Establishment of a National Multi-sectoral HIV Research and Evaluation Board Consultancy

The National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA) is responsible for coordinating the multi sectoral HIV and AIDS response by ensuring that planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation as well as research of HIV and AIDS activities and programmes in the different sectors are well coordinated. HIV research coordination has not been well carried out, yet it forms a core component of the functions of NERCHA’s mandate. A research assessment report to assist in the development of a national HIV strategy was compiled in 2007 but was never finalized into a working document which has subsequently delayed the development of a national research strategy, agenda and a national HIV research coordination action plan. The research assessment report developed in 2007 was intended to conduct a situation analysis of the current HIV research environment in Swaziland and to lay foundations for the development and implementation of a national HIV research strategy. The assessment underscored poor commissioning, planning and coordination of research studies due to several reasons such as those relating to regulation, coordination, structural, strategic and capacity, even though the Ministry of Health has the Scientific and Ethics Committee which regulates the conduct of research studies and evaluations that touches on people’s health, rights, ethical and legal considerations that need to be met before any health and scientific research studies and evaluations are undertaken. It is therefore in these premises that NERCHA seeks to engage a technical expert to develop a national multi-sectoral HIV research strategy, agenda and research coordination action plan that is aligned with the National multi-sectoral HIV strategic framework (NSF) 2009-2014 which is in the process of being extended to March 2019. The national multi-sectoral HIV research strategy, agenda and research coordination action plan shall be overseen by a multi-sectoral Board to allow the coordination and participation of all stakeholders in the HIV response. The Ministry of Health Scientific and Ethics Committee shall continue to serve the health sector authorizing the sector’s research and evaluations in line with the international practice where the multi-sectoral council will review protocols that touch on HIV as the last authority. The objective of this assignment is to strengthen the coordination and regulatory mechanisms of conducting ethically and legally approved HIV research, publications and monitoring of HIV research in the country. Secondly to develop a database of HIV research publications and identification of HIV research strategy and agenda in Swaziland.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct desk review of the MOH Scientific and Ethics Committee (SEC) reports. Conduct interviews with the MOH Scientific and Ethics Committee, the University of Swaziland, Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, Ministry of Education, development partners and stakeholders working in the HIV response. Review the national HIV research assessment report (2007) to determine its relevance to the current national HIV research needs of the multi-sectoral HIV response. Review National HIV strategic framework 2009-2019 to identify research and evaluation studies that need to be performed. Draft national multisectoral HIV research strategy, the national HIV Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, Conduct consultations with selected key informants and Response Management Technical Working Group (TWG) on the draft National HIV research strategy Draft terms of reference of the governance structure for HIV research including the criterion for choosing members to serve and the length of time they will serve in such office Prepare a final draft national HIV research strategy and agenda Develop national HIV research action plan and key milestones plan Present the National HIV research strategy, agenda and research coordination action plan and key milestones plan to stakeholders, NERCHA and UNDP for approval Prepare step by step guidelines to facilitate implementation of the strategy. Deliverables: Review report on current draft national HIV research strategy Draft national HIV research strategy, agenda and research action plan and conduct a key milestones plan Draft terms of reference of the governance structure for HIV research including selection criterion for members. Stakeholders consultation report Presentation of final national HIV research strategy, agenda and research coordination action plan and performance management plan to NERCHA and UNDP. Implementation guidelines

Competencies

Strong conceptual and analytical skills Knowledge and understanding of realities and development issues in national contexts and in the region Recognized expertise in research coordination, monitoring and evaluation with strong track record in innovative work and proven ability to produce demonstrable results Excellent analytical , organizational and interpersonal skills Ability to meet deadlines with minimum supervision

Required Skills and Experience

Education: The consultant should have an advanced degree in social science; research; monitoring and evaluation; health management; epidemiology and public health administration related discipline. This is a Senior consultancy assignment requiring high level functioning abilities and professional advice based on extensive experience in the National Health Research Institutions (NHRI) sector. Substantive knowledge in the area of Health and HIV and AIDS response management including research, monitoring and evaluation Experience: Experience of working with Research and Evaluation “Council” will be an advantage.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Establishment of a National Multi-sectoral HIV Research and Evaluation Board Consultancy