Request for Proposal (RFP) Chemsex counsultant

Background

About FHI 360:

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing- creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

EpiC Project Background:

The USAID and PEPFAR funded Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) Project, managed by FHI 360, aims to close remaining gaps in the continuum of HIV services towards achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.

EpiC Thailand has been a pivotal force in advancing HIV prevention, care, and treatment initiatives among Key Populations, with a primary focus on Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW) in Thailand. Recent observations indicate a notable shift in the landscape of HIV infections within these populations, specifically among individuals engaged in chemsex activities — the use of substances during sexual encounters.

In response to this emerging concern, FHI 360 initiated a chemsex intervention under the LINKAGES project in 2020. However, an evaluation of the intervention has revealed significant gaps, necessitating a refined and comprehensive approach. Consequently, EpiC Thailand is seeking the expertise of a qualified consultant to collaborate closely on the development of an effective Chemsex Intervention

Require Services

Desk review:

• Conduct a comprehensive desk review and analysis of available data, including existing program data and other reports (both published and unpublished), to define and identify profiles of individuals engaged in chemsex, as well as at-risk/vulnerable populations
• Conduct a desk review of the chemsex intervention outlined in existing reports and/or program implementations.

Chemsex Harm Reduction Framework:

The primary objectives of the Chemsex Harm Reduction Framework revolve around improving the utilization of HIV services, particularly targeting MSM and TG individuals engaged in chemsex or at risk. The overarching goal of this framework should include**.**

• Enhancing Access to HIV Cascade Interventions:
• Outlining effective pathways for individuals engaged in chemsex to access care and actively participate in HIV-related health services.
• Tailored Interventions for Various Profiles and Groups:
• Proposing targeted interventions that are tailored to different profiles and groups within the community, recognizing the diversity of needs.
• Introducing Personalized Interventions for Reducing Chemsex:
• Implementing interventions specifically designed to help individuals seeking strategies to reduce their own chemsex usage.

The framework will also establish a structured referral system for individuals engaged in chemsex who may require or seek additional health and support services. This comprehensive approach aims to create a supportive and effective network that addresses the specific challenges associated with chemsex while promoting overall health and well-being within the affected communities.

Chemsex Toolkit:

• The consultant will develop job aids or a toolkit based on the detailed framework and proposed interventions. These may include, but are not limited to: (I) brief clinical interventions using motivational interviewing techniques to reduce chemsex-related behaviors; (II) community harm reduction interventions to enhance knowledge and social support; and (III) peer support training programs to strengthen the capacity of peer supporters providing recovery services for individuals with substance dependence issues. The consultant will propose this toolkit to FHI 360 upon completing the chemsex framework and obtaining approval.

Capacity building:

• The consultant will conduct a one-time onsite workshop/training to implement this model for EpiC Thailand’s partners. The workshop/training will cover the results of this work, and the agenda will require approval from FHI 360. It is important to note that the cost of the workshop, excluding the consultant’s Level of Effort (LOE) and transportation, will be covered by FHI 360..

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Data collection framework to track progress of chemsex interventions
• Establish a system for tracking and documenting chemsex users who receive the HIV and related services described in the proposed framework.
• Develop evaluation criteria to assess the effectiveness of the provided services.

Qualifications and Minimum Experience and Skills:

• A degree in public health, nursing, medicine, business administration or any other relevant public health and social science
• Knowledge and experience in working with key populations in health programming.
• Experience in HIV prevention, care, and treatment among MSM and TGW who engage in chemsex.
• Minimum of 10 years of cumulative experience in public health, project management, evaluator or consultant and experience in working with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience working with a national or international development organization or agency.
• Experience in working with communities and local health authorities.

Evaluation Criteria :

• Proposal Approach 35%
• Total cost 20%
• Relevance experience 40%
• Reference 5%

Duration/Period of Performance: January – September 30, 2024.