National Consultant for the assessment of HIV Self-Testing Initiative

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Position Title: National Consultant for the assessment of HIV Self-Testing Initiative
Location: Cairo, Alexandria
Country: Egypt
Deadline Date: 04-Mar-25 @ 07:00 AM (New York time)

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. It operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. UNDP focuses on various areas including democratic governance, sustainable development, and resilience to crises. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide, contributing to its mission of promoting sustainable human development.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for the assessment of the HIV Self-Testing Initiative is focused on evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Cairo and Alexandria governorates of Egypt. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a thorough assessment that includes gathering data, analyzing the results, and providing recommendations based on the findings. This role is crucial in understanding the impact of self-testing initiatives on the target population and will contribute to the broader efforts of UNDP in addressing HIV prevention and treatment strategies. The consultant is expected to work for a period of 15 working days, during which they will engage with stakeholders, collect qualitative and quantitative data, and prepare a comprehensive report detailing their findings and suggestions for future initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will have several key responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Designing the assessment framework and methodology for evaluating the HIV Self-Testing Initiative.
• Conducting interviews and focus group discussions with MSM to gather insights on their experiences with HIV self-testing.
• Collecting and analyzing data related to the uptake and effectiveness of self-testing kits.
• Collaborating with local health authorities and NGOs to ensure comprehensive data collection.
• Preparing a detailed report that outlines the findings of the assessment, including strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
• Presenting the findings to UNDP and relevant stakeholders, and providing actionable recommendations for enhancing the initiative.
• Ensuring that all activities are conducted in compliance with ethical standards and guidelines related to HIV research.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in public health, particularly in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. They should have experience in conducting assessments or evaluations in health-related projects. Familiarity with the local context and understanding of the challenges faced by MSM in Egypt is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to work independently, and excellent communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. Candidates with a PhD or equivalent experience in relevant areas will be given preference. Training or certifications related to HIV/AIDS and public health research methodologies will be advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of professional experience in public health, with a focus on HIV/AIDS programs. Experience working with marginalized populations, particularly MSM, is highly desirable. Previous experience with UN agencies or international organizations will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory, as the assessment will be conducted in Egypt. Proficiency in English is also required for report writing and communication with international stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in the region would be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term consultancy role with a contract duration of 15 working days. The consultant will work remotely and may need to travel within Cairo and Alexandria for data collection purposes. The role is part-time, and compensation will be based on the consultant's qualifications and experience. UNDP encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of nationality, and the organization is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce.