Vacancy

Terms of Reference (ToR) | Call Consultancy for National Study on HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination in Ethiopia

1. Background

The Network of Networks of HIV Positives in Ethiopia (NEP+) is a national umbrella organization representing people living with HIV (PLHIV). NEP+ works to advance the rights, dignity, and quality of life of PLHIV through advocacy, research, and community-led interventions.

Despite significant progress in HIV response, stigma and discrimination remain major barriers to service uptake, treatment adherence, and social inclusion. In alignment with national priorities of the Ministry of Health Ethiopia and research standards of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, NEP+ Ethiopia plans to conduct a national-level study to generate evidence on stigma and discrimination affecting PLHIV.

2. Objective of the Assignment

General Objective

To assess the magnitude, patterns, and determinants of HIV-related stigma and discrimination in Ethiopia.

Specific Objectives

  • Measure the prevalence and forms of stigma and discrimination among PLHIV
  • Identify key drivers and structural factors contributing to stigma
  • Assess the impact of stigma on access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services
  • Generate evidence-based recommendations for policy and programming

3. Scope of Work

The consultant/firm will:

  • Develop a scientifically sound study protocol aligned with MOH and EPHI standards
  • Conduct comprehensive literature and policy review
  • Design data collection tools consistent with internationally recognized stigma measurement approaches (e.g., PLHIV Stigma Index, where applicable)
  • Undertake national-level data collection
  • Ensure compliance with ethical standards, including informed consent and confidentiality
  • Coordinate with NEP+, MOH, EPHI, and other stakeholders
  • Perform data analysis using appropriate statistical and qualitative methods
  • Facilitate stakeholder validation workshop
  • Produce high-quality reports and policy briefs

4. Methodology Requirements (EPHI Standard)

The consultant must propose a rigorous methodology that includes:

    Study Design: Mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative preferred)           Sampling: Nationally representative or clearly justified sampling strategy            Data Collection Methods:

  • Surveys
  • Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) o Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)  Data Quality Assurance:
  • Training of data collectors o Pilot testing tools o Supervision and validation  Data Analysis:
  • Statistical analysis (e.g., SPSS, STATA) o Thematic qualitative analysis

5. Ethical Considerations (MANDATORY)

In line with Ethiopian Public Health Institute requirements:

  • The consultant must obtain ethical clearance from a recognized Institutional Review Board (IRB)
  • Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity of participants
  • Protect vulnerable populations, especially PLHIV
  • Submit all required documents for ethical approval prior to data collection

6. Expected Deliverables

The consultant will produce:

  1. Inception Report (including protocol, methodology, tools, and work plan)
  2. Ethical clearance approval document
  3. Data collection tools (approved versions)
  4. Cleaned and documented dataset
  5. Draft research report
  6. Final report incorporating stakeholder feedback
  7. Policy brief and dissemination materials
  8. Presentation for validation and dissemination workshops
  9. Duration of the Assignment

The consultancy will be conducted within 60–90 days from contract signing.

8. Required Qualifications and Experience

For Individual Consultant / Team Leader:

  • Master’s or PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Social Sciences, or related field
  • At least 7–10 years of relevant research experience
  • Proven experience in national-level studies
  • Strong expertise in HIV/AIDS, stigma, and discrimination
  • Demonstrated experience working with MOH / EPHI systems or similar institutions  Excellent analytical and report writing skills For Consulting Firm (if applicable):
  • Registered and licensed firm
  • Proven track record in public health research
  • Multidisciplinary team (epidemiologist, statistician, social scientist, etc.)

9. Reporting and Governance Structure

  • The consultant will report to NEP+ Ethiopia
  • A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) including representatives from o Ministry of Health Ethiopia o        Ethiopian Public Health Institute o NEP+ Ethiopia

will provide oversight and technical guidance

10. Application Requirement

Interested applicants must submit physically:

  • Renewed business license, VAT registration Certificate, QR receipt  
  • Recent ( 2025) tax clearance from the concerned Government office ( inland Revenue)
  • 2 % of total bid  unconditional CPO on the Name of Net work of Net work in Ethiopia 
  • Technical proposal (methodology, timeline, approach)
  • Financial proposal (detailed budget)
  • CV(s) of key experts with properly summarized related experience
  • Company profile (for firms)
  • Well documented and structured Evidence of previous similar work
  • Technical and financial proposal Should be sent in separate envelop to NEP+ office located:
  • This version ensures:
    • Ethical clearance requirement (critical for EPHI)
    • Strong methodology section (scientific rigor)
    • National stakeholder engagement (MOH alignment)
    • Data quality assurance measures
    • Clear governance (Technical Advisory Committee)

11. Submission Details

With the following Address 

NEP+ office at RICHA just on the right side of the main rode of chirkose   church Interested Applicant can submit their technical and financial proposal separately with in  15 days of the announcement  and the bid will open in front of the bidder in  NEP plus office compound  at 2.30PM