Consultant for development of the Agenda for Accelerated Country Action for Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV (AACA)

Background

The HIV prevalence for South Sudan among persons 15-49 year is estimated at 3.04%, and approximately 150,000 people in South Sudan are living with HIV -135,000 adults and 14,500 children (ANC Surveillance Report 2009). The 2009 ANC data varies geographically; the southern states have higher prevalence, as high as 15.5% in Yambio (Western Equitoria); and lower prevalence in the central rural states up to 0% in Aweil (Northern Bahr el Ghazal). An estimated 16,000 new infections occur per year, of which 3,000 are among children (Universal Access Report 2010). Women in South Sudan have low rate of literacy at 16% and high rate of maternal mortality at 2045 per 100,000 live births, 48% of pregnant women attend one antenatal care (ANC) visit, with only 10% of births being assisted by skilled personnel, also, prevalence rate of modern contraceptives is less than 3% among women (South Sudan Household Survey, 2010). Women, irrespective of socio-economic status, marital status and age, are vulnerable to HIV infection. Further analysis of ANC data in 2009 found no significant difference in HIV prevalence among women who are married and are in monogamous or polygamous marriages, and those that are single or divorced/separated. This underscores the fact that women are at risk of HIV infection irrespective of the type of their marital status, except for widows who had a higher HIV prevalence up to 16.7% (ANC 2009). This could be due to their economic burden as heads of household and in caring for the family as single parents.  Although GBV, Harmful traditional practices and other negative social and cultural practices may have impact on women, girls and HIV, there is no reliable statistical data to substantiate the impact of these practices to their relationship with HIV AIDS. Women also have limited knowledge of HIV and of transmission of HIV from mother to child, have high HIV stigma, poor utilisation of ANC services, early sex practice and vulnerability to domestic violence. Most of the women are in polygamous marriage or their husbands have other sexual partners.  All these factors expose women to HIV infection. The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) was established in July 2012  by the General Assembly Resolution A/Res.64/289 to lead the gender and women’s empowerment agenda globally and at regional and national level. In a number of countries, women living with HIV have taken a leading role in advocacy by forming networks that provide a strong platform for their voices to be heard. UN Women provides technical support to enhance the leadership and participation of women living with HIV in decision-making, and works to safeguard their rights to services, inheritance and property. As part of the UN Joint programme of support on HIV and AIDS, UN Women South Sudan has taken a lead role in supporting the development of policies and actions to reduce vulnerability of women to the HIV epidemic.  Thus UN Women South Sudan would like to hire an International Consultant for 3 weeks starting from March 25, 2013 to develop an Accelerated Agenda Country Action for Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV (AACA). The International Consultant will be supported by a National Consultant.  Objectives: The purpose of the consultancy is to develop the Agenda for Accelerated Country Action for Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV (AACA) to ensure improved access to comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, care and support including sexual reproductive health for women and girls in a conducive environment in South Sudan. The national consultant will be working with an international consultant to develop the AACA

Duties and Responsibilities

Specifically, the consultancy will: Assist the international consultant in conducting a desk review of available information on the situation of women and girls in relation to HIV and their access to HIV and SRH services. Support and conduct consultations with key stakeholders on the status and factors that expose women and girls to HIV infection and create barriers to accessing services. Assist in drafting the Agenda for Country Action on Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV, utilising the information gathered in steps 1 and 2 and in line with the NSF II and other national programmatic strategies and guidance. Organize and facilitate validation of the AACA among all key national and state level stakeholders, including women living with HIV. Work with the international consultant to finalise the AACA including M&E and resources mobilization plan. Develop advocacy materials highlighting the key messages of the AACA. Translate during the meeting at local level Organize meetings at National and Local levels Identify national stakeholders for the consultative forums Deliverables South Sudan Agenda for Accelerated Country Action for Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV. Advocacy material and resource mobilization strategy and tools for implementation of the AACA. Partnership with relevant stakeholders  CSO, Networks of Women Living With HIV, Private Sector, Government, youth, boys and men Implementation Modalities Under the leadership of the International Consultant, the national consultant would work closely with the HIV AIDS UN joint team members coordinated by UNAIDS, as part of the 2013 programme of action; gather all required information and consult with relevant partners in this process so as to ensure the AACA is informed by evidence and all relevant voices are reflected in the document. As South Sudan has a challenge of data availability, especially in terms of HIV and AIDS, nationwide consultations would be useful to get as much information as possible from partners on the ground and also women living with/affected by HIV. The national consultant will facilitate the local arrangements for the field visits and accompany the lead in the field while performing the same functions at the field level, as agreed by the two consultants. She/he would also make arrangements for the consultative meetings and the validation workshop under the leadership of the SSAC and Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare.  Under the direction of the lead consultants ensure that the deliverables are met as stated in the signed contract.

Competencies

Functional/technical knowledge:  Professional Competencies: Organizational and networking skills; Follow through and result orientation; good communication skills including excellent writing skills in English; Analytical thinking/problem solving; good team player qualities; Willingness to travel difficult situation and stay in difficult situation. Personal Attributes: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; Initiative and innovation; Flexibility; Gender and cultural sensitivity. Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards; Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Treats all people fairly without favoritism; Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Minimum Master’s degree in public health, development studies, social sciences, management, public administration, or similar academic background from a recognized University. Experience: Understanding of gender and HIV issues and linkages, knowledge and experience of these issues in South Sudan context is an advantage.  Good understanding of the HIV epidemic and response in South Sudan, including governance and response mechanisms. Knowledge of civil society organizations and their delivery mechanisms in Gender and HIV response in South Sudan Language: Excellent knowledge of English and the South Sudan languages. NOTE: for South Sudanese Nationals ONLY FC: W3000

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.