Background

World-wide there may be as many as 2-3 million past and current injecting drug users (IDU) living with HIV/AIDS, and more than 110 countries now report HIV epidemics that are associated with injecting drug use. Re-using and sharing needles, syringes or other equipment for preparing and injecting drugs represents a highly efficient way of HIV transmission. In most countries where injecting drug use is a significant route for HIV transmission, less than 5% of all IDU are reached with HIV prevention or care services.  Enhancing access to HIV prevention for drug users and ART for HIV positive drug users, and at a scale that can make a difference, is therefore of central importance to the global response to AIDS, both from the human rights and the public health perspectives.

In Ethiopia drug abuse is increasing at an alarming stage. According to the 2009 report of the 52nd session of United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UNCND), Ethiopia is classified among the main illicit drugs trafficking routes destined to Europe and some Asian countries. The report also indicated Ethiopia not only serves as a transit point; but it is believed that some of the drugs, particularly heroin, penetrate the local market.

Reports also indicate that the production of cannabis/marijuana is escalating as well as the area of land covered by the plantation and number of farmers attracted by the lucrative business is also on the increase. The drug produced is distributed to the illegal local and international markets. Recent seizures demonstrated that, individuals and groups involved in the clandestine business are specializing themselves in terms of trafficking techniques. The packaging method used to conceal cannabis destined to Europe, mainly to London, England, detected by the police, is an evidence for the progress made in concealing methods.

Anecdotal information from different sources reveals that substance/drug use among the youth in urban areas is expanding in unprecedented speed. The traditional Khat chewing practice is being diverted to a complex scheme that leads to a multi-drug (Cocktail) use (khat+Marijuana+Alcohol) and exposure to unprotected sex and other high-risk behavior. This trend has turned-up to be a profitable business and is mushrooming in the urban areas of most regional states in the country. In such scenario, the vulnerability to HIV infection is undoubtedly high.

Similarly, the number of Injecting Drug Users (IDU) in Addis Ababa and other major cities is believed to be on the increase. Heroin is the most commonly used drug followed by Morphine and Pethidine. But Police does not rule-out the use of cocaine for such purpose. Party drugs, like methamphetamines have also been detected by the police. However, no formal research has been undertaken to establish the precise nature, extend and severity of the drug use, injecting drug use and its nexus to HIV.
 
In Ethiopia, lack of comprehensive strategic information on drug use, in general and injecting drug use in particular, and its contribution to HIV infection constitutes a major barrier preventing Government as well as its UN and other partners from developing and implementing evidence-based interventions to reduce the impact of drugs in fuelling HIV spread in the society.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work

The scope of this consultancy is to conduct a study on the contribution of Injecting Drug Use (IDU) in the spread of HIV in the country in order to generate crucially needed reliable and strategic information on this issue.   This study will allow the Government as well as its UN and other partners to facilitate the development and implementation of appropriate strategies for the reduction of HIV infection among most at risk groups including drug users.
The results of the analysis will be used for programme planning and advocacy to raise awareness among planners and policy makers.

Specific Tasks

Specifically, the consultant will:
  • Conduct a literature review collecting and compiling existing epidemiological and other data on the links between injecting drug use and HIV transmission, and the Ethiopia situation with regard to IDUs and HIV/AIDS;
  • A review of literature on HIV prevalence and risk behaviours among IDUs, and analysis of legislation and policy framework for identification of potential policy barriers in Ethiopia;
  • Support the preparation of instruments for situation assessment, both study protocol and questionnaires, with technical lead and direction of the international consultant, UNODC and the Technical Advisory Group on IDUs. The study will involve both serological and knowledge, attitudes and behavioural assessments, with quantitative and quantitative methods being applied. The study will cover Addis Ababa only;
  • Coordinate the implementation of the field situation assessment and data collection (identification of IDUs, coordination with relevant authorities with support of UNODC, coordination of interviews, focus groups, field observations etc…)
  • Conduct a stakeholder analysis of the organizations/institutions (NGOs, CBOs, training/research institutes, local government/ministries) working on drugs and HIV/AIDS. This will focus on which organizations are currently active in this area of work;
  • Support the international consultant in data analysis and report drafting that includes key findings from the literature review and field study,
  • Conduct a debriefing including presentation of the draft report to UNODC, UNAIDS, the Technical Advisory Group on IDUs and other partners to present key findings from the analysis;
  • Prepare presentations and facilitate a validation workshop on the study;
  • Provide an input to the final report and ensure implementation of activities as per agreed time line while adhering to deadlines.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

  • Ethics and Values: Demonstrate and safeguard ethics and integrity;
  • Organizational Awareness: Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
  • Development and Innovation: Take charge of self-development and take initiative;
  • Team Work: Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;
  • Communicating and Information Sharing: Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication;
  • Ability to work in culturally diverse environments and display diplomacy and tact.

 Functional competencies:

  • Strong proven capacity in , data collection and analysis;
  • Good facilitation and communication skills;
  • Ability to plan, prioritize and deliver a variety of tasks on time;
  • Exercise sound judgment/analysis;
  • Ability to provide constructive coaching and feedback for others;
  • Ability to liaise with a myriad of stakeholders and partners, including government, civil society, international organizations and grassroots organizations;
  • Excellent qualitative and quantitative data collection skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 
  • Advanced Degree in Public Health, Medical or Social Science or related subject
Experience:
  • 7 years and above direct experience of conducting HIV/AIDS and/or drug abuse situation and response analyses
  • Demonstrated written communication skills
Language:
  • Excellent knowledge of English and Amharic.