BACKGROUND
Comprehensive HIV programming for key populations includes service provision along the entire cascade. In the first third of the cascade, programs can use a variety of approaches for identifying, reaching, and recruiting individuals to access HIV testing and counselling services. The Peer Navigation strategy involves the training of Outreach Workers as Peer Navigators (PN) to work as part of a case management team to assist newly identified HIV+ persons in accessing care and treatment services. They also provide support by helping these persons to identify and overcome barriers that interfere with achieving personal health-related goals.
The National Family Planning Board (NFPB) in collaboration with LINKAGES Jamaica, drafted the Protocol and rolled out the national training program with both Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Regional Health Authorities (RHA) for Peer Navigators and their supervisors between August and November 2016, using the LINKAGES-developed Training Manual. The objective of the training was to build capacity of PNs in the knowledge of navigation, and provide the practical skills required to navigate a client through the continuum of care.
Following the training The National Peer Navigation Protocol was revised and handed over by USAID to the Jamaica Ministry of Health in April 2017. Its purpose was to guide the practical implementation of the Peer Navigation strategy and provide tools for documentation that were adapted as job aides for Navigators and their Supervisors. The protocol was developed in a participatory manner with input and validation from the Ministry of Health, Regional Health Authorities, National Family Planning Board and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
In 2018, a process evaluation of the programme was conducted. This highlighted the different approaches in executing the PN programme by the RHAs and the CSOs. Following the recommendations of the evaluation, trainings in 2020- 2022 were executed to standardize the execution of the peer navigation programme.
After five (5) years of implementation the NFPB now seeks to evaluate the peer navigation programme and its impact on the continuum of care.
To support Jamaica’s National HIV Response, the Government of Jamaica acting through the Ministry of Health & Wellness intends to apply a portion of its CDC HIV CoAG 2022 budget funding to support this activity.
OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY
The objectives of this exercise are:
- To conduct a desk review of Peer Navigation programs both locally and internationally
- To assess the performance of the trained Peer Navigators in both CSOs and RHAs towards improving the continuum of care
- To assess the implementing partners’ adherence to protocols and guidelines of the Peer Navigation Program.
- To identify gaps related to implementation of the strategy
- To provide recommendations for the revision of the strategy to enable further achievement towards improving the continuum of care.
SCOPE OF WORK/SERVICES
Under the technical guidance of the Director of Health Promotion and Prevention and supervision from the Senior Treatment Liaison Officer of the National Family Planning Board, the Consultant will be responsible for the execution of the consultancy. The necessary in-house documents needed for this consultancy will be provided to the Consultant to execute duties. This consultancy will last for six (6) months upon signing of the contract.
The Consultant will be expected to:
- Prepare detailed work plan (including data collection instruments).
- Workplan must entail methodology, activities, and deliverables with timelines to be covered over the 6-month contract period.
- Produce and submit data collection instruments that will be used to collect data from key implementors within the national HIV programme.
- Conduct desk review of Peer Navigation programs and prepare report.
- Review existing primary and secondary documents that support the implementation of the Peer Navigation programme.
- Conduct consultation sessions with key implementors of the PN strategy
- Conduct assessment to review the different key implementors organization’s function and operations of Peer Navigation strategy to identify functions that support and or do not support the strategy.
- Outline overlap or duplications within operation that may exist within the organization in implementing Peer Navigation strategy
- Analyze the strengths, challenges, opportunities, and threats in relation to the implementation of peer navigation strategy for key implementors.
- Prepare draft report highlighting findings, gaps, and recommendations for improving the strategy.
- Outline the findings and gaps at the different levels of staff in implementing Peer Navigation strategy
- Outline recommendations for different level of staff to effectively implement Peer Navigation strategy as well as proposed indicators.
- Outline supportive strategies to strengthen the implementation of Peer Navigation strategy.
- Develop a capacity development plan to support the recommendations to strengthen Peer Navigation strategy.
- Prepare and present final report following revision from technical team.
DELIVERABLES
- A detailed work plan outlining a clear understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology and timeframe for the various activities for approval by the management of the NFPB
- A report on the findings from a desk review of primary and secondary data on peer navigation programs
- A report on the findings from the consultations with implementing partners involved in prevention and linkage to care services.
- A draft report of the assessment of the PN strategy based on the document review and the consultations with key stakeholders.
- A final assessment report reflecting existing strategies and gaps, recommendations, and potential indicators for strengthening the PN strategy.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
| DELIVERABLE | TIMELINE | CONTRACT VALUE |
| Submission of detailed work plan (including data collection instruments) | End of Week 3 | 20% |
| Submission of Findings from a desk review | End of Week 10 | 20% |
| Submission of Report on the findings from the consultations | End of week 16 | 20% |
| Submission of Draft assessment report | End of Week 20 | 20% |
| Submission of final assessment report | End of Week 24 | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
- Graduate Degree in Public Health, Social Science, Demography, or similar field.
- At least 3 years experience working with or knowledge of HIV/STI Prevention and Treatment Care and Support Response in Jamaica.
- At least 5 years experience in conducting research assessments and programme evaluations, preferably within the context of the HIV/STI programs.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish rapport with a range of stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, report and technical writing skills.
- Ability to work on his/her own initiative
- Attention to detail
- A valid Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN)
OWNERSHIP OF THE DATA/INFORMATION
The NFPB will retain ownership of all the information gathered including print and/or electronic files.
REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION
The recruited consultant report to Director of Health Promotion and Prevention Unit/NFPB and will work closely with the Senior Treatment Liaison Officer and Technical Advisor, HPP Unit/NFPB.
| Submissions will be evaluated on the basis of : | ||
| Evaluation Criteria | Max.
Score |
Actual
Score |
| Graduate Degree in Public Health, Social Science, Demography, or similar field. | 30 | |
| At least 3 years experience working with or knowledge of HIV/STI Prevention and Treatment Care and Support Response in Jamaica.
|
20 | |
| At least 5 years experience in conducting research assessments and programme evaluations, preferably within the context of the HIV/STI programs.
|
40 | |
| Excellent communication, Report and Technical writing skills
|
10 | |
| Total Score | 100 | |
Candidate must attain a minimum mark of 70 to be considered.