National consultant - National STD/ AIDS Control Programme

Area of expertise:

National consultant - National STD/ AIDS Control Programme

Purpose of consultancy:

To provide overall facilitation, coordination and provision of technical assistance for implementation of activities. S/he will oversee thematic technical areas and build partnership to support programme areas. The Consultant will report directly to the Director, National STD/ AIDS Control Programme. Sri Lankan nationals are preferred.

Background:

There are 4100 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Sri Lanka currently, according to 2023 statistics of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme. Although new HIV infections in Sri Lanka has remained relatively low during the past, more recent data reveal a 48% increase of new cases in the year 2022 compared to year 2021, out of which 13% (n = 76) were females, while 86% (n =522) were males and 1% (n = 9) were transgenders. There were 648 reported cumulative deaths due to AIDS in 2022. Current evidence shows a rising trend in the incidence of HIV infection among male-to-male or bisexual relationships over the years, becoming the predominant mode of HIV transmission. There are currently 2947 HIV patients under clinic care of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP).

Several interventions take place to keep the infection under control by the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP). One strategic intervention was to target Key Population (KP) groups through several activities, such as behaviour change communication to adopt safer sexual practices and access health services for HIV testing and to be linked for treatment, care and support. Condom promotion, HIV testing and provision of anti-retro-viral therapy stand out among some of the evidence-based interventions introduced by the National STD/AIDS Control Programme which spearheads the national response to HIV/AIDS. NSACP implemented these interventions in partnership with non-government organizations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBO) and people living with HIV (PLHIV) organizations. Global Fund provides a grant to provide interventions for Key Population Groups to combat HIV among the Key Population Groups and the GF grant period is 2022-2024. The consultant's responsibility is to provide overall facilitation, coordination of and technical assistance and support for implementation of activities under Global Fund grant. S/he will oversee thematic technical areas and build partnership to support programme areas. The Consultant will report directly to the Director, National STD/ AIDS Control Programme. Sri Lankan nationals are preferred.

Scope of Work:

Consultant should closely work with the National STD/AIDS Control Programme to achieve monitoring and evaluation targets of the National Strategic Plan and Global Fund HIV component.

Provide overall technical coordination with the selected hiring firm for Integrated Bio Behavioral survey (IBBS) and Population Size Estimate of Key Population (PSE). Monitoring of the implementation of the IBBS & PSE on behalf of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme.

Provide overall support to the National STD/ AIDS Control programme for monitoring and evaluation of the Key Populations interventions. Liaising with NGOs/CBOs supporting the NSACP to achieve national targets. Conduct monitoring visits to project sites and liaise with stakeholders to achieve programmatic targets.

Quantification assessment of the health commodities of National STD/AIDS Control programme and support all programme consultants to develop the quantification plans. Support and facilitation of the overall HIV component of the Global Fund activities to achieve programmatic and financial progress.

Coordination for the implementation of the already established Drug-Resistant Testing for Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

Provide technical support and follow up on the refurbishment process of the National Reference Laboratory.

Provide technical assistance to Improve prevention and testing coverage for MSM other key populations to scale-up HIVST and PrEP programs Improve linkages to care

Facilitation of the harm reduction programme for people who use injecting drugs by arranging stakeholder meetings.

Deliverables:

Technical inputs on Programmatic and Financial progress reports according to the set targets decided of the Global Fund HIV grant Project 2022-2023 in quarter wise.

Situation analysis report on the current program management and M&E structure.

Report on key gaps in the implementation of the KP-related programs and linkages to care and suggesting immediate mitigation measures and developing an improvement plan.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages:

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: University degree and master's degree in public health, management studies or other health-related field from a recognized university.

Desirable: Doctorate (MD) public health from a recognized university preferably from international or internationally recognized university.

Experience

Essential: At least five years of experience in relevant fields.

Desirable: Established strong track record and experience in public health or Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Knowledge and understanding of the policies and procedures health and/or STD/HIV.
• Proven ability to think strategically, manage projects and processes to deliver results.
• Experience and proficiency in working with government and other partners in an effective and culturally competent manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
• Advanced computer skills including ability to utilize the standard Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong management, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Skills in working as a part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

Essential: Expert knowledge of English

Desirable: Expert knowledge of Sinhala or Tamil

Location

On site: National STD/AIDS Control Programme

AND

Off site: Ministry of Health and other desired locations

Travel

The Consultant may require to travel within the country to hold meetings with relevant stakeholders. Dates and venues to be decided as and when required.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

• Remuneration: Payband level: NO-B (minimum) - at the rate of LKR 595,636/month.
• Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited): Not Applicable
• Expected duration of contract (Tentative): 10 Months

Start Date: 1 March 2024 End Date: 31 December 2024

Additional Information:

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