Blog

24^th June, 2024

1. Preamble

Transgender people (TG), representing a small but significantly vulnerable population in Nigeria have limited information on the social and behavioral factors that influence HIV infection and adherence to HIV services among them. The 2020 IBBSS report revealed a high HIV prevalence of 28.8% among Transgender people, however, there is a need to conduct a more robust study that will help to determine factors associated with this prevalence and establish evidence-based interventions. This study seeks to examine various social factors that affect Transgender people’s HIV vulnerability risk and their access to care and treatment services. In addition, the study will help capture the experiences of transgender people in accessing HIV services and identify challenges that must be addressed to promote better access to HIV services for them in Nigeria. It will also address gaps based on evidence and provide valuable information that can inform policies and ensure the effective implementation of HIV prevention and intervention programs for the transgender community in Nigeria.

2.0 Specific Objectives

1. Identify and assess the social, environmental, and cultural factors associated with HIV vulnerability and HIV-related service adherence among transgender people in Nigeria.
2. Examine the diffusion of HIV-supportive policies, programs, and service utilization among transgender people.
3. Identify the barriers to the diffusion of HIV-supportive policies, programs, and service utilization among transgender people.
4. Understand the lived experiences of transgender people in Nigeria related to HIV services utilization.
5. Identify strategies and approaches that can be used to reduce HIV vulnerability among transgender people in Nigeria.
6. Develop evidence-based policy and program recommendations to reduce HIV vulnerability among transgender people in Nigeria.

3.0 Scope of work

The Operations Research will be conducted in twelve (12) states (Abia, Anambra, Benue, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Lagos, Oyo, Kaduna, kano, Taraba, and Gombe) in the country, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The consultant provides expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including protocol development, report writing, and submission of final reports. He/She will also work closely with the co-consultant to provide technical support for the activities that include training of data collectors. design of data collection instruments, data analysis planning, and thematic analysis., The consultant will be supervised directly by the technical core team for the research, with oversight from the RM&E Department of NACA.

The specific tasks will include the following;

1. Shall attend and participate/present in stakeholders’ consensus meetings
2. Design a comprehensive research protocol detailing the methodology, sampling strategy, and data collection procedures.
3. Develop data collection instruments in collaboration with the data management consultant, ensuring alignment with study objectives and research questions.
4. Co-lead the training of field researchers and monitors for the study, including developing training materials to conduct the training of the data collectors in preparation for field data collection
5. Monitor field data collection, and quality of uploaded field data to ensure completeness and compliance with the protocol.
6. Contribute to the data analysis plan strategies and review of analysis for both quantitative and qualitative data.
7. Lead the report writing processes of this study.
8. Build the capacity of NACA staff on quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and report writing.
9. Collaborate closely with the data management consultant to ensure seamless integration of data management and analysis processes.

4.0 Expected deliverables

1. Comprehensive research protocol outlining the study methodology and data collection procedures.
2. Provide the technical core team with weekly updates throughout the research (via mail/physical).
3. Prepare and present OR key findings to NACA and key stakeholders in PowerPoint presentations.
4. Submit a comprehensive/harmonized technical and process report of the Operation Research in both soft and hard copies to NACA, working with the co-consultant.

5.0 Duration of Consultancy

The duration of consultancy shall be Twenty days (20) working days and the consultant will be required to be available throughout the assignment.

6.0 Qualifications and Skills:

1. 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.
2. Minimum of 8 years of experience working in the National HIV/AIDS response, with at least 5 years of experience working in the area of HIV and key populations.
3. Minimum of 5 years’ experience leading in public health project evaluation, and /or operations research in Nigeria;
4. Minimum of 5 years of experience in Quantitative and Qualitative research methodologies and analysis;
5. Excellent skills in Statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, and/or R, and performing structured literature searches.
6. Previous experience in community research/survey-related activities.
7. Excellent communication, facilitation, writing, and capacity-building skills
8. Ability to work within strict/tight deadlines.

7.0 Payment schedule

Payment shall be made after the finalized comprehensive report is submitted to RM&E NACA.

Remuneration

The individual consultants will be paid based on the approved Global Funds budget

Termination of Appointment

The appointment of the consultant can be terminated at any point without notice if the consultant is found to be incompetent or if they carry out other activities that are found deleterious to the progress of the project.

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

A candidate will be selected on the basis of Fixed Budget of individual qualifications (Curriculum Vitae and Experience)

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 “STUDY ON SOCIAL FACTORS INFLUENCING HIV VULNERABILITY AND ADHERENCE TO SERVICES FOR TRANSGENDER – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE STUDY” 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 submission of proposal should not be later than 12 noon of Monday, 8^th July, 2024 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]

GLOBAL FUND CODE OF CONDUCT

You shall get acquainted with the global fund code of conduct for suppliers using this link below: https://www.theglobalfund.org/media/3275/corporate_codeofconductforsuppliers_policy_en.pdf

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

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.

iii. If it is determined that submitted documents and claims have been falsified, the consultant may face prosecution in a court of Law.

1. NACA shall not be held responsible for any disqualified proposal as a result of any omission or deletion relating to the submission guidelines.

iii.  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.

1. 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

Ishaya Dawha

Head Procurement.

For: Director General.