National Consultant for Review of the National HIV Strategic Plan 2021-2026

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, which includes addressing global health challenges such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and health systems strengthening.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Review of the National HIV Strategic Plan 2021-2026 will play a crucial role in conducting an independent review of Nepal's HIV response. The overarching objective is to generate evidence-based recommendations that will inform the development of the next National HIV Strategic Plan (2026-2031). The consultant will evaluate the current HIV epidemiology by analyzing trends in incidence, prevalence, and mortality. They will assess the implementation and outcomes of current NHSP interventions, identify good practices and challenges, and make recommendations to optimize program efficiency and impact. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the HIV landscape in Nepal, including the needs of key populations such as female sex workers, transgender individuals, and people who inject drugs. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including the National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC) and WHO Country Office Nepal, to ensure that the review is thorough and inclusive.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables, including:

• Submitting an inception report detailing the methodology, activity planning, and timeline.
• Conducting a detailed desk review report summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Performing a situation analysis of the HIV epidemic, disaggregated by gender and key populations, and assessing progress towards NHSP targets.
• Providing tools and materials collected through the desk review.
• Developing tools for program review, including interview guides and data collection templates.
• Presenting results and recommendations from the joint field mission.
• Conducting key informant interviews with stakeholders and community members.
• Facilitating consultations at thematic, provincial, and national levels to review the HIV program and identify gaps.
• Recommending programmatic and strategic adjustments based on analysis and stakeholder discussions. 1
• Finalizing the review report, incorporating feedback from validation workshops, and providing an action plan for the NHSP 2026-2031.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree in medicine, public health, community medicine, health economics, health policy, or a related field. Essential qualifications include at least 10 years of professional experience in HIV/AIDS programs, with a strong background in planning and evaluating HIV strategies. Desirable qualifications include experience working with civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and key populations affected by HIV. Familiarity with donor relations and international health partnerships is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as medicine, public health, community medicine, health economics, or health policy. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of HIV programs and public health initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in HIV/AIDS programs, with a focus on program planning and evaluation. Experience working with key populations and vulnerable groups is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the healthcare systems in Nepal and the broader region.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of written and spoken English is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the local context may be advantageous but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative to Nepal and the direct supervision of the Senior Public Health Specialist of Disease Prevention and Control. The expected duration of the contract is tentatively set to start from January 15, 2026, for a maximum of 30 working days within a three-month period. The remuneration is set at NRS 15,900 per day, excluding travel costs. This position is national and open only to citizens of Nepal. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented groups.