Background and rationale

It is estimated that by 2015, there were 270 000 new infections in South Africa (UNAIDS, 2016). It is further estimated that 2,000 adolescent girls and young women are infected each week in South Africa. UNAIDS further indicate that less than 50% of young people aged 15 – 24 have comprehensive knowledge of HIV infection. HIV Prevalence amongst sex workers is estimated at 57.7% significantly higher than the general population, while it is estimated that prevalence amongst men who have sex with men is 32.2%. The HSRC household survey, (2014) reported that condom use declined from 2008 to 2012 in both males (85%-67%) and females (66%-49%).

STIs remain a global health challenge with a need of urgent interventions as means to avert this challenge and are associated with increased acquisition of HIV. Control of STIs can be measured by reduced incidence. STIs can also be used as proxy for non-condom use. In an effort to combat the burden of STIs, South Africa has adopted Syndromic approach as the preferred method for the control and management of STIs since 1996. It is important to screen clients for symptoms of STI when they access health services. Condom use remains complementary to all other HIV prevention methods, including ART and PrEP and to prevent STIs as well and unplanned pregnancy. When used correctly and consistently they are an effective means to prevent HIV infection. The risk, however, persists when condoms are not used correctly and consistently.

Condom use with primary partners – either spouses or steady partners – tends to be lower than condom use with non-regular partners as well as being lower among older persons. Promoting consistent use of both male and female condoms remains an important focal prevention opportunity. The roll-out of large-scale HIV testing and treatment, VMMC and STI control programmes, and efforts to increase access to affordable contraception, all offer opportunities for integrating condom promotion and distribution.

South Africa has distributed over 2 billion male condoms in the last 3 years and over 70 million female condoms. Despite these efforts, HIV and STI infection rates remain high and condom use has been declining. It is crucial to develop a national condom communication strategy to complement and guide the national condom programme as an enabler. It is against this background that the UNFPA in collaboration with the national department of health is seeking to procure the services of a consultant to develop the national condom communication strategy for the national department of health.

Purpose of the consultancy

The consultant will be expected to develop and finalise a national condom communication strategy for the department of health. The strategy is intended to provide guidance to the national condom programme with regards to advocacy, communication, information and education from 2018-2022.

Scope of work

1. Conduct a desk top review of the current national condom programme including distribution and use as well as NDOH and NSP( 2017-2022)prevention targets 2. Use data to inform critical enablers for the strategy for the country including young people in and out of school 3. Integrate communication strategies to increase the uptake of condoms in schools, TVETS and Universities 4. Develop communication approaches for the national programme taking into account key population and AGYW 5. Posttest messages that have been developed by NDOH and integrate them in the communication strategy 6. Follow the draft outline provided by the NDOH as a template for the development of the strategy

Expected deliverables

All final deliverables must be presented to the national Technical Working Group for inputs and concurrence and accepted by the national department of health. The final Condom Communications Strategy will be presented to the department in hard copy and soft copies (word document).

Assignment duration and management arrangement

Forty five (20) days spread over; 15 November – 15 December, 2017. In response to the TOR, the service provider will submit the proposed methodology, tools and timelines for undertaking this assessment. The first draft will be presented within 20-30 days from inception for inputs and the final document will be presented at 45 days for final approval.

Consultant eligibility

The service provider should;

 Be an individual with at least three (3) years relevant experience in developing strategic documents for health programmes within the National or Provincial Departments of Health

 Must have demonstrable previous experience in assessment of HIV Prevention programmes

 Experience in development of practical communication strategy including effective messages to promote condom use and uptake

 Be familiar with government health policies, systems and structures.

 Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Reporting

The successful candidate will administratively be under the overall supervision of the National Department of Health and UNFPA but will report directly to, and work collaboratively with, the HIV Prevention Directorate, and the TWG to deliver the assignment

Proposal evaluation criteria 

Weight Technical approach, methodology and level of understanding of the objectives and scope of the assignment 40

Profile of the institution/company/individual and relevance to the project; professional experience of the staff that will be deployed to the project 40

Demonstrated understanding of SRHR and HIV prevention within the South African context 20

Criteria

 Technical approach, methodology and level of understanding of the objectives and scope of the assignment

 Profile of the institution/company/individual and relevance to the project including professional experience

 Demonstrated understanding of HIV prevention issues affecting young people within the South African context

Cost of technical assistance and payment modalities

A costed work plan should form part of the proposal. Proposals submitted without a budget will not be considered. The most competitive proposal which will be satisfying all the requirements will be selected and awarded the contract. The proposal evaluation and the contract award will be undertaken according to UNFPA regulations. Payment for services rendered shall be effected in tranches agreed upon between the UNFPA and the successful service provider. These will be affected to pre-determined milestones and systematic submissions of acceptable deliverables within timelines agreed upon.

Proposal requirements

Interested services providers are invited to submit proposals to provide the above mentioned services. The proposal should focus on addressing the consultant’s ability to provide the services outlined in the Scope of Work. Interested applicants are requested to submit the following to zaf.admin@unfpa.org by the 10th November 2017:

 Cover letter

 Detailed CV(s) indicating qualifications and relevant experience.

 A proposal indicating a descripton of the proposed approach to the scope of work, work plan with timelines and budget (inclusive of VAT).

 Two (2) contactable references.