should be submitted to e-mail tenders.by@undp.by or by fax: +375 17 226 03 40 no later than 19 February, 2013. Any request for clarification must be sent in writing, or by standard electronic communication to the e-mail olga.atroshchanka@undp.org.  UNDP will respond in writing or by standard electronic mail, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials. All documents required shall be presented altogether in just in one email transmission, or as an attachment to an on-line application, without password encryption. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials. EVALUATION  Individual consultant will be evaluated based on the methodology of cumulative analysis The award of the contract of individual consultant should be made to the person whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. Total score=Technical Score + Financial Score Technical Criteria weight - 70%, 700 scores maximum Financial Criteria weight - 30%. 300 scores maximum Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 490 from 700 point in the Technical part of evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation The lowest financial proposal between technically qualified receives 300 points and all the other technically qualified financial proposals receive points in inverse proportion according to the formula: P=Y*(L/Z), where P=points for the financial proposal being evaluated Y=maximum number of points for the financial proposal L= price of the lowest price proposal Z=price of the proposal being evaluated ANNEXES:  ANNEX I – Terms of Reference - http://undp.by/pdf/TOR_Iinternational_expert_HIV.doc ANNEX II – http://undp.by/pdf/FP_International_expert_HIV.doc ANNEX III – IC contract form ANNEX IV – General Terms for IC contracts ANNEX V - Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability ANNEX VI - PROCUREMENT NOTICE - http://undp.by/pdf/IC_PN_International_expert_on_HIV.doc

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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