Jobs - 34357- Consultancy on Review of legislation and rules per

Consultancy on Review of legislation and rules pertaining to HIV/AIDS prevention and care in correctional setting

Location :

Zanzibar, TANZANIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

21-Dec-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

10 days within two consecutive calendar months

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

HIV and AIDS are serious threats in many countries and present significant challenges for prison and public health authorities and national governments. The levels of HIV infection among prison populations worldwide are much higher than in the general population. Because most prisoners are in prison for only a short period of time before they re-enter their communities, it is acknowledged that prisoners and prison staff are part of the broader community and that the health threat of HIV within and outside prisons are linked. Nonetheless, prisons, prisoners and prison staff are often neglected in efforts intended to tackle the epidemic.

UNODC’s Regional Office for Southern Africa is running a regional programme entitled HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support in Prisons Settings in Southern Africa covering Ethiopia, Malawi Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia, with the objectives to prevent new HIV infections specifically related to incarceration in selected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In line with this objective, the given assignment aims at supporting efforts to review national legislation and prison policy/rules in three countries; namely, Ethiopia, Malawi and Tanzania.[1] The purpose of the review is to promote and enhance evidence-informed and sustainable responses to HIV/AIDS in prisons by identifying gaps, weaknesses and strengths in the current national infrastructure, legislation and policies. The findings will be presented in one full national report and through a dissemination meeting with relevant stakeholders within the National Correctional Services, Ministries of Justice and Health and related departments.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will be expected to:

To hold frequent update meetings with the National Project Coordinator in the United Republic of Tanzania.
To be the lead technical expert in all processes of defining the direction, contents and execution of the national review.
To submit a proposed structure, budget and work plan for the national review.
To ensure that the main standards and regulations regarding HIV and related communicable diseases in prison settings are taken in account and incorporated during data collection and analysis as well as in the report finalization.
To conduct data collection and analysis for the review on the existing national legislation and prison policy/rules that affect HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support in prison settings within the given country.
To work with consultant in Mainland to produce one full report based on the review of the existing national legislation and prison policy/rules within the given country.
To present the findings of the report at a dissemination meeting to relevant stakeholders within the National Correctional Services, Ministries of Justice and Health and related departments.

Competencies

A post graduate degree, preferably in public Health, Social Science or any other related degree e.g. development studies.
Five years work experience in HIV & AIDS related field
Strong analytical qualitative & quantitative research skills
Statistical and knowledge of statistical packages
Familiarity HIV AIDS issues as it related to prisons and experience in conducting needs assessments would be an added advantage
Experience working in a UN environment will be an added advantage.

Required Skills and Experience

A successful candidate must meet the following criteria:

Education

Master Degree in Law, Public Health, Health Ethics or any other related Social Science (i.e. development studies) is required.

Working Experience

A minimum of five years’ work experience in law, governance and HIV/AIDS related issues.
Previous work and direct working relationships with UN agencies (either in consultation or in any service provision) will add value to the candidate.
Experience in independent research.

Knowledge and skills

Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
Excellent report writing skills are highly required.
Good domain and understanding on prisons and prison health and general criminal justice.
Good domain and understanding of the context of health issues in prisons of SADC region, including WHO and UN standards, regulations and work around legislation on health, are desired.
Knowledge of national policies and strategies and plans on HIV & AIDS and TB is desired.
Good domain and understanding of regional (SADC) and international regulations and standards on HIV & TB prevention, care, treatment and support in prison settings are desired.

Languages and Computer Skills

Proficiency in written and spoken English, including the ability to draft reports at a professional level, is required.
Knowledge of MS Office package (MS Word, advanced MS Excel and MS Access) will be required.