UNICEF UKRAINE
TERMS OF REFERENCE
National consultants for development of the methodological recommendations on Dried
Blood Spot (DBS) method as an instrument for Early Infant Diagnostic of HIV within the
pilot project ‘Introduction of DBS for EID of HIV into laboratory practice in Ukraine ’
Duration: October – 30 December 2015
1. Purpose of Contract
To develop methodological recommendations on the Dry Blood Spot (DBS) methods of early
infant diagnostics for laboratory specialists and health professionals involved into the pilot project
and ensure the recommendations are approved by the Ministry of Health.
Background
Despite a good progress in the coverage of services on prevention of mother-to-child transmission
(PMTCT) and pediatric AIDS in Ukraine, there are serious issues and challenges that remain not
addressed. Among them is the issue of early infant diagnostics (EID) of HIV. With the
introduction of early DNA PCR diagnostics, which is one of the most accurate diagnostic tools
used to detect the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus in the blood, the coverage of
early testing of newborns born to HIV-positive mothers is still inadequate for timely diagnostics
of HIV and appropriate follow-up with standard antiretroviral treatment (ART).
An introduction of a new technology for early detection of HIV infection among newborns within
the country should enable health providers to initiate early antiretroviral treatment for HIVinfected infants in timely manner. WHO recommends using DBS as the method that saves costs
on both HIV diagnosis and care for HIV-exposed infants. This will consequently contribute in a
long-term to an improvement of the health outcomes for infants and children, first reduction of
the morbidity and mortality. All these, will also result in major improvements in service
provision, including social care and support for families. Given its low cost and simplicity, the
DBS technology also allows its integration into primary maternal and child health care system.
UNICEF provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health in the area of Early Infant
Diagnostics of HIV, as a part of the complex measures within the PMTCT programme. Ukrainian
Centre for Disease Control (UCDC) is a leading institution in HIV response in the country. The
official request of UNICEF assistance among others has a request to support the piloting of the
DBS in four selected oblast of Ukraine. It is expected that results obtained during and after
introduction of DBS in four regions will be used for further scale up the method at national level.
A new technology introduction requires the health specialists, including laboratory assistance,
obstetricians, and paediatricians, who will be involved into the EID of HIV, have knowledge
and skills to use the DBS method.
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There is a need to develop and approve by the MoH the methodological recommendations with
a detailed description of all steps related to the blood sample taking in newborns, delivery of the
samples to the laboratories and technical procedures of analysis of the samples in the
laboratories.
To develop the methodological recommendations, there is a need in qualified expert to
undertake tis task.
2. Objective of the Contract with expected results/ outoce /products/outputs:
The objective is:
To develop methodological recommendations on the DBS method for early infant diagnostics
and ensure its approval by the Ministry of Health.
Results expected:
1) methodological recommendations on the DBS method for early infant diagnostics is
developed;
2) methodological recommendations are approved by the MoH
3) the method is practicing within the pilot project in four selected oblasts by the respective
specialists;
Outputs:
 Review international experience of usage DBS method with different test-systems;
 Draft the methodological recommendations on DBS method, taking into account existing
infrastructure of EID of HIV in four pilot oblasts;
 Participate in the Technical Working Group on DBS introduction, established under
UCDC for review and approval of the draft;
 Provide technical assistance in the Ministry of Health approval of the endorsed by the
WG methodological recommendations;
 Presentation of the results and document developed at the WG;
 Participation in the training sessions for the local health care specialists involved into the
pilot project.
3. Delivery dates based on the work plan (to be approved by UNICEF HIV/AIDS
Officer):
 Desk review of the DBS methods with different test-systems (15 October 2015).
 Draft methodological recommendations PP presentation to the WG for review and
comments (10 November 2015).
 Final document for approval by the Working Group (15 November 2015).
 Methodological materials submission to the Ministry of Health for approval (25
November 2015).
 Reports on participation in the training sessions for the local health care specialists
involved into the pilot project in four pilot oblasts (28 November – 25 December 2015)
 Submission of a final report to UNICEF (25 December 2015).
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4. Details of how the work should be delivered:
National consultant should develop and submit to UNICEF the products in accordance with the
work plan approved by UNICEF HIV/AIDS Officer (parts 2, 3).
5. Performance indicators for evaluation of results:
The evaluation of results will be based on the following indicators:
 Technical and professional competence (will be measured by the quality of product provided
to UNICEF and feedback from UNICEF)
 Quality of work (timely submission of the product (methodological recommendations)
 Quantity of work (completing the assignments as indicated in parts 2, 3, and 4 above)
 In addition such indicators as work relations, responsibility and communication will be taken
into account during the evaluation of the consultant’s work.
6. Qualifications/specialized knowledge/experience required to complete the task:
a. The national consultant should have advanced university degree in Medicine/Biology, PhD in
Medicine, knowledge and experience in the area of laboratory diagnostics of virological
infections for at least ten years; Scientific decree in Medicine/Biology is an asset;
b. Strong organisational and management skills;
c. Experience of development of education materials;
d. Knowledge and understanding of the national HIV programme, structure of existing
laboratory system and issues of early infant diagnostics of HIV;
e. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
7. Definition of supervision arrangements:
HIV/AIDS Officer, UNICEF Ukraine will supervise Consultant.
8. Description of official travel involved:
Travels maybe to the project sites in NGCAs and within the country. The local travel will be
paid separately. No travel shall be undertaken prior to completing the UN Basic and Advanced
Security in the Field Courses as well as Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Awareness
Training.
The consultant is required to certify being covered by medical/health insurance.
9. UNICEF recourse in the case of unsatisfactory performance:
In the event of unsatisfactory performance, UNICEF reserves the right to terminate the
Agreement. In case of partially satisfactory performance, such as serious delays causing the
negative impact on meeting the programme objectives, low quality or insufficient depth and/or
scope of the assessment completion, UNICEF is entitled to decrease the payment by the range
from 30 to 50%.
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10. Support provided by UNICEF:
Technical assistance, consultations, funding.
The deadline for submission of applications is 5 October, 2015.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Applicants that fulfil the above requirements are requested to complete a
United Nations Personal History Form (P. 11) which is available at a website www.unicef.org/employ and submit it together with a CV and a cover
letter describing your professional interests in working for UNICEF.
Please, indicate National consultants for development of the methodological recommendations
on Dried Blood Spot (DBS) method as an instrument for Early Infant Diagnostic of HIV within the
pilot project ‘Introduction of DBS for EID of HIV into laboratory practice in Ukraine ’
in the subject.
E-mail: recruitment_kiev@unicef.org
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and
encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and
ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become
a part of our organisation.
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