CONSULTANCY– To develop national HIV testing services guidelines for Iraq. Band B (higher end of range)

Contract

This is a No grade contract. More about No grade contracts.

1. Purpose of the Consultancy

The consultant will conduct an assessment of HIV testing services (HTS) and develop national HIV testing services guidelines for Iraq.

2. Background

Iraq is a low prevalence HIV country with unknown HIV prevalence among key populations. The country has been reporting increasing numbers of HIV cases in the past 5 years. In 2021, Iraq reported 329 new HIV cases, with almost 90% of the cases in the age group above 25 years and another 7% among people aged 15 – 24 years. Of the cumulative cases, the main mode of transmission is reportedly heterosexual (41%). 4.2%, 17% and 1.3% are attributed to homosexual, blood transfusion and vertical transmission routes, while 36% of cases are of unknown mode of transmission. Furthermore, the country is facing major challenges in terms of lack of meaningful HIV prevention, testing and treatment response. In a context of rampant stigma and discrimination, and in the absence of NGOs, there is no prevention and testing interventions conducted among key populations.

WHO recommends differentiated HTS approaches (e.g. community-based testing, HIV self-testing and social network-based approaches) and effective linkage to appropriate post-test services. A recent WHO mission to the country revealed major gaps in HTS programme and lack of differentiated approaches and programming for key populations. The pathway for HIV diagnosis is complex and prone to loss to follow up and algorithm for diagnosis does not align with WHO recommendations. The country has not adopted impactful interventions such as use of rapid diagnostic tests, lay providers, HIV self-testing and virtual models. The country does not currently have national HTS guidelines.

The country has requested WHO support for development of first national guidelines on HTS. In the context of no external funding for HIV response and in line with the WHO mandate to support member states in developing appropriate health sector policies and strategies and effective organization and operation of comprehensive HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis prevention, care, and treatment programmes, WHO regional office is engaging a consultant to lead the development of national HTS guidelines. The consultant will work closely with WHO country office and MOH including the national AIDS programme and central public health laboratory.

3. Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Total of 25 workdays

Start date: 06/08/2023

End date: 30/10/2023

4. Work to be performed

Output 1: Conduct a rapid assessment of HIV testing services approaches and pathway for diagnosis in country

Deliverable 1.1: In-country mission to conduct an assessment of HIV testing services and pathway to diagnosis

Deliverable 1.2: Conduct key informant interviews to map HIV testing services approaches implemented and pathway for diagnosing HIV including national algorithm

Deliverable 1.2: Identify key gaps and challenges in implementation of differentiated HIV testing services approaches and linkage

Deliverable 1.3: Develop a brief inception report outlining steps for addressing the gaps and updating national guidelines

Output 2: Develop national HIV testing services guidelines

Deliverable 2.1: Conduct virtual consultation with key stakeholders and the national HIV programme to identify priority populations and HIV testing approaches for national guidelines

Deliverable 2.2: Sensitize the national programme and stakeholders for inclusion of HIV self-testing in national guidelines and updating the national algorithm for HIV diagnosis to improve efficiency of diagnosis and linkage

Deliverable 2.3: Draft national HIV testing services guidelines

Deliverable 2.4: Virtual stakeholder engagement to validate the guidelines

Deliverable 2.2: Final national HIV testing services guidelines developed and endorsed by the national HIV programme

5. Specific requirements

- Qualifications required:

Masters degree in Medicine or public health

- Experience required:

At least 7 years’ experience in public health, with special experience in HIV testing services.

Desirable: Familiarity with WHO guidelines as well as previous experience with developing national HIV testing guidelines and service delivery in the region.

- Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

· Analytical skills and review methodology

· Technical writing

· Communication skills

- Language requirements:

Fluency in English (Read - Write - Speak) is required

Working knowledge of Arabic is an asset

6. Place of assignment

Off-site consultant

Teleworking from home country

Medical clearance : The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Travel (If travel is involved, a medical certificate of fitness for work will be required.) All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance. Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

Additional Information section

· 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.

· Remuneration is in line with WHO consultant established rates

· Successful candidates will be included in the roster for consideration for future contractual engagement via a consultancy, as they become available. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee any future contractual relationship with WHO

· A written test may be used as a form of screening.

· If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

· For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

· WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

· WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

· Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

· WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

· Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.

· WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.

· Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line through Stellis. For assessment of your application, please ensure that: (a) Your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated; (b) All required details regarding your qualifications, education and training are provided; (c) Your experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time.