UNICEF UKRAINE
TERMS OF REFERENCE
National coordinator for the project on piloting of the innovative Dry Blood Spot
(DBS) technology for Early Child Diagnostics of HIV among newborns in four
selected oblasts of Ukraine
Duration: June 2015 – December 2015, six months.
1. Purpose of Contract:
To coordinate activities, related to the piloting of the project on introduction of Dry Blood
Spot (DBS) technology for Early Child Diagnostics of HIV among newborns in four oblast
of Ukraine.
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
HIV- infected infants in timely manner and. 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.
The analysis of situation with EID in the country, and official MoH data confirm that despite
the introduction of early DNA PCR diagnostics in 2006, the 85 per cent coverage of early
testing is still inadequate for timely diagnosis of HIV and appropriate follow-up with standard
ART for children. Due to UNICEF advocacy, a DBS method was included in 2013 into a new
National AIDS Programme 2014 – 2018, as a technology for a routine laboratory practice for
diagnostic of HIV among newborns at national level. DBS method also is included into
updated regulation, namely Clinical Protocol of ART for children and PMTCT Clinical
Protocol.
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.
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A new technology introduction requires coordination of the respective activities and
establishing of liaison between local partners from four oblast, national partners from the
Ministry of Health, laboratories and AIDS Centres on selected oblasts. Therefore, there is a
need in an expert, qualified in the area of laboratory diagnostics of HIV, who can coordinate
the activities related to expansion of the project at national level and provide technical
expertise.
2. Objectives of the Contract with expected results / outcome / products /sub
products/outputs:
The objectives are:
To coordinate activities, related to the introduction of the Dry Blood Spot (DBS) technology
for Early Child Diagnostics of HIV among newborns in four selected oblasts through
establishing of liaison between local and national implementing partners.
Results expected:
i) Activities, related to the project of introduction of the DBS method in four oblasts are
coordinated;
ii) A new DBS method is introduced in four oblasts;
iii) The results obtained are documented.
iv) Plan of further scale up of the method is developed and submitted to the Ministry of
Health for approval.
Outputs:
1. Supervision, coordination and facilitation of the project related activities with local
partner organisations and national health institutions and authorities;
2. Review of available statistical or other specific or/and other project related data sources;
3. Provision of technical expertise with regard to the supplies related to the DBS method
introduction;
4. Support in organisation and participation in the round tables and other project-related
meetings relevant national, sub-national and local counterparts;
5. Assistance in developing a regulation (methodological guidelines, information letters,
instructions etc.) in the respective area of EID of HIV;
6. Documentation of project implementation, analysis of the obtained results;
7. Presentation of the results at stakeholders meeting.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
3. Delivery dates based on the work plan (to be approved by UNICEF HIV/AIDS
Officer):
Monthly reports (by the 5th day of the following month);
Report of needs assessment and equipment required for four oblast to introduce DBS –
July 2015;
Reports on monitoring visits to the selected sites with findings, problems analysis and
recommendations – August and October 2015;
Draft methodological recommendation on usage of DBS method as a tool for EID of HIV
among children born to HIV-positive mothers – August, 2015;
PP presentation on a DBS method for the training of laboratory assistants and
paediatricians from selected pilot oblasts of Ukraine –September and October, 2015;
PP presentation on the mid-term results of DBS introduction at the round table for
implementing partners and national health authorities (UCDC, the MoH) – November,
2015;
Draft plan of scale up the DBS at national level – December 2015;
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8. Final report with the project results on the project’s implementation and introduction in
Ukraine DBS method nationwide - by 20 December, 2015.
4. Details of how the work should be delivered:
The consultant has to develop and submit to UNICEF monthly reports on daily activities.
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 and the Ministry of Health and UCDC)
 Quality of work (timely submission of the final product to UNICEF)
 Quantity of work (completing the assignments 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.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
6. Qualifications/specialized knowledge/experience required to complete the task:
An advanced university degree in Medicine/Biology; an academic degree in medical
science;
At least five years of practical experience in laboratory diagnostics of HIV and specific
technical knowledge in the area of new laboratory methods, including DBS;
Experience in the project related data analysis;
Strong organisational and managerial skills;
Experience of work with the partners (regional health care institutions, local AIDS Centres
and UCDC);
Knowledge and understanding of the national HIV programme;
Experience in the development of analytical materials and regulation is an added
advantage;
Experience in writing analytical reports.
Good organisational, communication and managerial skills.
7. Definition of supervision arrangements:
Consultant will be supervised by the HIV/AIDS Officer, UNICEF Ukraine.
8. Description of official travel involved:
Travels maybe to the project sites 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. 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%.
10. Support provided by UNICEF:
Technical assistance, consultations, funding.
The deadline for submission of applications is 5 June, 2015.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
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Applicants that fulfil the above requirements are requested to complete
a United Nations Personal History Form (P. 11) which is available at a
web-site 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 coordinator_DBS in the subject.
Fax No. 380-44-230-2506
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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