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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

ENGAGEMENT OF TWO CONSULTANTS TO CONDUCT AN EVALUATION OF HARM REDUCTION PROGRAM IN NIGERIA

16^th March, 2026

1. Background

Harm reduction programs aim to reduce the negative consequence of drug use without necessarily requiring user to stop using drugs. In Nigeria, these programs are crucial in addressing the growing public health challenges associated with drug abuse.

Nigeria has a significant population of people who inject drugs with estimates suggesting that 20% of people who use drugs are injecting drugs. The country also faces high rates of HIV and AIDS, Hepatitis B, and C while strategies, such as needle and syringe programs (NSPs) and opioid substitution therapy (OST), have been shown to be effective in reducing the transmission of these diseases.

Injecting drug use is a major driver of HIV and viral hepatitis in Nigeria, with PWID facing a 28 times higher risk of HIV infection compared to the general population. While the Nigerian government approved core harm reduction services (NSP, OAT, naloxone) in 2019, implementation has been hampered by punitive drug laws, criminalization, low domestic funding, and limited-service coverage (primarily funded by Global Fund/PEPFAR). 

1. Rationale

Harm reduction programs in Nigeria, there is a need to evaluate their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. This evaluation will provide insight into the current state of harm reduction services identify gaps and inform policy and programming decision. Hence, the need to conduct the Harm reduction evaluation program in eleven (11) states in Nigeria.

To achieve the foregoing, NACA is seeking to engage two 2 consultants to conduct an Evaluation of Harm Reduction Program in Nigeria.

1. Pre-qualification requirement

To qualify for consideration, interested consultants are required to submit CVs including the under listed documents below:

• Cover Letter
• Recent copy of CV
• Copies of all qualifications certificate
• Relevant experiences and supporting documents
• Financial Proposal

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

1. BACKGROUND

Harm reduction programs aim to reduce the negative consequence of drug use without necessarily requiring user to stop using drugs. In Nigeria, these programs are crucial in addressing the growing public health challenges associated with drug abuse.

Nigeria has a significant population of people who inject drugs with estimates suggesting that 20% of people who use drugs are injecting drugs. The country also faces high rates of HIV and AIDS, Hepatitis B, and C while strategies, such as needle and syringe programs (NSPs) and opioid substitution therapy (OST), have been shown to be effective in reducing the transmission of these diseases.

Injecting drug use is a major driver of HIV and viral hepatitis in Nigeria, with PWID facing a 28 times higher risk of HIV infection compared to the general population. While the Nigerian government approved core harm reduction services (NSP, OAT, naloxone) in 2019, implementation has been hampered by punitive drug laws, criminalization, low domestic funding, and limited-service coverage (primarily funded by Global Fund/PEPFAR). 

2. RATIONALE

Harm reduction programs in Nigeria, there is a need to evaluate their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. This evaluation will provide insight into the current state of harm reduction services identify gaps and inform policy and programming decision. Hence, the need to conduct the Harm reduction evaluation program in eleven (11) states in Nigeria.

3. PURPOSE

The primary purpose is to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of the harm reduction services to guide national scaling-up.

4. OBJECTIVES

• To assesses availability of harm reduction services in Nigeria
• To evaluate the coverage and accessibility of NSP, OAT, and naloxone for PWID.
• To measure the impact of harm reduction services on reducing HIV/Hepatitis prevalence and safe injecting behaviors.
• To identify barriers to accessing harm reduction services and recommend strategies for improvement.
• To examine the sustainability of services, including domestic funding, staffing, and community ownership. 

5. METHODOLOGY

The evaluation will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. This will include:

• • Quantitative Data:Analysis of service data (number of syringes distributed, number of clients in OAT, HIV testing uptake) and surveys of PWID to determine needle-sharing reduction.
  • Qualitative Data:Key Informant Interviews (KII) with program managers, law enforcement officers, and policymakers. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with PWID, particularly women and peer educators.

• • Evaluation Study Area

Primary data collection for the evaluation will be done in 11 states. The states are FCT, Nasarawa, Gombe, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Kwara, Lagos, Ebonyi, Anambra and Abia,

6. EVALUATION PHASES

Evaluation will be conducted in three (3) phases as stated below:

1. Inception phase:

• Engagement of Consultants
• Protocol and Tools development workshop
• Ethical Approval of Protocol
• Uploading of Tools on Kobo Collect
• Training of Data Collectors.

2. Data collection phase:

This includes field work for data collection and monitoring, the data collection will be carried out using the approved survey instruments, the data collection field work will be carried out by NACA staff in two batches, batch A for six states and batch B for the remaining five states. Electronic data collection application such as Kobo Collect will be used for data collection. The Questionnaires, KII and FGD tools would be embedded on the electronic Kobo Collect platform, which the data collectors will use via smartphones to conduct the interviews and record responses. The use of electronic data collection will ensure that data quality is assured. The flow of questions will be automated with necessary skip patterns, many other qualities control measures will be made possible with electronic data collection, such as logical checks, pre-filling information, setting constraints on answer ranges, and invisibly recording audio for later review. With Kobo Collect, data review and cleaning can commence immediately as the data is available almost in real time. Thus, the data collector is able to return to the respondent’s location if they need to make a correction.

3. Analysis and Reporting Phase:

• Analysis of data collected.
• Report Writing
• Final report developed

Implementation Plan

1. Consultants:

Two consultants are required.

• Evaluation Consultant – Possesses a strong evaluation and data management background.
• Harm Reduction Program Consultant – Highly experienced in Harm Reduction programming.

 Expected Outcomes

• Evidence-based recommendations for improving service uptake and legal protections.
• A comprehensive understanding of the current state of harm reduction programs in Nigeria
• Informing policy and programming decision to address the public health challenges associated with drug abuse in Nigeria.
• Improved integration of community-based naloxone distribution. 

7. SCOPE OF WORK

NACA will engage 2 consultants to conduct this study:

The two consultants will work together with each focusing on his/her area of expertise;

1. Evaluation Consultant: – Possesses a extensive experience conducting evaluation and in data management.
2. Harm Reduction Program Specialist Consultant: – Highly experienced in HIV and Harm Reduction Programme.

The consultants will provide technical oversight and coordination throughout the evaluation process. The consultants will be supervised directly by the technical core team for the evaluation lead by the head of Survey/Surveillance division, with oversight by the Director, RM&E Department of NACA.

3.1 Evaluation Consultant

8. Qualifications of the Evaluation Consultant

• • Must possess at least a Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Global Health/ Infectious diseases, or a related field. A PhD degree in a related field will be an added advantage.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in designing and leading evaluations, researches and assessments including but not limited to areas related to HIV and Health.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and experience utilizing Quantitative and Qualitative research methodologies and variety of evaluation methodologies: – (including three sample reports of previous studies conducted will be an added advantage)
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the application of electronic data-capturing tools, data analytical tools and data interpretation skills.
  • Excellent communication and facilitation skills
  • Fluency in oral and written English – (including three sample reports of previous studies conducted will be an added advantage)
  • Ability to work within strict/tight deadlines.

9. Evaluation Consultant Specific Tasks:

• • Develop an evaluation framework, methodology, and detailed work plan.
  • Review program documents, reports, and relevant national Harm reduction guidelines.
  • Design and supervise qualitative and quantitative data collection tools.
  • Develop training tools and train field evaluators for the study.
  • Monitor field data collection, and quality of uploaded field data to ensure completeness and compliance with the protocol. 
  • Coordinate field data collection and ensure quality control.
  • Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and stakeholder consultations at the national level.
  • Lead data synthesis, interpretation, and triangulation of findings.
  • Facilitate validation workshops with stakeholders and program staff.
  • Prepare draft and final evaluation reports with actionable recommendations.
  • Present findings to management, partners, and donors.
  • Provide the technical core team with weekly updates throughout the survey period (via mail/physical).

10. Expected deliverables for the evaluation consultant

• • Comprehensive evaluation protocol outlining the study methodology and detailed operational data management plan and timelines.
  • Training and data management report.
  • Prepare and present key findings to NACA and key stakeholders in PowerPoint presentations.
  • Submit a comprehensive/harmonized technical and process report of the evaluation in both soft and hard copies to NACA.

3.2 Harm reduction Program Consultant

11. Qualifications of the Harm Reduction Program Consultant

• • Must possess at least a Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Global Health/ Infectious diseases, or a related field. A PhD degree in a related field will be an added advantage.
  • At least 10 years of progressive experience in HIV prevention and care programs, with a minimum of 3-5 years focused specifically on Harm reduction implementation or evaluation.
  • Proven experience designing, implementing, or evaluating Harm reduction service delivery models (e.g., community-based, facility-based, key population–focused approaches).
  • Demonstrated experience in program monitoring, evaluation design, and data analysis (qualitative and quantitative methods).
  • Experience working with national HIV/AIDS programs, Ministries of Health, and international development partners (e.g., PEPFAR, Global Fund, UNAIDS).
  • Experience with Harm reduction services, uptake, continuation, and user experience studies among People Who Use Drugs (PWUD).

12. Harm Reduction Consultant Specific Tasks:

• • Review program documents, reports, and relevant National Harm reduction guidelines.
  • Design and supervise qualitative and quantitative data collection tools.
  • Develop training tools and train field evaluators for the study.
  • Monitor field data collection, and quality of uploaded field data to ensure completeness and compliance with the protocol. 
  • Coordinate field data collection and ensure quality control.
  • Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and stakeholder consultations at the national level.
  • Lead data synthesis, interpretation, and triangulation of findings.
  • Facilitate validation workshops with stakeholders and program staff.
  • Prepare draft and final evaluation reports with actionable recommendations.
  • Present findings to management, partners, and donors.
  • Provide the technical core team with weekly updates throughout the survey period (via mail/physical).

13. Expected deliverables for the Harm reduction consultant

1. 1. Comprehensive evaluation protocol outlining the study methodology and detailed operational data management plan and timelines.

1. 2. Final clean data set in an Excel format
   3. Training and data management report.
   4. Prepare and present key findings to NACA and key stakeholders in PowerPoint presentations.
   5. Submit a comprehensive/harmonized technical and process report of the evaluation in both soft and hard copies to NACA.

14. Duration of Consultancy

The duration of consultancy shall be Twenty-Five days (25) working days and the consultants will be required to be available throughout the assignment.

15. Duration of Activity

The duration of this activity is for the period of one (1) month, 30 working days

16. Payment Milestone

The consultants will be paid at the end of the activity, after the final activity report is submitted to NACA by the consultants.

17. Location of the consultancy

The location of the consultancy is Abuja, Federal Capital Territory

18. Supervision of consultants

The consultants will be supervised directly by the technical core team for the evaluation led by the head of Survey/Surveillance division, with oversight by the Director, RM&E Department of NACA.

19. The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) will make available the necessary documents and reports and other information concerning this assignment. You may obtain additional information at the following address: National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Ground Floor 3 Zinguinchor Street, Beside AEDC Office, Wuse zone 4, Abuja

20. A candidate will be selected on the basis of Fixed Budget (₦100,000.00 per day) and individual qualifications (Curriculum Vitae and Experience)

21. GUIDELINE FOR SUBMISSION AND OPENING OF CVS

The detailed CV must be in English Language and submitted in two (2) hard copies one original & one copy) of the requested CV. The two copies shall then be enclosed and sealed in one (1) single outer envelope, and clearly marked at the topmost right corner “Engagement of two Consultants to Conduct an Evaluation of Harm Reduction Program in Nigeria.” and the Name, Address, Email and Phone Number of the Consultant boldly written at the back of the envelope, with acknowledgement to NACA office at the address below.

1. Deadline for Submission: The deadline for the subm2qqission of proposal should not be later than Monday, 30^th March, 2026 by 12 noon. The submission(s) received will be opened immediately after closing at NACA Conference Room in the presence of consultants that choose to attend.

ADDRESS FOR INFORMATION AND SUBMISSION OF CVs

Attention:

Head Procurement

National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) 

Ground Floor Room 1.0

No. 3 Zinguinchor Street, Beside AEDC Office, Wuse zone 4, Abuja

OR

Email: [email protected]

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUPPLIERS

Submission of Quotations

Award of Contract

Accepting this invitation shall serve as an acknowledgement and agreement to abide by the Global Fund Code of Conduct for Suppliers.

Scoring Citeria for the Evaluation Consultant

Scoring Citeria for the Harm Reduction Program Consultant

Technical Proposal Submission Form

                                                                                                   [Location, Date]

To:    

Dear Sirs:

          We, the undersigned, offer to provide the consulting services for [Insert title of assignment] in accordance with your Request for Proposal dated [Insert Date] and our Proposal.  We are hereby submitting our Proposal, which includes the Technical Proposal, and the Financial Proposal sealed under two separate envelopes.

          We are submitting our Proposal in association with: [Insert a list with full name and address of each associated Consultant, also specify, whether they are in joint venture or sub consultancy].

          If negotiations are held during the period of validity of the Proposal, i.e., before the date indicated in Clause Reference 25 of the Special Instructions to Consultants, we undertake to negotiate on the basis of the proposed staff.  Our Proposal is binding upon us and subject to the modifications resulting from Contract negotiations.

                   We undertake, if our Proposal is accepted, to initiate the consulting services related to the assignment not later than the date indicated in Clause Reference 48 of the Special Instructions to Consultants.

          We also confirm that the Federal Government of Nigeria has not declared us, or any sub consultants for any part of the Contract, ineligible on charges of engaging in corrupt, fraudulent, collusive or coercive practices. We furthermore, pledge not to indulge in such practices in competing for or in executing the Contract, and we are aware of the relevant provisions of the Proposal Document (ITC Clause 3).

  We understand you are not bound to accept any Proposal you receive.

We remain,

Yours sincerely,

Financial Proposal Submission Form

[Location, Date]

To:     [Name and address of Client]

Dear Sirs:

          We, the undersigned, offer to provide the consulting services for [Insert title of assignment] in accordance with your Request for Proposal dated [Insert Date] and our Technical Proposal.  Our attached Financial Proposal is for the sum of [Insert amount in words and figures].  This amount is exclusive of Nigerian taxes, which we have estimated at [insert amount in words and figures].

          Our Financial Proposal shall be binding upon us subject to the modifications resulting from Contract negotiations, up to expiration of the validity period of the Proposal, i.e. before the date indicated in Clause Reference 25 of the Special Instructions to Consultants.

Commissions and gratuities, if any, paid or to be paid by us to agents relating to this Proposal   and Contract execution, if we are awarded the Contract, are listed as follows:

Name and Address of Agents          Amount                  Purpose of commission or gratuity

          We also declare that the Government of Nigeria has not declared us, or any sub-Consultants for any part of the Contract, ineligible on charges of engaging in corrupt, fraudulent, collusive, or coercive practices. We furthermore, pledge not to indulge in such practices in competing for or in executing the Contract, and are aware of the relevant provisions of the Proposal Document (ITC Clause 3).

          We understand you are not bound to accept any Proposal you receive.

                                      Signed

                                      In the capacity of:

                                      Duly authorized to sign the proposal on behalf of the Applicant.

    Date:

 NOTES/DISCLAIMER

1. Late submissions will not be accepted.
2. NACA shall verify any or all documents and claims made by applicants and will disqualify consultants with falsified documents and claims.
3. If it is determined that submitted documents and claims have been falsified, the consultant may face prosecution in a court of Law.
4. NACA shall not be held responsible for any disqualified proposal as a result of any omission or deletion relating to the submission guidelines.
5. This advertisement shall not be construe a contract to any Consultant, nor shall it entitle any Consultant submitting documents to claim any indemnity from NACA.
6. NACA is not bound to shortlist any Consultant, and reserves the right to annul the bidding process at any time without incurring any liabilities or providing reason.

Signed

Management.