Job Description
SRI LANKA
Background: The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPA Sri Lanka), the pioneer in Family Planning and Reproductive Health Education, is an accredited member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) in the United
enriching relationships Kingdom.
CONSULTANCY | Development of National Guidelines Manual of Procedures for Implementing Community-Led HIV Services for Key Populations
Project Background: The Sustainability of HIV Services for Key Populations in South-East Asia (SKPA-2) is a three-year multi-country grant funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for the period of 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025. The SKPA-2 programme which follows and significantly extends the SKPA-1 programme - aims to improve the sustainability of evidence-informed, prioritized HIV services for key populations in Bhutan, Mongolia, Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
In Sri Lanka, the SKPA-2 programme is being implemented by the Family Planning Association (FPA) of Sri Lanka as the subrecipient, who works in partnership with the National STD/AIDS Control Programme of Sri Lanka (NSACP), and other local and regional partner organizations, including community-led organizations.
The SKPA-2 Programme has four programme objectives:
- Accelerate financial sustainability;
- Improve strategic information availability and use;
- Promote programmatic sustainability;
- Remove human rights and gender-related barriers to services.
Consultancy Objectives:
- The objective of this consultancy is to clearly define the HIV services which Civil Society Organizations deliver at the community level to complement government HIV service delivery, in a step-by-step, procedural manner, ensuring that National Strategic Plan priorities are met.
- Based on the existing manual in use in other countries (Malaysia, Mongolia, Lao PDR, Philippines) as well as consultations and discussions with stakeholders and key informants, the consultant will adapt and develop a Manual of Procedures for Implementing Community-Led HIV Services for Key Populations' which will describe the diversified package of HIV services for key populations and defines diversified pathways for accessing these.
- The consultant will ensure the MOP is a) suitable for the Sri Lankan context, b) peer- reviewed and c) agreed upon between civil society organisations and the NSACP.
- The national manual and guidelines will aim to be the golden standard for implementation of community-led HIV services for key populations in Sri Lanka.
In addition, the consultant will translate and adapt the existing Reference & Self-Study Manual about HIV/STI and related services among Key Populations', referred to as the Reference Manual, which can also be used as a textbook/training guide, ensuring it is adapted to and suitable for Sri Lankan cultural settings. The Reference Manual should be the golden standard for what field based Civil Society Organization workers should understand and be able to explain HIV to their key population clients, including guidance on ethics and professionalism. The documents will include sections on PrEP, HIVST, index testing, virtual interventions, transgender issues, sexualized drug use, harm reduction, prevention information management system.
After these manuals/guidelines are agreed, a strategy for widespread adoption and implementation can be developed, including components for capacity building and community-systems strengthening. Furthermore, the document will help the Sri Lankan government define 'what they are paying Civil Society Organizations for' if they move towards social contracting in the HIV response after the future departure of the GF.
Expected Outcomes of the Consultancy
- The main tasks of this consultancy are: To assist the international consultant in conducting the desk review to identify and assess related international and national guidelines and policy documents (e.g., Differentiated pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) service delivery. Key considerations in developing policy guidance for differentiated PrEP service delivery, Differentiated HIV Services for Key populations in Malaysia/Mongolia/Lao PDR/Philippines: A manual of procedures; Self-Study Manuals for HIV outreach workers, case workers and other HIV service providers, etc.);
- Conduct consultations with Government stakeholders to define the complementary role and added value of civil society organizations vis-a-vis Government HIV services, in line with the National Strategic Plan's priorities.
- Based on the desk review and with input from these consultations, develop a draft National Manual of Procedures for Implementing Community-Led HIV Services for Key Populations' and a draft Reference / Self-Study Manual for field-based HIV civil society organization workers.
- Oversee a process of peer review (in English) and finalize the documents based on inputs and suggestions from the consultations, peer review process, and a national stakeholder workshop.
Mission-Related Travel: For individuals not based in Sri Lanka, please note that we have allocated a limited number of days for necessary in-country site visits. These visits may include activities such as conducting training, site assessments, and meetings with stakeholders and implementers. Travel plans must be agreed upon in writing with the Health Equity Matters and the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka teams.
Deliverables
The due dates for the deliverables will be agreed upon with the selected candidate(s), Health Equity Matters, and FPA-Sri Lanka. The LOE for each deliverable and output is outlined in the table below.
Deliverables/Outputs
Responsibility
Indicative Timelines
Desk review and inception report resulting in a detailed workplan Team Lead, with Late May for implementation of the consultancy from
support National Expert
Consultations with government stakeholders (e.g., MoH, NSACP), National Expert Late May health care workers, and Sri Lankan key population-led civil society organizations.
Develop a draft of "National Manual" and "Reference Manual" Team Lead section based on desk review, normative guidance, and government
June
and community consultations
Oversee peer review process and collect comments, including from National Expert NSACP, Civil Society Organizations, GF, SR, PR
June
Collate and incorporate all comments and feedback into documents Team Lead
June
Develop PowerPoint presentation and discussion guide for national Team Lead stakeholder workshops in Sri Lanka
June
Hold national stakeholder workshops in Sri Lanka (with NSACP National Expert involvement) to build consensus and agreement on the final
June
National Manual and Reference Manual.
Provide technical support during national stakeholder workshop in Team
Lead, Early July
Sri Lanka (with NSACP involvement)
National Expert
Finalize documents together with Sri Lankan translator(s) and Team Lead submission of final report in English,
English document
to Health Equity
Matters by: 15
Submitted to Sinhalese and Tamil translator and
oversee and National Expert
July 2024 October 15
Required Qualifications/Experience
Essential
- Demonstrated understanding of comprehensive HIV service delivery, HIV testing services including HIVST, community-based testing, and comprehensive HIV responses.
- Demonstrated experience and coordination of complex tasks with limited resources and a multi- country, multidisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated experience in working collaboratively to resolve complex issues, including with stakeholders who may hold differing views and conflicting interests.
- Demonstrated experience in working with key populations and civil society organizations in Sri Lanka.
- Able to work within the Colombo, Sri Lanka area and travel to surrounding districts
- Excellent written and verbal Sinhalese communication skills
- Strong written and verbal Sinhalese communication skills.
Desirable
- Experience in HIV responses in Asia and the Pacific, including through programming and policy, capacity development, and institutional strengthening for community organizations.
- Demonstrated experience working with communities.
- Knowledge of the Sri Lankan system in general, and the HIV response in particular.
- written and verbal Tamil communication skills a plus
Scope of Price and Payment Schedule
We invite you to submit a comprehensive application package to be considered for the position. Here's what you need to include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Ensure your CV is current, detailing your professional background, educational qualifications, and any relevant experiences pertinent to this role.
- Cover Letter: Your cover letter should articulate your interest in this opportunity, outlining why you believe you are the ideal candidate. Emphasize your unique skills, past achievements, and what motivates you to apply for this position.
- Writing Sample: Include a sample of your previous work that is relevant to the assignment. This allows us to evaluate your ability to communicate effectively and handle similar tasks, which is critical for this role.
- Two Referees: List two professional referees who can vouch for your qualifications, work ethic, and suitability for this assignment. Please include their names, their relationship with you, and their contact information (email and phone number).
FPA Sri Lanka is committed to the safety and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and this role may include contact with these groups. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults in our programs.
FPA Sri Lanka is an equal opportunity employer that will not discriminate on grounds such as Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Religion, Marital Status, and Disability. Please send us your application, on or before the 06th of May 2024, citing two non-related referees. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The Executive Director
FPA Sri Lanka
37/27, Bullers Lane,
Colombo 07
Or Email to [email protected]
Our website www.fpasrilanka.org
FPA Sri Lanka is an equal opportunity employer
