Deadline Extension: International Consultant for Formative Research

TORS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT

FORMATIVE RESEARCH

Project Title: Expanding Protection Environment and Services for Mixed Migration Flows and Vulnerable Libyans along Migration Routes in Libya and Supporting Local Socio-Economic Stabilization

Subject: Terms of Reference to develop HIV/AIDS formative research in Libya

Duration: 30 days (within two months)

1. Background

According to the United Nations, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has the lowest prevalence of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) in the world, less than 0.1% of their population (approximately 230 000 people as per UNAIDS estimated for 2021).

Although the overall HIV prevalence in the region is still low, the rise in new infections, especially since 2001,  has put MENA among the top two regions in the world with the fastest growing HIV epidemic presumably due to an increase of HIV prevalence among key populations at higher risk and a forward transmission of the virus to a larger number of individuals who are generally at lower risk of infection.

It is believed that the reason for the low HIV prevalence is due to the MENA region being predominantly made up of countries that are religiously and culturally conservative.  One of these countries is Libya, which is considered as one of the most conservative Arab countries.  The quantity of data is steadily increasing but still limited to build trends. It is apparent that there are challenges with gathering national statistical data. Availability and accessibility to any reports on HIV and AIDS in Libya is limited. Epidemiological data on AIDS related deaths are also scarce

According to UNAIDS, the number of people living with HIV (all cases) has increased from less than 100 people in the 90s to 1000 people in 2000, 5600 in 2010 and finally 6700 people in 2020. However, the number of new infections peaked in 2006 with around1000 new PLHIV (People living with HIV), steadily decreased until 2013 and increased again in 2020 with around 500 new PLHIV. The HIV prevalence rate among people who inject drugs is the highest ever reported figure and flags the urgent need for an evidence-based comprehensive response.  The results also indicate a 90 per cent hepatitis C prevalence among PWID, an overlap of high-risk behaviors and the potential for the epidemic to spread to the general population through bridging groups. Today, it remains unclear how the armed conflict has further augmented and/or geographically spread the HIV epidemic

In Year 3 of this EU-funded programme, and upon request from the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), UNFPA is providing technical support to the Libyan MoH to conduct an Integrated Biological and Behavioral Survey (IBBS) to provide estimates of KP (key population) and PP (Priority Population) population sizes, HIV prevalence, related risk behaviors and access to prevention and care services to inform programmatic response. Prior to implementing the survey, a series of formative research activities will be conducted. The data and information collected during this preparatory phase will help decision-makers regarding the viability of conducting an IBBS.

The overall objective of the formative research is to gain an understanding of the local/national context and identify key barriers and enablers.  During this period, it is expected to engage with a variety of local/national authorities, organizations (Civil Society Organizations, Community-Based Organizations, NNGOs, INGOs), institutions, and individuals who are familiar with HIV/AIDS issues in the community and in the country.

UNFPA is seeking to engage an independent international consultant with strong experience in this area to assist with the development of the formative research. This research will be conducted by a team of two external consultants, one international and one national and the international will act as team leader.

2. Description of the Proposed Analytical Work

The international consultant should follow, at least, the following methodology:

• Collate and review literature, including secondary data and other relevant studies conducted in Libya and neighboring countries;
• Complimentary research, which could include the collection of quantitative and qualitative data, using an array of methods common to health studies: key informant interviews, focus group interviews, household interviews, brief intercept surveys, and observation;
• Conduct community assessments;
• Provide a barrier analysis;
• Identify entry points and communication channels to help key actors to support the IBBS implementation;
• Consult and engage with the MoH and NCDC during the whole process;
• Consult and gather input from other key stakeholders such as MoH, NCDC, CSO, NNGO, INGO, UNAIDS, WHO, UNICEF, IOM, UNODC, UN WOMEN, etc.
• Compile findings and present a preliminary report including recommendations for the geographic selection to potentially conduct the IBBS;
• Assess and make recommendations to strengthen national commitment and the policy environment;
• Facilitate a two-day workshop with the MoH, NCDC, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss findings and recommendations and potentially, in preparation for planning the activity.
• Make practical, feasible recommendations to assist policymakers to improve prioritization and resource allocation to implement the survey and reflect high-priority geographic areas, communities, and interventions.

• Develop the road map and action plan for the coordination, supervision, and implementation of the next steps in coordination with partners;
• Ensure adherence to the highest ethical standards and safety considerations in conducting all phases of this research;
• Present a final report with the findings including recommendations;

1. 1. Key Deliverables

The specific deliverables of the assignment include at minimum the following:

• Inception report to be submitted within 5 days of signing contract detailing the consultant’s approach to the formative research, providing a detailed work-plan and detailed methodology and how the assignment will be undertaken;
• Draft report showing the key findings on the research;
• Report from the consultation/review meeting, highlighting key discussions and recommendations from the meeting;
• Final report of the formative research and concept note after incorporating inputs agreed upon at the review meeting and recommendations;
• All research records including interviews with Key informants and the summaries of Focus Group Discussions.

3. Period of performancehe duration for the work specified under this Terms of Reference (TORs) shall be for 30 working days within two (2) months from the signing of the contract. No -Cost Extension could be provided depending on the Libyan context and with prior written approval by the contractor.
4. Consultancy Team, Qualifications and Experience

The consultancy will be carried out by a team of two consultants. One national and one international.International will be the team leader, and responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of the tasks and deliverables as outlined in this ToR. The National consultant will support the team leader and will be responsible, but not limited, to the tasks outlined in the ToR The qualifications for the International Consultant are defined below. All experts will need to demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of their work, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as good planning and organizational skills and be fluent in English. 

5. Qualifications Required

The Individual Consultant should possess the following minimum qualifications:

Academic Qualifications:

• Advanced University Degree in Public Health, Medicine, or social sciences with research experience;
• Local/Regional relevant experience of not less than 7 years;
• Extensive experience in IBBS, formative research, studies, and surveys;
• Must have demonstrated experience with conducting formative research and surveys in different countries, as evidenced by publications or presentations in international journals or conferences.
• Must have demonstrated experience providing consulting services to international NGOs, multinational organizations, and/or governments in areas of public health, particularly HIV prevention and treatment and key populations.

Competencies:

A. A solid background in strengthening public health systems and health sector reforms;

B. Familiarity with human rights-based approaches, including gender, and reproductive health;

C.  HIV/AIDS/STI strategy development;

D. Proven experience with data analysis and statistics;

E.  Prior experience working in a multi-stakeholder environment including bilateral multilateral agencies;

F. Excellent analytical and writing skills;

6. Working LanguageThe working language for this assignment will be English and Arabic, with the final products expected to be delivered in English
7. Payment Modalities

The consultant will be paid as follows:

• After validation of inception report: 20%
• After validation of draft report: 40%
• After National validation and submission of final report: 40%

How to apply

Applications can be submitted to suliman@unfpa.org and halab@unfpa.org;  . The deadline for receiving applications is 29.10.2022

The application must include

• Proposal
• A capacity statement detailing proven past experience
• CVs of consultant(s)
• Relevant publications list
• Delivery schedule with milestones and payment plan
• Detailed budget