OVC: Chief of Party
Zimbabwe: General call for Applications – Chief of Party (COP), OVC – Zim
Organization: International Organization for Migration
Country: South Sudan
Closing date: 15 Feb 2017
Functional Title: Lead researcher for conducting formative assessment and mapping of men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Sudan
Post of Duty: IOM South Sudan Mission, based in Juba with travel
Duration: 50 days over 3 months (between February and April 2017)
1. Background information
Mapping and Integrated Biological and behavioural Surveillance (IBBS) surveys worldwide are an essential component informing national HIV responses. These studies have been shown to be particularly useful in providing information on behaviours among sub-populations who are challenging to reach through traditional household surveys, but who are likely to be at higher risk of HIV infection or transmission, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers and their clients, prisoners, refugees, internally displaced persons and others. It is recommended that these studies be undertaken on a regular basis, in order to provide trend analysis data for target groups in consistent geographical locations. However, a precursor to the IBBS studies is the formative research to understand the practice and location of the members of these communities, in this case MSM in South Sudan community.
The South Sudan Modes of Transmission Study (2014) estimates the adult HIV prevalence to be at 2.6%, which translates to 150,000 people living with HIV, of which 130,000 are adults and 20,000 are children below 15 years. Annually 0.31% of the adult population becomes infected – approximately 13,200 new adult cases of HIV occurred in South Sudan in 2013, translating to approximately 36 people infected each day. The epidemic is geographically differentiated, with the three Equatorial states: Eastern, Central and Western, found in the South of the country, accounting for 60% of new HIV infections. Communities close to urban centres, cross-border points and transport corridors tend to have higher prevalence than those in remote and inaccessible areas.
HIV prevalence is higher along the borders with Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and in Juba, the capital city. This may be a result of neighboring countries having higher HIV prevalence than South Sudan. The country has a generalized HIV epidemic with pockets of high concentration among key populations. Sex workers, their clients, and peri-natal transmission (mother-to-child transmission), account for seven out of every ten new HIV infections.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a Sub Recipient (SR) for the HIV/AIDS New Funding Model (NFM) Global Fund grant for prevention activities across South Sudan. Within the activities to be implemented is the development and strengthening of a Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) Strategy as well as review of existing Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials in collaboration with key stakeholders.
Within the activities to be implemented is to conduct a formative assessment, mapping and Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance (IBBS) survey, in close collaboration with local network organizations for men who have sex with men (MSM) and the Ministry of Health (MOH). This should lead to the development of new interventions that will target MSM and contribute to the reduction of HIV incidence and prevalence among this key population.
IOM will work in partnership with the Principal Recipient (PR), Ministry of Health (MOH), South Sudan HIV/AIDS Commission (SSAC), the World Health Organization (WHO), Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and as well as other SRs and partners to achieve the goal and objectives of the NFM grants.
This formative research with MSM will help to understand the existence of the practice and also mapping of networks. The research will provide baseline information on behaviours through an explorative cross-sectional study with a mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach. Furthermore data will be collected on network traits, a necessary precursor stage, for the IBBS study. Finally, a comprehensive mapping of MSM networks will be completed.
The findings will provide the national programme with strategic information on current HIV and STI prevalence as well as HIV and STI-related behaviours and risks to facilitate linkage to HIV services and to provide information for targeted planning of programmes.
2. Objectives of the assignment
Working under the overall supervision of the IOM Migration Health Unit (MHU) Programme Manager in Juba, and the direct supervision of the Global Fund M&E Officer, in close collaboration with the Global Fund Project Officer and with the UNDP, SSAC, MOH, UNAIDS and other key stakeholders, the consultant will lead the formative assessment and mapping exercise in order to;
a. Define and understand the MSM community, its activities and factors that predispose the population to a greater risk for HIV
b. Provide a mapping and population size estimation of MSM in South Sudan
c. Provide a basis for an Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance (IBBS) surveys for the MSM in South Sudan – this includes collection of data on network properties and feasibility of conducting an IBBS survey
d. Improve the relationship between the target group and agencies and stakeholders who work with the population
e. Assist in recommending interventions that are specific to the needs of the populations, ensuring that programmes are acceptable and feasible to clients before rolling out
f. Provide recommendations to address gaps in access to critical HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services for MSM and their clients.
3. Tasks and activities:
The formative assessment will be carried out across multiple locations in South Sudan, to be agreed upon by stakeholders. The research will be a baseline and explorative cross-sectional study with a mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach among members of the target community and stakeholders working with MSM in South Sudan. This study will be led by a Steering Committee that will include government, civil society, UN and other development partners to have oversight of the assessment, coordinate the activities and provide operational guidance for the lead consultant. Ethical clearance will be sought from government authorities prior to the survey. The steering committee will ensure the study methodologies conform to standards and ethical practice. The consultant is expected to carry out following activities within the set time period:
- Key deliverables and milestones
The following are the expected deliverables for the formative assessment and mapping exercise:
- Inception report, after initial consultative meetings
- Desk review report after reviewing South Sudan and regional context, current MSM programming
- Protocol and data collection tools to be used for primary data collection
- Draft report
- Final study report following the receipt of comments on the draft report from partners including recommendations for feasibility of an IBBs and key gaps in access to critical prevention, treatment, care and support services for MSM;
- Final report of the consultancy highlighting the lessons learned and recommendations for future studies on MSM in South Sudan.
- Assignment timeline
Final report delivered before 30th April 2017
6. Consultant profile
· Previous experience in HIV and AIDS research, specifically formative assessments, mapping and IBBS surveys required.
· Experience working with key populations at higher risk of HIV required (FSW, MSM, IDUs, etc.).
· Experience developing research methodology and tools and managing research teams
· Experience working in South Sudan or similar conflict and insecure environments is an advantage.
· Knowledge and understanding of the UN system and capacity to promote consensus and establish positive working relationships – integrity, tact, discretion and demonstrated sensitivity to cultural differences
· Fluent in English
How to apply:
Interested candidates are required to submit a letter of motivation, detailed curriculum vitae, technical proposal, financial proposal detailing personnel fees and payment terms and proof or previous related work (two reports or traceable recommendation letters) to below email.
E-mail: vss@iom.int
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Qualified women are highly encouraged to apply.