UNICEF Pacific
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANT
Requesting Section: HIV & AIDS Programme
Updated on: 11th April 2014
Programme Area and Specific Project involved: HIV & AIDS Programme
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1. Purpose of Assignment:
To provide technical support to the UNICEF Pacific HIV & AIDS Programme and the Solomon Islands Ministry of
Health STI and HIV Unit partners to conduct a HIV and Syphilis Second Generation Sentinel Surveillance (SGSS)
among Antenatal Clinic (ANC) attendees in selected urban and suburban areas of the Solomon Islands.
2. Background
The HIV epidemic in most Pacific countries, excluding Papua New Guinea, has been classified by the World Health
Organization (WHO) as limited or low prevalence epidemic. However, most of the Pacific Island countries have
weak routine and active surveillance systems and mechanisms that limit provision of reliable HIV and STI data to
estimate prevalence. While Solomon Islands is classified as a ‘low prevalence country’ there was a gradual
increase in new cases with 22 cumulative cases being reported as of December 2013. At present, STI and HIV
prevalence in the Solomon Islands is based on the 2008 Second Generation Sentinel Surveillance (SGSS) data and
the routine testing of statistics derived from fragmented data of ANC attendees accessing services in Honiara and
a few provinces. There is limited understanding of trends in other provinces and population groups because of
low HIV testing. HIV and STI testing of ANC women outside of Honiara is very low with less than 5% of women
tested in some provinces. There is also the concern of higher HIV rates especially in Choiseul and Western
provinces due to its proximity to PNG. However, data paucity makes it difficult to validate those concerns.
UNICEF in collaboration with regional partners conducted a pre-surveillance assessment in 2013 to re-examine
Solomon Islands HIV surveillance needs. Based on an extensive assessment of available data, it was concluded
that there is an urgent need to definitively establish HIV and Syphilis infection prevalence in ANC clients which
would be useful in accurately estimating HIV prevalence in the Solomon Islands. An accurate depiction of the HIV
& AIDS situation in the Solomon Islands is necessary to facilitate better response to HIV prevention, care,
treatment and support (especially for most at risk and marginalized populations) and to advocate for the
allocation of adequate resources to sustain the national HIV & AIDS response.
Therefore, UNICEF in partnership with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health STI and HIV Unit is conducting a
HIV and Syphilis Second Generation Sentinel Surveillance (SGSS) amongst ANC attendees in selected urban and
sub-urban areas of Solomon Islands. The surveillance survey will involve collection of both serological and
behavioral data from ANC attendees using the Unlinked Anonymous Testing (UAT) approach in order to overcome
selection bias from refusals to consent. The study protocol was approved by the Solomon Islands National Health
Research and Ethics Committee in March 2014 and the Survey Steering Committee has been established by MOH
Solomon Islands. To facilitate the proposed survey, UNICEF and the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health STI and
HIV Unit is seeking the services of a technical consultant who will plan and coordinate the survey.
3. Purpose of Assignment
The purpose of the assignment is to provide technical support to the UNICEF Pacific HIV & AIDS Programme and
the STI and HIV Unit, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Solomon Islands) and conduct the proposed survey
to definitively establish the HIV and Syphilis prevalence among ANC attendees in the Solomon Islands.
The technical consultant is expected to collect important data that will help strengthen detection of and
prevention of parent to child transmission of HIV, strengthen testing and counseling services and improve overall
surveillance and management of data for effective national response to STIs and HIV.
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Data collected by the consultant will provide health officials of the MHMS and officials of the Government of
Solomon Islands, donors, grant managers and implementers with sufficient information to make informed
decisions on further support to sustain the Solomon Islands national STI and HIV response. Specifically for UNICEF,
the findings will also be useful in strengthening the 2013-2017 HIV & AIDS multi-country programme cycle and
will provide guidance on programme planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in the context of an
equity focus and right based approach to programming.
4. Scope of Work/ Work Assignments
The technical consultant is expected to lead the SGSS Study of Antenatal clients for HIV and Syphilis and collect
Biological and Behavioral data from a total of twelve (12) sentinel sites (urban and sub urban) of the country using
the standard unlinked and anonymous methodology from July through September 2014. The assignment involves
leading and coordinating the following key tasks:
4.1 Develop and Present a Survey Proposal
The technical consultant in consultation with UNICEF HIV & AIDS Programme staff is expected to develop an
overall methodological proposal including a detailed data collection and analysis proposal (both qualitative and
quantitative) that objectively addresses the survey objectives.
4.2 In-depth Review of the Agreed and Endorsed Survey Protocol
The Technical Consultant is expected to thoroughly review the endorsed survey protocol with partners and
members of the survey steering committee. The purpose of this review is for the consultant and the survey
steering committee and partners to have a sound understanding of the requirements of the survey exercise and
to clarify any points of contention prior to data collection.
4.3 Training of Study Personnel (Research Assistants and Data Entry Assistants)
Prior to the commencement of the proposed survey, the Technical Consultant is expected to coordinate the
selection of study personnel and provide hands on training to research assistants and data entry assistants on all
relevant aspects of the survey exercise including training on the use of the research protocol and related field
instruments as well as on appropriate data entry and analysis software programmes.
4.4 Data Collection and Analysis
The technical consultant is expected to field pre-test all relevant survey instruments, tools and manuals. The field
pre-test is to ensure the feasibility of the methods for the survey in the selected sites. The consultant is expected
to produce a brief report that clearly articulates any issue of concern from the field pre-testing exercise. The
report will be presented to the survey steering committee for their information and feedback.
In collaboration with the survey steering committee members, the technical consultant will coordinate the
dissemination of all related survey instruments and tools to focal persons at selected sites. The technical
consultant is also responsible for the close monitoring of data collection and is expected to make frequent visits
to data collection sites. The technical consultant will also coordinate external quality assurance activities and will
work closely with the steering committee to develop an external quality assurance operational plan, including
quality of HIV tests performed.
In consultation with the steering committee members and with the support of the survey team, the technical
consultant is expected to conduct a statistical analysis of data obtained through sentinel monitoring. The analysis
should be conducted in standard statistical software package for example, Epi-Info, SPSS or Stata. Furthermore,
the analysis should be weighted by an inverse sampling fraction so that findings generalize to the population of
ANC clients attending the selected clinics. Findings will not generalize to geographic areas such as cities, towns,
provinces or the national level as site selection was purposive not probabilistic.
The consultant needs to ensure that the statistical analysis should include:
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a) Univariate analysis of HIV and STI prevalence, demographic characteristics, sexual and drug risk
behaviours, knowledge of HIV and STI prevention and transmission
b) Bivariate analysis to determine the relationship between HIV and STI prevalence, demographic
characteristics and risk behaviours
c) Multivariate analysis to identify demographic characteristics and risk behaviours independently
associated with HIV and STI prevalence
For each of the above, point estimates and 95% confidence intervals should be presented.
4.5 Report Writing and Presentation of Preliminary Findings
The technical consultant is expected to prepare a preliminary findings report and present it to the survey steering
committee members for review and endorsement. The preliminary findings should be well analyzed, validated
and present data that is free from bias. The technical consultant will finalize the first draft of the survey report
and present to the steering committee for review and comments. Once comments are received, the report will
be updated and shared for a second round of comments from other stakeholders including regional partners.
Upon receiving comments, the survey report will be finalized and presented to the steering committee for final
comments. The fourth version of the report together with a summary sheet of key findings and recommendations
will then be updated and handed over by the consultant to the steering committee for final dissemination to
stakeholders.
5. Work Schedule (116 working days)
Activities
1.Develop a Survey Proposal
Timeframe
5 working days
27 May -2nd June 2014
Location
Home based
2. Travel to Solomon IslandsSubmission of survey proposal to
steering
committee
and
endorsement
Engage in meetings with relevant
stakeholders
3. In-depth Review of the Agreed
and Endorsed Survey Protocol
4. Training of Research Assistants
and Data Entry Assistants
5.Coordinate Data Collection and
Analysis
6.Draft surveillance report and
presentation
of
preliminary
findings
7.Final Report Writing and
submission to survey steering
committee
10 working days
3rd-16th June 2014
Solomon Islands
5 working days
17th-23rd June 2014
5 working days
24th-30th June 2014
66 working days
1st July-30th September 2014
10 working days
1st-14th Oct 2014
Solomon Islands
6.
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands
15 working days (allowing for at Home based
least 2 weeks for UNICEF review of
draft)
15th Oct-4th Nov 2014
Deliverables/End Product:
1. Finalized Survey Proposal by 2nd June 2014
Within 5 working days from the start date of the consultancy, the consultant is expected to submit a proposal to
the survey steering committee. The proposal should clearly outline survey objectives, purpose and scope and
describe how the overall survey process will be conducted. A complete survey methodology must be included in
the proposal that clearly articulates data collection methods and tools that will be used, sampling criteria, key
questions, data sources, including ethical considerations, data analysis and reporting methods and clear timelines
for each deliverable. The proposal will be reviewed and endorsed by the steering committee.
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2. A finalized report on ANC HIV and Syphilis Sentinel Survey by 4th November 2014
The consultant is expected to submit the draft surveillance report and present preliminary findings to the steering
committee no later than 14th October 2014. The report should follow agreed format as described in the initial
survey proposal. The national surveillance coordinator will coordinate written comments on the draft report from
the steering committee and other stakeholders and submit these to the consultant. The consultant is expected
to review the comments and make necessary changes in accordance with agreed terms of reference and proposal.
After the comments have been incorporated into the report, the consultant will re-submit the report to the
steering committee and national and regional stakeholders for comments. The re-submission may entail further
comments from the group. The consultant will finalize the report based on the additional comments and submit
the report to the steering committee for their endorsement and dissemination to stakeholders. The consultant is
liable to re-work on report if it does not meet the required specifications and this will be re-submitted to UNICEF
at no additional costs to UNICEF. The consultant will submit a final report which is language-proofed and edited
up to a publishable quality.
7. Payment Schedule:
40% of the payment will be made upon submission of deliverable 1. Another 40% will be paid out upon the
presentation of the preliminary survey findings. The remaining 20% will paid upon successful submission of the
finalized survey report. This consultancy is at P3 level, at US350.00p/day for 116 working days. Total consultancy
cost is USD40, 600.00. DSA will be paid at the beginning of the consultancy and travel costs to the Pacific will be
paid by the HIV & AIDS Programme.
8. Type of Supervision that will be Provided:
Technical Consultant will report directly to the survey steering committee. Further support will be provided to
the technical consultant by the Chief of Field Office (Solomon Islands) and by the Chief of HIV & AIDS Programme.
Consultant will work closely with UNICEF national program officers and the HIV and STI team at the Ministry of
Health to deliver agreed results. Consultant will also work closely with a national consultant who has been
specifically recruited to support the surveillance survey exercise.
9. Consultant’s work plan and Official Travel Involved:
The consultancy detailed workplan will developed and agreed prior to signing the contract. Consultant is expected
to travel to the provinces of the Solomon Islands.
10. Consultant’s Work Place:
The consultant will be provided with office space in the UNICEF Field Office in Honiara. Wi-Fi connection will
provided.
11. Qualifications or Specialized Knowledge/Experience Required:
Academic qualifications:
 At least a Master’s level university degree in epidemiology, surveillance and other relevant disciplines
Knowledge, skills and experience:
 Minimum 8 years of international and national level work experience in conducting HIV surveillance
surveys (SGSS, IBBS).
 Sound understanding of HIV and AIDS programmes specifically in areas of HIV prevention programs on
preventing parent to child transmission.
 Sound technical knowledge of key data collection methodologies
 Experience in organizing trainings and workshops for different level stakeholders
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


Demonstrated experience analyzing complex data
Previous experience conducting studies/ surveys for UN agencies and in Pacific Island Countries is
preferred.
Fluency in spoken and written English
Personal competencies:
 Ability to analyze complex information without biases
 Ability to work in intensive work environments.
 An action-oriented approach and strong drive for results.
 Ability to keep to planned timelines.
 Highly developed management skills
 Negotiation, facilitation and communication skills.
 Working with teams of diverse capacities.
General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants / Individual Contractors
1. Legal Status
The individual engaged by UNICEF under this contract as a consultant or individual contractors (the
“Contractor”) is engaged in a personal capacity and not as representatives of a Government or of any
other entity external to the United Nations. The Contractor is neither a "staff member" under the Staff
Regulations of the United Nations and UNICEF policies and procedures nor an "official" for the purpose
of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, 1946. The Contractor may,
however, be afforded the status of "Experts on Mission" in the sense of Section 22 of Article VI of the
Convention and the Contractor is required by UNICEF to travel in order to fulfill the requirements of this
contract, the Contractor may be issued a United Nations Certificate in accordance with Section 26 of
Article VII of the Convention.
2. Obligations
The Contractor shall complete the assignment set out in the Terms of Reference for this contract with
due diligence, efficiency and economy, in accordance with generally accepted professional techniques
and practices.
The Contractor must respect the impartiality and independence of UNICEF and the United Nations and in
connection with this contract must neither seek nor accept instructions from anyone other than UNICEF.
During the term of this contract the Contractor must refrain from any conduct that would adversely
reflect on UNICEF or the United Nations and must not engage in any activity that is incompatible with the
administrative instructions and policies and procedures of UNICEF. The Contractor must exercise the
utmost discretion in all matters relating to this contract.
In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, the Contractor (a) will conduct him- or herself in a
manner consistent with the Standards of Conduct in the International Civil Service; and (b) will comply
with the administrative instructions and policies and procedures of UNICE relating to fraud and
corruption; information disclosure; use of electronic communication assets; harassment, sexual
harassment and abuse of authority; and the requirements set forth in the Secretary General's Bulletin on
Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.
Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate official in the office concerned, the Contractor must not
communicate at any time to the media or to any institution, person, Government or other entity external
to UNICEF any information that has not been made public and which has become known to the Contractor
by reason of his or her association with UNICEF or the United Nations. The Contractor may not use such
information without the written authorization of UNICEF, and shall under no circumstances use such
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information for his or her private advantage or that of others. These obligations do not lapse upon
termination of this contact.
3. Title rights
UNICEF shall be entitled to all property rights, including but not limited to patents, copyrights and
trademarks, with regard to material created by the Contractor which bears a direct relation to, or is made
in order to perform, this contract. At the request of UNICEF, the Contractor shall assist in securing such
property rights and transferring them to UNICEF in compliance with the requirements of the law
governing such rights.
4. Travel
If UNICEF determines that the Contractor needs to travel in order to perform this contract, that travel
shall be specified in the contract and the Contractor’s travel costs shall be set out in the contract, on the
following basis:
(a)
UNICEF will pay for travel in economy class via the most direct and economical route;
provided however that in exceptional circumstances, such as for medical reasons, travel in business class
may be approved by UNICEF on a case-by-case basis.
(b)
UNICEF will reimburse the Contractor for out-of-pocket expenses associated with such
travel by paying an amount equivalent to the daily subsistence allowance that would be paid to staff
members undertaking similar travel for official purposes.
5. Statement of good health
Before commencing work, the Contractor must deliver to UNICEF a certified self-statement of good
health and to take full responsibility for the accuracy of that statement. In addition, the Contractor must
include in this statement of good health (a) confirmation that he or she has been informed regarding
inoculations required for him or her to receive, at his or her own cost and from his or her own medical
practitioner or other party, for travel to the country or countries to which travel is authorized; and (b) a
statement he or she is covered by medical/health insurance and that, if required to travel beyond
commuting distance from his or her usual place or residence to UNICEF (other than to duty station(s) with
hardship ratings “H” and “A”, a list of which has been provided to the Contractor) the Contractor’s
medical/health insurance covers medical evacuations. The Contractor will be responsible for assuming all
costs that may be occurred in relation to the statement of good health.
6. Insurance
The Contractor is fully responsible for arranging, at his or her own expense, such life, health and other
forms of insurance covering the term of this contract as he or she considers appropriate taking into
account, among other things, the requirements of paragraph 5 above. The Contractor is not eligible to
participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to UNICEF and United Nations staff members.
The responsibility of UNICEF and the United Nations is limited solely to the payment of compensation
under the conditions described in paragraph 7 below.
7. Service incurred death, injury or illness
If the Contractor is travelling with UNICEF’s prior approval and at UNICEF's expense in order to perform
his or her obligations under this contract, or is performing his or her obligations under this contract in a
UNICEF or United Nations office with UNICEF’s approval, the Contractor (or his or her dependents as
appropriate), shall be entitled to compensation from UNICEF in the event of death, injury or illness
attributable to the fact that the Contractor was travelling with UNICEF’s prior approval and at UNICEF's
expense in order to perform his or her obligations under this contractor, or was performing his or her
obligations under this contract in a UNICEF or United Nations office with UNICEF’s approval. Such
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compensation will be paid through a third party insurance provider retained by UNICEF and shall be
capped at the amounts set out in the Administrative Instruction on Individual Consultants and
Contractors. Under no circumstances will UNICEF be liable for any other or greater payments to the
Contractor (or his or her dependents as appropriate).
8. Arbitration
(a) Any dispute arising out of or, in connection with, this contract shall be resolved through amicable
negotiation between the parties.
(b) If the parties are not able to reach agreement after attempting amicable negotiation for a period of
thirty (30) days after one party has notified the other of such a dispute, either party may submit the
matter to arbitration in accordance with the UNCITRAL procedures within fifteen (15) days thereafter.
If neither party submits the matter for arbitration within the specified time the dispute will be
deemed resolved to the full satisfaction of both parties. Such arbitration shall take place in New York
before a single arbitrator agreed to by both parties; provided however that should the parties be
unable to agree on a single arbitrator within thirty days of the request for arbitration, the arbitrator
shall be designated by the United Nations Legal Counsel. The decision rendered in the arbitration
shall constitute final adjudication of the dispute.
9. Penalties for Underperformance
Payment of fees to the Contractor under this contractor, including each installment or periodic payment
(if any), is subject to the Contractor’s full and complete performance of his or her obligations under this
contract with regard to such payment to UNICEF’s satisfaction, and UNICEF’s certification to that effect.
10. Termination of Contract
This contract may be terminated by either party before its specified termination date by giving notice in
writing to the other party. The period of notice shall be five (5) business days (in the UNICEF office
engaging the Contractor) in the case of contracts for a total period of less than two (2) months and ten
(10) business days (in the UNICEF office engaging the Contractor) in the case of contracts for a longer
period; provided however that in the event of termination on the grounds of impropriety or other
misconduct by the Contractor (including but not limited to breach by the Contractor of relevant UNICEF
policies, procedures, and administrative instructions), UNICEF shall be entitled to terminate the contract
without notice. If this contract is terminated in accordance with this paragraph 10, the Contractor shall
be paid on a pro rata basis determined by UNICEF for the actual amount of work performed to UNICEF’s
satisfaction at the time of termination. UNICEF will also pay any outstanding reimbursement claims
related to travel by the Contractor. Any additional costs incurred by UNICEF resulting from the
termination of the contract by either party may be withheld from any amount otherwise due to the
Contractor under this paragraph 10.
11. Taxation
UNICEF and the United Nations accept no liability for any taxes, duty or other contribution payable by the
consultant and individual contractor on payments made under this contract. Neither UNICEF nor the
United Nations will issue a statement of earnings to the consultant and individual contractor.
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