INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT FOR UPDATING THE NATIONAL GUIDELINES ON HIV PREVENTION AND TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR KEY POPULATIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN

Background

Over the last few years, there has been a progressive decline of HIV incidence, and an estimated xxx new HIV infections occurred in 2022 in South Sudan. Although there has been expansion of programmes for key populations in the last few years, these have not significantly increased access to quality health and other essential services for this group. Social, legal and structural barriers have continued to increase the vulnerability to HIV among other infections for key populations. The package of services provided lacks essential prevention, treatment, diagnostic and care elements.

A policy and an update of the 2018 national KP guidelines and related packages for South Sudan is essential to provide equitable, accessible and acceptable services key populations in South Sudan. Key population communities should be supported to lead the response and provide the services.

Overall purpose assignment

The main purpose of the assignment is to consult widely, contextualize and update the national KP guidelines for South Sudan to support comprehensive, accessible and acceptable services to key populations in South Sudan.

Specific objectives:

The consultant will support the MOH programme and working closely with WHO, IHI/AHEC, UNFPA and UNDP and other partners to:

1. Conduct desk review for all relevant and available literature at regional and national level (policies, strategies, plans, guidelines, tools, national statistics including studies) essential for use in the update of the national guidelines for HIV prevention and treatment programs for key populations in the republic of South Sudan.

2. Conduct site tours in facilities and communities currently implementing KP services

3. Consult with all key stakeholders including key population groups, policy makers, legal and enforcement, donors, community led organizations, PLHIV and social/health workers on critical issues surrounding services for key populations and recommendations for addressing structural barriers and the package of services

4. Lead/facilitate the technical working group for updating KP guidelines and ensure alignment with WHO consolidated guidelines on HIV, viral hepatitis and STI prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for key populations

5. Adapt/update/develop implementation package including tools/SOPs and training packages on KP programming

6. Work alongside the Strategic Information TWG to ensure reporting of KP indicators.

7. Facilitate in organizing regular stakeholder consultations, consensus meetings and debrief.

Deliverables

1. Final updated national consolidated guidelines on HIV, viral hepatitis and STI prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for key populations for South Sudan

2. Implementation package including SOPs/tools and M&E indicators.

3. Final report

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational background:

· Essential: Degree in social studies, public health, nursing or other relevant discipline from an accredited/ recognized institute.

· Desirable: Master’s degree in social/development/ Public Health

Experience:

· Essential: A minimum of seven years of related experience in KP programming

· Desirable: Similar assignment, guideline/ training package development/ training of community and health care providers

Skills:

· Essential: Analytical, facilitation, presentation, writing skills, social research

· Desirable: Excellent interpersonal communication, negotiation, participatory skills and team player

Language proficiency

Fluency in written and spoken English.

Additional Information (For HR use only):

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