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For every child, a future.
In Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), 62% of the population is less than 24 years and an estimated 26% of new HIV infections occur among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), aged 15-24 years. HIV prevalence rates among young women are also more than twice as high compared to young men. Despite the notable progress made to reduce HIV infection in Tanzania, the decline of HIV infections among girls and young women has been limited. In 2020, it was estimated that there were 68,000 new HIV infections, with 32 percent among young people aged 15-24 years. Of all infections among young people, 67 percent were among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). The high vulnerability to HIV risk among adolescent girls and young women continues to be linked to several interrelated biological, behavioural, and structural factors, including continued gender inequalities. This requires a strong multisectoral response and scaling up of coverage of AGYW HIV prevention programs in a sustainable and coordinated way. In recognition of this, in the funding cycle 2018-2020 the Global Fund provided catalytic funds to Tanzania to implement a comprehensive evidence-based package targeting AGYW and their male partners. The core package intends to reduce vulnerability among AGYW and prevent HIV infection in the selected regions. Furthermore, this module aimed at influencing adolescents and youth to stay in school and avoid risky behaviour that would predispose them to HIV infection and other adverse outcomes related to their sexual and reproductive health. Facilitate quality and coordinated implementation among implementing partners Standard operating procedures (SOP) were developed and used.
In the 2021-2023 implementation cycle, TACAIDS and its partner will continue implementing AGYW interventions in 18 councils in 5 regions. The scope for the next cycle is similar to the next cycle’s scope. However, there are a few shifts; these include new interventions (i.e., comprehensive sexuality education) and adjustments in the business processes (e.g. introduction to e-payment, use of vulnerability index for enrolment), but for the most part, maintain the scope with some improvements. Successful implementation of the aforementioned shifts requires a technically capable in-house TACAIDS team as well as layering and linkages with the economic strengthening intervention (i. e. social cash transfers, IGA, livelihood training) as part of the AGYW program. Similarly, since the SOPs were developed in the first phase of the Timiza Malengo program and the program has progressed, new interventions have been added to the program with modifications in others, it was found imperative the SOP is revised to incorporate the changes.
How can you make a difference?
To enhance the quality and efficiency of AGYW programming, the Global Fund has operationalized an Adolescent Girls and Young Women Strategic Initiative (AGYW-SI). As a trusted leader in adolescent and HIV policy, data, and programming, UNICEF is working with the Global Fund to provide technical assistance (TA) and strengthen Global Fund AGYW grant implementation in priority countries.
The requirement for TA in the area of updating the current standard operating procedures to align with national frameworks and global guidelines has been identified in Tanzania. The reviewed National Mult Sectoral Strategic Framework V 2021/22 – 2025/26 which is aligning with Global Strategies and Guidelines.
It is against this background that UNICEF is looking for a technical consultant to provide TA to the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), AMREF, and line ministries to support the reviewing and updating of the current standard operating procedure, ensuring that the approach of implementation, operationalization, and use are evidence-based and aligned to national and global frameworks and guidelines.
KEY TASKS, DELIVERABLES AND TIME FRAME
Objectives:
Review the current Timiza Malengo package SOPs and new interventions. Undertake consultations and field visits to understand how the current SOPs are implemented, operationalized and used. Provide recommendations to align the package and interventions to latest evidence, guidance and frameworks. Update the SOPs to include new interventions and recommendations of alignment and standardization.Activities and Tasks:
Attend a kick-off call with UNICEF Attend an inception meeting with Global Fund, UNICEF, TACAIDS, AMREF, TAYOA, and other key partners, including AYP. Develop an inception report outlining the proposed methodology, work plan and tools, and present to partners Undertake a desk review of the latest literature, policy, guidance, SOPs from other programs and evidence on implementation, operationalization, and use of SOPs within comprehensive AGYW program packages Review the current programme documentation and outcome data to determine effectiveness of current implementation and operationalization Undertake consultations/ key informant interviews, including with ministry focal points, implementors, users of service, and field visits to a specified number of sites to understand experiences, including bottlenecks, challenges, and lessons learned with regards to implementation, operationalization, and use, and to document current and new interventions within the updated package Develop a draft report + summary PowerPoint presentation (PPT) with the following Key findings from the desk review, programme package review, consultations and field visits Recommendations to increase effectiveness of implementation and operationalization of programme and interventions aligned to latest evidence, guidance and frameworks Recommendations to standardize model of operation across sites and sectors and sectors Changes required for updating SOPs to include current and new package interventions, and use Present draft report at a stakeholder meeting for feedback Draft updated SOP based on report feedback and circulate for final comments and validation Develop a final report, updated summary PPT and updated SOPs and recommendations to improve effectiveness and alignment and circulate for validationOutputs/Deliverables:
Summary minutes of inception meeting with TACAIDS, AMREF, TAYOA, and key partners Inception report detailing the proposed methodology for meeting deliverables of this consultancy, including workplan and relevant data gathering and reporting tools e.g. interview/ consultation guide and list of key stakeholders to be interviewed Draft report + summary PPT that includes the desk review, consultations, field visit, programme review, recommendations to increase effectiveness, alignment, standardization and necessary updates and use, and presented at stakeholder meeting Updated SOPs with feedback from stakeholders incorporated, circulated for final comments and validation Final report + updated summary PPT with updated SOPs and recommendations for effectiveness and alignment#
Deliverable
Duration (estimated # of working days)
Timeline/
Deadline
Schedule of payment
Summary minutes of Inception Meeting
1
Inception Report + tools with clear milestones.
6
October 2022
10%
Draft report + summary PPT with updated documentation of interventions and recommendations
30
November 2022
40%
4.
Presentation of the draft report at the stakeholder meeting
5
5.
Updated SOPS based on final comments for validation
12
December 2022
40%
6.
Final report + updated summary PPT of SOPs and recommendations with partner feedback, for validation
6
January 2023
10%
Total
60 days
100%
PAYMENT SCHEDULE.
Payments will be made upon submission and acceptance of the specified deliverables in the table above under section TASKS, DELIVERABLE AND TIME FRAME. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/output is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines.
ASSESSMENT / SELECTION PROCESS AND METHODS
The following technical assessment criteria and points can be used for analyzing the proposals.
Proposals will be both technically and financially evaluated. The technical part will carry a weight of 75%, in which the consultant will put clear his/her technical approach to ensure quality attainment of each deliverable and the consultancy in totality. The financial part will carry 25% showing the proposed budget breakdown of consultancy cost for each deliverable (fees, travels and accommodation) and eventual total consultancy cost. Evaluations: The applicant should submit both technical and financial proposal which clearly stipulate how the work will be conducted. The Financial Proposal should include all costs of this assignment including fee, travel costs, accommodation as UNICEF will not pay any DSA.MEDICAL EVACUATION COVERAGE.
The consultant will be required to submit the proof of medical/Health Insurance with medical evacuation coverage.
DURATION AND LOCATION OF THE CONSULTANCY
This consultancy covers a period of 60 days and will be base in Dodoma.
ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
UNICEF will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance and necessary support so to achieve the objectives of the work, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to the performance and quality of work.
The consultant is expected to be home/office-based virtual working with potential six days of field visits depending on COVID-19 travel restrictions in 2022. All costs related to the travel need to be included in the financial proposal. For regional/international consultants, travel will be in economy class. If the consultant is required to quarantine while traveling, consultants must pay for the quarantine if not organized by the host country.
RISKS
As a remote assignment, there is the potential risk that the deliverables will not be met in a timely manner. To mitigate this, regular calls and email touchpoints between the consultant and UNICEF will be conducted to check in on progress and address any potential bottlenecks.
CONDITIONS
The consultant will use their own equipment including computer and data to produce deliverables. All communications shall be done through available, and UNICEF recommended virtual platforms.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education: Advanced university degree in public health, pediatric/adolescent health, social sciences, epidemiology, or related field Work experience: At least 5 years of professional experience at national and international levels, including field experience and expertise in adolescent programming or related field in Eastern and Southern Africa, is desirable Strong understanding of current evidence-informed interventions is essential A set of strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills and a good understanding of translating research into programmatic implementation will be an added advantage Prior experience working in Tanzania and across different delivery levels and sectors would be an asset Prior experience in documenting standard operating procedures and manual development is highly desirable Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships, including with national-level stakeholders Must exhibit the UNICEF Core Values of: Care,Respect,Integrity,Trust, Accountability and Sustainability. Language: Excellent English oral and written communication skills necessary. Strong oral and written communication skills in Swahili will be an asset. Competencies: Demonstrate ability to build and maintain partnerships, demonstrate self-awareness and ethical awareness, innovation and embraces change, drive to achieve results for impact, and manage ambiguity and complexities. Demonstrate capacity to think and acts strategically, ability to nurture, lead and manage people, and to work collaboratively with othersHow to apply:
Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV, and P11 form to the online recruitment portal (Talent Management System) and a financial proposal including all costs (fees, accommodation, and travels)
Interested candidates to indicate ability, availability, and daily rate expressed in US$ for international or TZS for national consultancy or individual contractor contract to undertake the terms of reference.
Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS).
To view our competency framework, please visit here.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.
This vacancy is archived.