Assessment of the distribution system for HIV/Syphilis Duo Test Kits – National Consultant for 3 months, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea

PNG Country Office is looking for an engaged national consultant to support the National Department of Health and the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority to assess the distribution system of HIV test kits at both the national and provincial levels. The assessment aims to identify gaps, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement to enhance testing coverage among pregnant women and reduce vertical transmission of HIV.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Health

With over 850 indigenous languages and one of the most ethnically diverse populations, widespread poverty, and gender inequality make it hard for many children to realize their rights. In Papua New Guinea, UNICEF’s works effectively both ‘upstream’ (with governments) and ‘downstream’ (at the grassroots level) to carry out its mission through a programme of cooperation jointly developed with the government guides our work in the country.

How can you make a difference? 

Papua New Guinea faces significant challenges in its health sector, particularly concerning HIV and maternal health. Despite efforts, vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child remains high, and women are not consistently tested for HIV and Syphilis during antenatal care. Ensuring timely access to accurate diagnostic tools is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Parent-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis can be effectively prevented and eliminated by improving access to quality Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child Health (RMNCH) services that is ensured for all women, children and their families.

Many challenges exist in PNG including low antenatal coverage, high unsupervised deliveries and women who attend ANC are not being tested for HIV and Syphilis due to numerous reasons including lack of test kits at the health facility level, health workers not trained to be able to carry out the test or pregnant women not accepting to be tested. In the last couple of years, many health care managers have complained about the unavailability of HIV/Syphilis test kits at their health facilities despite adequate quantities of test kits been procured and distributed.

Findings from this assignment will support the development of a strategy for immediate improvement of the distribution systems for test kits and long-term system strengthening efforts for expanding PPTCT/EMTCT services at Primary Health Care level in PNG.

 

SCOPE OF WORK

Working under the direct supervision of the Health Specialist, and in coordination with the Health Officer, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Desk Review: – Assess the current HIV commodities distribution process at the National, Provincial and District levels:
   • Review existing policies, guidelines, and reports related to the distribution of HIV test kits and supplies in Papua New Guinea.
   • Analyze available data on HIV testing rates, coverage, and outcomes.
2. Stakeholder Consultations:
   • Engage with relevant stakeholders, including:
   • National Department of Health, AMS
   • Provincial health authorities in EHP, transit medical stores in EHP
   • Health facilities (hospitals, clinics, and health centers public, private and faith-based) NGOs and community-based organizations in EHP that provide ANC services (if any)

• • Conduct interviews and focus group discussions to gather insights on the distribution system, challenges, and best practices.

1. Assessment of Distribution System:
   • Evaluate the entire supply chain for HIV test kits, from procurement to last-mile delivery with a focus on EHP
   • Assess the availability, accessibility, and use of HIV/Syphilis Duo test kits at health facilities.
   • Identify any logistical or operational challenges hindering efficient distribution.
2. Recommendations:
   • Based on findings, propose actionable recommendations to improve the distribution system: Strengthen supply chain management processes.
   • Enhance coordination among stakeholders.
   • Address stockouts, wastage, and expiration of test kits. Promote data-driven decision-making

1. Reporting:
   • Prepare a comprehensive report detailing the assessment process, findings, and recommendations.
   • Present the report and initial findings to NDOH, EHP and stakeholders.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery or another related field.

Necessary experience/skills:

Experience in health system assessments, supply chain management, or public health. Knowledge of HIV testing protocols and maternal health programs.

Strong analytical and communication skills. Minimum 3 years of work experience in nursing and health care.

Willingness to travel and work in EHP and NCD

Previous work experience with non- profit organizations or UN agencies in similar assignments will be an asset.

Language skills:

Excellent written and verbal English and Pidgin is required. Knowledge of other local languages of the duty station is an asset.

Other necessary requirements:

Candidate must be a national of PNG. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter together with their CV.

Candidate must include in the cover letter expected monthly consultancy fee (state amount in PGK please).

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

 UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

 Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.