TORS NATIONAL CONSULTANT FORMATIVE RESEARCH

Job Overview

Project Title: Expanding Protection Environment and Services for Mixed Migration Flows and Vulnerable Libyans along Migration Routes in Libya and Supporting Local Socio-Economic Stabilization

Subject: Terms of Reference to develop HIV/AIDS formative research in Libya

Duration: 30 days (within two months)

1. Background

According to the United Nations, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has the lowest prevalence of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) in the world, less than 0.1% of their population (approximately 230 000 people as per UNAIDS estimated for 2021¹).

Although the overall HIV prevalence in the region is still low, the rise in new infections, especially since 2001, has put MENA among the top two regions in the world with the fastest growing HIV epidemic presumably due to an increase of HIV prevalence among key populations at higher risk and a forward transmission of the virus to a larger number of individuals who are generally at lower risk of infection.²

It is believed that the reason for the low HIV prevalence is due to the MENA region being predominantly made up of countries that are religiously and culturally conservative. ³ One of these countries is Libya, which is considered as one of the most conservative Arab countries⁴. The quantity of data is steadily increasing but still limited to build trends. It is apparent that there are challenges with gathering national statistical data. Availability and accessibility to any reports on HIV and AIDS in Libya is limited. Epidemiological data on AIDS related deaths are also scarce.

According to UNAIDS, the number of people living with HIV (all cases) has increased from less than 100 people in the 90s to 1000 people in 2000, 5600 in 2010 and finally 6700 people in 2020. However, the number of new infections peaked in 2006 with around1000 new PLHIV (People living with HIV), steadily decreased until 2013 and increased again in 2020 with around 500 new PLHIV.⁵ The HIV prevalence rate among people who inject drugs is the highest ever reported figure and flags the urgent need for an evidence-based comprehensive response. The results also indicate a 90 per cent hepatitis C prevalence among PWID, an overlap of high-risk behaviors and the potential for the epidemic to spread to the general population through bridging groups. Today, it remains unclear how the armed conflict has further augmented and/or geographically spread the HIV epidemic⁶.

In Year 3 of this EU-funded programme, and upon request from the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), UNFPA is providing technical support to the Libyan MoH to conduct an Integrated Biological and Behavioral Survey (IBBS) to provide estimates of KP (key population) and PP (Priority Population) population sizes, HIV prevalence, related risk behaviors and access to prevention and care services to inform programmatic response. Prior to implementing the survey, a series of formative research activities will be conducted. The data and information collected during this preparatory phase will help decision-makers regarding the viability of conducting an IBBS.

The overall objective of the formative research is to gain an understanding of the local/national context and identify key barriers and enablers. During this period, it is expected to engage with a variety of local/national authorities, organizations (Civil Society Organizations, Community-Based Organizations, NNGOs, INGOs), institutions, and individuals who are familiar with HIV/AIDS issues in the community and in the country.

https://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/middleeastandnorthafrica
https://unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/JC2257_UNAIDS-MENA-report-2011_en_1.pdf
Annazadeh Baghi H, Soroush MH. HIV/AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa: a positive future. Sex Transm Infect. 2018;94(5):339. 4 Independent Advisory Group on Country Information (IAGCI). Country Policy and Information Note Libya: Women. In: London: Home 2018
https://unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/libya
https://unodc.org/romena/en/Stories/2012/July/evidence-confirms-alarming-concentrated-hiv-epidemic-among-injecting-drug-users- in-libya.html

UNFPA is seeking to engage an independent national consultant with strong experience in this area to assist with the development of the formative research. This research will be conducted by a team of two external consultants, one international and one national. The international will act as team leader.

2. Description of the Proposed Analytical Work

The national consultant should follow, at least, the following methodology, in agreement with the international consultant:

Organizing and attending meetings with relevant partners, and stakeholders to collect
Review any important document relevant to the research
Conduct field visits to various locations to collect necessary data for the formative research
Conduct Interviews, community assessments and Focus Group Discussion with the affected populations
Support the team leader in analyzing the collected data
Support the international team leader in drafting reports with recommendations and other required documents
Provide written and oral translation for the team leader/ the International Consultant
Complimentary research, which could include the collection of quantitative and qualitative data, using an array of methods common to health studies: key informant interviews, focus group interviews, household interviews, brief intercept surveys, and observation;
Provide a barrier analysis;
Support to identify entry points and communication channels to help key actors to support the IBBS implementation;
Gather input from other key stakeholders such as MoH, NCDC, CSO, NNGO, INGO, UNAIDS, WHO, UNICEF, IOM, UNODC, UN WOMEN, etc.
Support to compile findings to present a preliminary report including recommendations for the geographic selection to potentially conduct the IBBS;
Make recommendations to strengthen national commitment and the policy environment;
Ensure adherence to the highest ethical standards and safety considerations in conducting all phases of this research;
Provide any other support required by the team

3. Period of performance

The duration for the work specified under this Terms of Reference (TORs) shall be for 30 working days within two (2) months from the signing of the contract. No -Cost Extension could be provided depending on the Libyan context and with prior written approval by the contractor.

4. Consultancy Team, Qualifications and Experience

The consultancy will be carried out by a team of two consultants. One national and one international. The International will be the team leader, and responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of the tasks and deliverables as outlined in this ToR. The qualifications for the National Consultant are defined below. All experts will need to demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of their work, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as good planning and organizational skills and be fluent in English.

5. Consultancy Team, Qualifications and Experience

The consultancy will be carried out by a team of two consultants. One national and one international. The International will be the team leader, and responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of the tasks and deliverables as outlined in this ToR. The National consultant will support the team leader and will be responsible, but not limited, to the tasks outlined in the ToR The qualifications for the national Consultant are defined below. All experts will need to demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of their work, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as good planning and organizational skills and be fluent in English.

6. Qualifications Required

The Individual Consultant should possess the following minimum qualifications:

Academic Qualifications:

Advanced University Degree in Public Health, Medicine, or social sciences with research experience;
Extensive experience of not less than 5 years in IBBS, formative research, studies, and surveys;
Must have demonstrated experience with conducting formative research and surveys, as evidenced by publications or presentations in international journals or conferences.
Must have demonstrated experience providing consulting services to international NGOs, multinational organizations, and/or governments in areas of public health, particularly HIV prevention and treatment and key

Competencies:

A solid background in strengthening public health systems and health sector reforms;
Familiarity with human rights-based approaches, including gender, and reproductive health;
HIV/AIDS/STI strategy development;
Proven experience with data analysis and statistics;
Prior experience working in a multi-stakeholder environment including bilateral multilateral agencies;
Excellent analytical and writing skills;