Qualifications

Purpose of consultancy

To provide technical coordination for the integration of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) services into PrEP and key population (KP) services.
To contribute to the process of development, dissemination, and implementation of a technical brief for stigma & discrimination (S&D) and other derivative products including the strengthening of HIV and STI testing and prevention services for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW).

Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a major impact on sexual, reproductive and neonatal health. Several STIs can result in severe or life-threatening complications if not detected and treated in a timely manner. From the perspective of the adoption of existing WHO guidance documents, PrEP and key populations’ services are an important gateway and opportunity for improved STI testing and treatment according to WHO recommendations.

Integrating STI and PrEP services can be viewed bi-directionally (not only integrating STI services into PrEP services but also considering STI clients as people also at risk for HIV and therefore potentially eligible for PrEP). Such an approach fosters synergies and efficiencies from a public health perspective. Additionally, integration also has the benefit of providing economies of scope and scale in the provision of services.

Stigma and discrimination have remained pervasive barriers to effective HIV programming for the 40 years of the HIV epidemic. WHO leads the health sector response to HIV and has been tasked to work closely with communities to help combat stigma and discrimination in the health sector. Stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to accessing health services and the HIV continuum of care. Through a discussion with partners and stakeholders, one of the priority activities identified is development of a technical brief that can provide a foundation and examples for country impact.

Deliverables

• Task 1: Provide expert technical guidance for the integration of STIs service into PrEP and key population services.
  • Deliverable 1.1: Develop and finalize agenda, create slide deck and report for three dissemination webinars on the STI integration into PrEP/Key Population services.
    Expected by April, July, and October 2024
  • Deliverable 1.2: Draft revised module 13 of the WHO PrEP implementation tool adapted for integration to key populations services.
    Expected by June 2024
  • Deliverable 1.3: Coordinate data collection of national policies on STI services for people on HIV PrEP updated in an Excel spreadsheet and data analysis presented in Power Point.
    Expected by November 2024
  • Deliverable 1.4: Provide technical guidance to 2-3 selected countries in integrating STI to PrEP services provided and demonstrated through a brief report and/or track changed documents reviewed.
    Expected by January – November 2024
  • Deliverable 1.5: Draft concept notes, slides and presentation prepared for 2 conferences in the thematic area relevant to STI and PrEP services integration in 2024.
    Expected by August and December 2024
• Task 2: Provide expert technical guidance for HHS condom programming activities.
  • Deliverable 2.1: Notes for the record (NFR) of meetings with UN sister agencies and with WHO/SRHR on condom programming produced.
    Expected quarterly
  • Deliverable 2.2: Short video on condom promotion with focus on youth produced for web posting.
    Expected by March 2024
• Task 3: Development of a technical package to address stigma & discrimination (S&D) against people living and affected by HIV, specifically key populations.
  • Deliverable 3.1: Review of the conducted case studies and drafted technical brief on HIV S&D in the healthcare setting.
    Expected by February 2024
  • Deliverable 3.2: Contribute to other activities related to S&D work, including coordination of the web page development, with monthly updates, web, and feature stories.
    Expected by January, May, August, and November 2024
  • Deliverable 3.3: Contribute to the organization of meetings with internal WHO and external partners, including drafting meeting reports and notes for reference.
    Expected quarterly
  • Deliverable 3.4: Development of concept notes, slides, and presentation for relevant conferences in 2024 (IAS, ISSTDR, IUSTI, ICASA and other).
    Expected by July and December 2024
• Task 4: Provide technical guidance to the testing, prevention and populations (TPP) team in developing a road map and activities focused on adolescent and young people.
  • Deliverable 4.1: Provide review and suggestions in track-changes for the upcoming WHO technical report “Evidence-based interventions for adolescents and young people.”
    Expected by January and March 2024
  • Deliverable 4.2: Draft report outlining findings as background to initiate strategic planning and direction.
    Expected by July 2024
  • Deliverable 4.3:  Prepare background materials and meeting reports for 2-3 technical meetings.
    Expected by July and December 2024

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• Advanced university degree in public health or another relevant field.

Experience

Essential:

• Over 10 years of relevant and demonstrated experience with the implementation of public health programs/project and/or research.

Desirable:

• Experience with HIV/STI programs and/or projects in low- or middle-income settings.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Expert technical knowledge in policy and research development, implementation of public health policies at national level in the field of STI/HIV and/or sexual and reproductive health
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to use Microsoft tools (Excel, Word and PowerPoint).

Languages required:

Essential:

Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

Intermediate knowledge of French or other WHO official languages.

Location

Off site: Home-based

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level C – USD 10,000 – 12,500 per month.

Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited):

N/A

Expected duration of contract:

11 months.

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
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