FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 

THE NATIONAL AGENCY FOR THE CONTROL OF AIDS (NACA)

 

INVITATION TO TENDER

for

 

Individual Consulting
Services

 

Time-Based Payments

 

ENGAGEMENT OF A CONSULTANT FOR THE EVIDENCE GENERATION FOR THE PLANNING OF HIGH IMPACT HIV PREVENTION PROGRAMMES FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE AND IDENTIFICATION AND DEFINITION OF FOCUS AREAS AND INTERVENTIONS FOR SCALE-UP: NEEDS ASSESSMENT, MAPPING AND PROFILING STUDY OF AGYW IN HIGH INCIDENCE LOCATIONS IN NIGERIA

September 2023

 

NATIONAL
AGENCY FOR THE CONTROL OF AIDS (NACA)

 

INVITATION
TO TENDER

11^th September 2023

A.   Preamble

Adolescents and Young People (AYP) aged 10-24 years account for one-third of Nigeria’s total
population^[i]. In 2019, over 66 million AYP were estimated to be in Nigeria – one of the largest in the
world^[ii]. Adolescents have peculiar needs and characteristics as regards HIV and AIDS. Appropriately
responding to those issues and needs will yield triple benefits – for the present, for the future adult lives of AYP, and for the next generation who will be children of current AYP. The justification for focused programming for AYP as part of the overall HIV response in Nigeria is presented below.

The 2018 Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS)ⁱ estimated that approximately 180,000 AYP living with HIV in Nigeria with HIV prevalence especially high among females 20-24 years at 1.3% (95%CI: 1.1-1.5). The survey further showed that the level of awareness of HIV status was lowest among AYP (only 29.4% among 20-24 years old and 35.5% among 15-19 years old compared to
47% among older adults). This reflects the low rates of HIV testing.

The Agency is therefore, seeking for qualified professionals in HIV Prevention Program For the most vulnerable Adolescents and Young People. In compliance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, the Agency, therefore invites reputable consultants to submit their CVs for the immediate implementation of the activity:                                                                                

B.    Pre-qualification requirement

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

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Cover Letter
2. Advanced-level qualification in public health, social sciences, especially public policy, gender studies
3. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in adolescents and young people research, programming, project management within relevant sectors (Health, Education, Social protection). 
4. Experience in research related to adolescents and young people’s health
5. Prior experience of conducting need assessment/mapping/population profiling studies
6. Demonstrated relevant technical skills in conducting qualitative research and analyzing qualitative data
7. Experience that demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of technical issues as well as Nigeria HIV and health data ecosystems preferred.
8. Excellent organization and project management skills 
9. Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills 
10. Fluency in written and spoken English and good drafting skills 
11. Knowledge and experience in HIV programming for AYP in Nigeria would be an asset 
12. Knowledge of local language in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra and Benue would be an asset

More details on the requested services are provided in the Terms of Reference in section A below

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 QCBS of individual qualifications (Curriculum Vitae and
Experience)

The following forms are attached:

       (a) Terms of Reference;

       (b) Model of Curriculum Vitae;

       (c) Model of bid for submitting the Proposal;

       (d) Form for Observations of the Consultant on the Terms of Reference;

       (e) Breakdown of Activity/cost estimate 

 

  

A. Terms of reference

Evidence generation for the planning of high impact HIV prevention program for the most vulnerable adolescents and young people and identification and definition of focus areas and interventions
for scale-up: Needs assessment, mapping and profiling study of AGYW in high incidence locations in Nigeria

Background 

Adolescents and Young People (AYP) aged 10-24 years account for one-third of Nigeria’s total population^[iii].
In 2019, over 66 million AYP were estimated to be in Nigeria – one of the largest in the world^[iv].
Adolescents have peculiar needs and characteristics as regards HIV and AIDS.
Appropriately responding to those issues and needs will yield triple benefits –
for the present, for the future adult lives of AYP, and for the next generation
who will be children of current AYP. The justification for focused programming
for AYP as part of the overall HIV response in Nigeria is presented below.

The
2018 Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS)ⁱ estimated
that approximately 180,000 AYP living with HIV in Nigeria with HIV prevalence
especially high among females 20-24 years at 1.3% (95%CI: 1.1-1.5). The survey
further showed that the level of awareness of HIV status was lowest among AYP
(only 29.4% among 20-24 years old and 35.5% among 15-19 years old compared to
47% among older adults). This reflects the low rates of HIV testing.

AYP
especially adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) have particular
vulnerabilities for HIV in Nigeria that are strongly linked with gender
inequalities and harmful practices.ⁱⁱ AGYW have low levels of
comprehensive knowledge of HIV, HIV risk perception, and access to appropriate
sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.^[v].
AGYW are also more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours compared to
older females.ⁱⁱⁱ As such, AGYW are at comparably higher risks of
HIV and hence appropriate interventions need to be targeted at them.

Strong evidence would be critical for informing
high impact programmes along the 90-90-90 cascade.  To expand the evidence base and facilitate
targeted investments. and enable take-off of targeted AGYW programmes in 2021,
NACA is undertaking a needs assessment, mapping and profiling exercise in four
states (Anambra, Abia, Benue and Akwa Ibom). The goal is to profile
risk, vulnerability and implementation context for the delivery of HIV programs
(prevention, treatment and care) for vulnerable adolescent girls and young
women and their male sexual partners to ensure that they have access to
services that will reduce their vulnerability and address their needs. Consultants are being sought (one per
state) to conduct the needs assessment mapping and profiling study.

 

 

 

Overall scope

The consultant will lead and manage
the needs assessment team and hold responsibility for the implementation of the
needs assessment mapping and profiling exercise in the state. The needs
assessment, mapping and profiling study will be conducted specifically to
achieve the following objectives:

1.    
To identify and document the profiles and risk behaviors of the most
vulnerable adolescent girls (15-19 years) and young women (20-24 years, 25-29
years), and their sexual partners/networks in study locations

2.   
 To map and document the
geospatial distribution, hotspots and locations of the most vulnerable AGYW in
study locations.

3.   
To identify the contextual factors including sociocultural,
environmental and structural exposures such as GBV, FGM, poverty/unemployment,
inter-generational sexual relationships that facilitate or hinder the ability
of AGYW to access HIV-related information and services

4.   
To establish a comprehensive description of the nature, type and
ramifications of AGYW vulnerabilities in the study locations

5.   
To map and document existing multi sectoral partnerships and platforms
(at state and community levels) for a comprehensive HIV prevention treatment
and support program for AGYW.

 

Scope of work and deliverables:

·      Train field researchers on field data collection procedures

·      Supervise field operations and manage field teams including scheduling of field visits and interviews.

·      Monitor the data collection process and ensure quality data

·      Supervise and coordinate transcription and check transcripts for completeness and reliability of collected data.

·      Supervise the work of a data analyst for data entry, computerized data cleaning, analysis and tabulation and triangulation with program data.

·       Liaise with the GIS specialist and facilitate GIS mapping exercise by providing all required lists and preliminary information to enable the geospatial mapping. 

·      Work in close collaboration with other three consultants to share experiences and ensure synchronization and contribute to joint presentations/feedback to the study oversight committee 

·      Based on the analysis, provide recommendations for developing/refining appropriate interventions (as might be required); 

·      Make programmatic and operational recommendations to increase the benefits of HIV programming for AGYW 

·       Prepare comprehensive final reports for the needs assessment, mapping and profiling study, to be approved by NACA and the Study Oversight Committee 

·      Present the findings of the report to stakeholders in a workshop;

Period

The consultancy shall run for a period of 30 working days.

Each consultant will oversee a state team of six (6) local field researchers; one team of two persons (male and female) per LGA. NACA will provide overall leadership and be responsible for coordinating activities. The National Prevention Technical Working Group (AYP subcommittee) will provide technical
oversight. SACA will support, facilitate and supervise state-level engagements.

Deliverables

The expected deliverable from this activity is a state-specific report detailing the information below:

·       Profiles and risk behaviors of the most vulnerable AGYW and their sexual partners/networks in study locations identified and documented. Findings triangulated with program data and data from other sources
for greater insights.

o  Characterize the AGYW and sexual partners of AGYW based on risk behaviors, socializing behaviors, and demographic characteristics in study locations

o  Describe the sexual partnerships among AGYW and their sexual partners in study locations

o  Profile the health-seeking behaviors of sexual partners of AGYW, allowing for targeting of services to this specific population

·       Nature and ramifications/extent of adolescent vulnerabilities described/established

·       Contextual factors that help or hinder the ability of AGYW to access HIV-related information and services documented

·       The geospatial distribution, hotspots and locations of the most vulnerable AGYW (in study locations) mapped and documented

·       Focus areas and interventions for scale-up are identified

·       Existing multisectoral partnerships and platforms (at state and community levels) for a comprehensive HIV prevention treatment and support program for AGYW identified and documented

·       Data gaps identified

Qualifications and experience

This assignment requires the services of a consultant that can demonstrate skills relating to analytical
capacity, especially qualitative analysis and relevant gender analysis (especially collection and analysis of gender disaggregated data in the area of HIV/AIDS), adequate reporting and English editing. The
following qualifications and experiences are required: 

·       Advanced-level qualification in public health, social sciences, especially public policy, gender studies 

· Minimum of 5 years’ experience in adolescents and young people research, programming, project management within relevant sectors (Health, Education, Social protection). 

·       Experience in research related to adolescents and young people’s health 

·      Five years’ experience of conducting need assessment/mapping/population profiling studies 

·       Demonstrated relevant technical skills in conducting qualitative research and analyzing qualitative data 

·       Experience that demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of technical issues as well as Nigeria HIV and health data ecosystems preferred.

·       Excellent organization and project management skills 

·       Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills 

·       Proven ability to work in teams with other consultants 

·       Fluency in written and spoken English and good drafting skills 

·       Knowledge and experience in HIV programming for AYP in Nigeria would be an asset

·       Knowledge of local language in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra and Benue would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

The consultants will be paid based on the approved Global Fund budget for all the activities on
a basis on a verified report.  

GUIDELINE FOR SUBMISSION AND OPENING OF DOCUMENTS

a.     The detailed Proposal must be in English Language and submitted in three (3) hard copies
each (one original & two copies) of the requested documents and proposal. The documents shall then be enclosed and sealed in one (1) single outer envelope, and clearly marked at the topmost right corner “HIV Prevention Program For the most vulnerable Adolescents and Young People” 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.

b.    Deadline for Submission: The deadline for the submission of proposal should not be later
than 12 noon of Friday 15^th September 2023 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 PROPOSALS

Attention:

Head Procurement

National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) 

Ground Floor Room 1.08

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

i.   Late submissions will not be accepted.

ii. 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.

ii.  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.

iv. 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.

B.

Format of Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  

Name :        

 

Complete address :

 

Profession : 

 

Date of Birth :        

 

Years of professional experience :                                Nationality:           

Membership in Professional
Societies :    

Detailed Tasks Assigned :   

Key Qualifications :

[Give an outline of your experience and training most pertinent to tasks on assignment.  Describe degree of responsibility you held on relevant previous assignments and give dates and locations.  One page should be sufficient.]

 

Education :

[Summarize college/university and other specialized education, giving names of schools, dates attended, and degrees obtained.   A page or less should be sufficient.]

 Employment Record :

[Starting with present position, list in reverse order every employment held.  List all positions held since graduation, giving dates, names of employing organizations, titles of positions held, and locations of assignments.  For experience in last ten years, also give types of activities performed and client references, where appropriate.  Use about two pages.]

 Languages :

[For each language indicate proficiency: excellent, good, fair, or poor in speaking, reading, and writing.]

 Certification :

 I, the undersigned, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, these data correctly describe me, my qualifications, and my experience.

                                                                                       
Date :        

[Signature of consultant ]                                                          
Day/Month/Year

Full Name of Candidate : 

C. Proposal

[Location, Date]

 

To : [Name and address of Procuring Entity]

 

Mr/Mrs. :

 

       I,
the undersigned, offer to provide the consulting services for [Title of consulting services] in accordance with your Letter of Invitation dated [Date]. 

 

       My fees are [net of taxes, estimated at…, as applicable]

 

       I hereby submit my Proposal, which includes this Technical and Financial Proposal.

 

       I understand that you are not bound to accept any Proposal you receive.

 

       I remain,  

Yours Truly,

 Name of the Consultant :

Address :

D.      observations and suggestions

          of the candidate consultant
on the terms of reference

 

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

4.

 

5.

 

 

List of Annexes

 

       Annex A :         Cost Estimate of Services, and
Schedule of Rates.

 

       Annex B :         Consultants Reporting Requirements.

 

       Annex C :         Evaluation Criteria.

 

 

Annex A

 

Cost Estimate of Services

 

       (1) Remuneration

 

                        Rate /day              Number of Days           Total (currency)

                in (currency)

 

       (2) Reimbursables

 

                                                      
Rate                Units/Days                Total

       (a) (International)

          (Local)           Travel  + Taxi                             

 

       (b)Local           Transportation                            

 

       (c) Communications                        

 

       (d) Hotel Accomodation                 

                                                                                                        
Sub-total (2)

 

       TOTAL COST                       

           

 

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE (Consultant to modify accordingly)

 

Activity (Work)                                               periods

 

                       1st       2nd    3rd     4th     5th     6th     7th   8th   9th   10th 11th  12th

                                       

Annex B

Consultants
Reporting Requirements

 

Reports                                            Date

 

1. Inception Report                                

 

2. Progress Reports

 

3. Draft Final Report                              

 

4. Final Report                                      

 

Annex C

EVALUATION CRITERIA

 

The Criteria, sub-criteria, and point system for the evaluation of the Technical Proposals are:

                                                                                             Points

 

(i)    Specific experience of the Consultant relevant to the assignment:                                                                         60

1)   Adequacy for the assignment              50

2)    Experience in customization               10

(ii)   Key professional qualifications and competence for the assignment:                                                                         40

1)   General qualifications                         40

                                       Total points for criterion (I & ii):       100