Somalia: Research Assistant on Study on Mapping and Size Estimation of Key Populations in Somalia

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR CONSULTANCY

Vacancy No. SVN/IOMSO/025/2015

Position title: Research Assistant on Study on Mapping and Size Estimation of Key Populations

in Somalia

Location: Mogadishu, Bossaso or Hargeisa (with travel to the study sites)

Appointment type: Consultancy Contract

Duration: 4 months

Estimated start date: As soon as possible

Programme Summary:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been a leading organization in Somalia in the field of HIV research as well as related programming for key populations. Since 2007, IOM, together with Somali National AIDS Commission (SNAC), Somaliland National AIDS Commission (SOLNAC) and Puntland AIDS Commission (PAC), has conducted a total of eight HIV studies on key populations in the country. However, there still is a considerable gap in epidemiological data, especially on the number of key populations as well as their locations.

In this context, IOM, in close collaboration with Technical Working Group (TWG), in particular AIDS Commissions and Ministries of Health, will conduct a “Study on Mapping and Size Estimation of Key Populations in Somalia” (hereafter referred to as “Study”). This is a population size estimation and mapping study of key populations in Mogadishu, Bossaso and Hargeisa during a period of 125 days. The target populations are female sex workers (FSWs) and the clients of FSW such as uniformed services, truck drivers, fishermen and/or port workers (except for Hargeisa). These groups, in particular FSWs, have been identified as the high risk HIV populations in previous studies conducted by IOM and WHO.

This Study, funded by Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) through United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), will integrate both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. More specifically, for the quantitative part, we plan to use combined survey methods with semi-structured questionnaires. The methods include: capture-recapture, multipliers, nomination, network scale-up, wisdom of crowds, and/or modified Delphi. The proposed sample size for the survey, recommended in our previous studies on key populations, will be over 1,500 in total or 500 per location (Mogadishu, Bossaso and Hargeisa). We plan to collect the survey data through mobile communication technology such as Open Data Kit (ODK) and Field work For the qualitative part, we plan to conduct a total of 30 combined focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews consisting of primary, secondary and tertiary key informant interviews.

The data obtained from this Study will assist Somalia in the effective and efficient HIV programming on key populations.

General Functions:

Under the overall supervision of the Health Programme Coordinator of Migration Health Division (MHD) and under the direct supervision of Lead Researcher, in close collaboration and consultation with relevant colleagues as well as key stakeholders including three AIDS Commissions and the Ministries of Health, the Lead Researcher will conduct the mentioned Study and be responsible for the following specific tasks to be performed:

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. Attend an inception meeting with IOM and the Lead Researcher to discuss the scope of the Study and work plan in details.
2. Set up TWG in each zone in coordination with IOM field staff and act as the primary contact point as secretariat for TWG.
3. Assist the Lead Researcher to conduct comprehensive literature review on HIV/AIDS which was conducted not only in Somalia but also other countries relevant to Somali context, especially on key populations and studies that IOM conducted in the past.
4. Assist IOM and the Lead Researcher to obtain ethical clearance from AIDS Commissions and/or the Ministries of Health.
5. Assist the Lead Research to consult with authorities to sensitize them on the Study and obtain approval to facilitate access to key gatekeepers.
6. Assist the Lead Researcher to develop the protocol, work plan, enumerators training manuals, and Study tools based on the previous studies. The protocol should provide clearly the scope of the study, methodology and sampling framework.
7. Assist the Lead Researcher to determine the appropriate sampling method(s) in consultation with IOM as well as TWG.
8. Assist IOM and the Lead Researcher in selection and recruitment of enumerators for data collection.
9. Assist the Lead Researcher to programme the survey tools in close coordination with relevant IOM staff and Field work team.
10. Supervise the enumerators in coordination with the Lead Researcher in conducting community social mobilization to reduce stigma on HIV before the Study.
11. Assist the Lead Researcher to conduct data collection training in each Study site, ensuring that 50% will be female enumerators and ensuring the participation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers from AIDS Commissions and Ministries of Health.
12. Assist the Lead Researcher to conduct the pre-test and revise the Study tools, sampling, workplan, etc. accordingly, if necessary.
13. Assist the Lead Researcher to conduct data entry, cleaning and analysis with assistance of the Research Consultant and in close consultation with IOM.
14. Assist the Lead Researcher to draft the interim and final reports and present them at relevant venues.
15. Assist the Lead Researcher to revise draft reports based on the feedback and review from TWG.
16. Assist the Lead Researcher to present and disseminate the final reports.
17. Collaborate and cooperate closely with AIDS Commissions and Ministries of Health in every phase of the study.
18. Submit brief weekly reports on the Study progress.
19. Carry out any other relevant tasks assigned by the Health Programme Coordinator.

Deliverables:

1. Brief weekly reports on the Study progress
2. Successful established of TWG
3. Successful completion of community social mobilization
4. Successful completion of the Study

Payment schedule

· First instalment: Upon signing of contract

· Second instalment: Upon submission and endorsement of interim report by IOM

· Third and final instalment: Upon submission and endorsement of final report by IOM

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

1. Undergraduate degree in public health, statistics, demography, geography or related fields. Postgraduate degree will be an added advantage.
2. Experience in 1) participating in large scale survey in Somalia, 2) managing teams of enumerators, and 3) conducting community social mobilization.
3. Basic knowledge and skills in research sampling and statistical analysis.
4. Demonstrable ability to work with and build relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds in government institutions, development partners, regional and international actors on complex issues.
5. Experience in working with Somali AIDS Commissions and the Ministries of Health.
6. High organizational and facilitation skills and ability to handle complex tasks with tight deadlines.
7. Effective communication skills, English language fluency and ability to write clearly, concisely and comparatively.
8. Experience in HIV research on key populations an asset.

VI. Languages Required Fluent English, Advantageous Somali

Method of Application:Interested candidates should submit CV and a cover letter indicating the Vacancy Notice Number (SVN No) with three professional referees and their contacts (both email and telephone) to:recruitmentsomalia@iom.int

CLOSING DATE:23^rd November2015

ONLY SHORT-LISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED.