Job Openings at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) (formerly National Action Committee on AIDS) was established in February 2000 to coordinate the various activities of HIV/AIDS in the country.

Applications are invited for:

Title: Request for Proposal for Digital Consultancy, E-Learning & Videos & Development of IPC E-Learning Content Consultant in the Global Fund Project

Location: Abuja
Grade: Consultant

Background

• A learning management system is an essential part of a public-serving institution like NCDC. In 2020, the NCDC developed its first-ever IPC online training platform to address the COVID-19 IPC capacity needs of health workers, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
• This platform was utilized across the three levels of health, and the public, till it experienced a data breach and had to be closed.
• The demand for such services continues to linger amongst health workers and the general population of Nigerians.
• It is pertinent, not just to revive the online training system, but to improve on the previous system with a more robust, and Internet-secure system.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is a critical pillar in health due to the responsibility towards building the IPC capacity of health workers and work towards reducing / preventing diseases in Health facilities and amongst the populace through various methods.
• As one of the approaches to improve the IPC capacity of healthcare workers in Nigeria, an online learning platform aimed at building IPC capacity of participants especially at the lower levels of Health care and the public unable to access physical IPC capacity building sessions is required.

Overview and Objectives

• The overall objective of the assignment is to further disseminate Infection Prevention and Control knowledge and awareness in Nigeria through an online learning program. In support of this objective, the NCDC seeks the development of three (3) compelling and interactive online learning modules Course using existing NCDC content material on “Infection Prevention and Control”.
• This course is meant for healthcare workers and the public; designed to be carried out through a series of modules delivered in a self-paced format. Each module is expected to be designed to be housed on the Moodle platform of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The online learning modules will address the following:

• Module 1: ”People and Systems – The Behavioral and Systematic Components of IPC”: This module would deals with the behavioral issues and components relating to Infection Prevention and control.
• Every Infection prevention and control programme needs a strong leadership and team to drive its programme. It also needs a dedicated management with the right idea of IPC and how it translates to patient safety and care.
• This module highlights on how behaviors and systems translate to promoting IPC in healthcare facilities
• Module 2:  ”Setting up an IPC programme and IPC Assessment”: This module relates generally to setting up a functional IPC programme and carrying out IPC assessments both in health facilities and at States.
• Module 3:  ”IPC in specific areas”: This entails IPC during transmission-based precautions and other specific areas.

Target Audience:

• The e-learning module will be used to build the capacity of healthcare providers and practitioners in the field of Infection Prevention and Control.

Qualifications

• An individual,
• At least 5 years of working experience
• Experience working directly with national and subnational government ministries, agencies, and departments

Core Competencies of the Media Cooperation and Team:

• Graphic design skills
• Proficiency in PowerPoint
• Audio and video editing
• Proficiency translating technical content into videos tailored for various audiences
• Understanding of e-learning platforms, including Moodle
• Past production of eLearning videos

Preferred:

• Proven experience in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) capacity building
• Proven understanding and technical expertise in IPC

The proposal should provide the following information:

• At least one/two examples of past video productions they have directly designed and produced.
• Examples showing different cultural environments are preferred;
• At least three examples of past training content they have directly designed and produced.
• Examples showing different cultural environments are preferred;
• Demonstrated competency with developing and producing videos for training purposes
• Financial proposal, including a detailed quotation for the production of the training videos;
• Proposed workplan and processes for developing an e-learning course.

The Individual / Company will need to:

• Provide digital consultancy including development and transfer of offline storyboards to online versions.
• Meeting (online or offline) with NCDC to discuss the content of the videos. NCDC will finalise and provide the narrative for animation, including the script.
• Meeting with NCDC to discuss the content of the videos. NCDC will provide detailed instructions and inspiration for each section of each module.
• Develop a Technical and Cost proposal for the production of the animation;
• Develop detailed story board concept(s);
• Present 2 rounds of drafts to the NCDC project lead;
• Revise drafts based on feedback from the NCDC project lead;
• Deliver source files – video files and any design files.

Roles and responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of IPC E-learning Consultant are as outlined below:

• Support NCDC in the synthesis and development of the e-learning course objectives
• Analyze and undertake a review of the existing training module and provide suggestions for improvement
• Design the course contents as stipulated, reflecting knowledge and capacity of the target participants. The course design should incorporate mechanisms for participant feedback at the end of the training modules.
• Work closely and provide guidance to the multi-media team in designing each module to include visually engaging graphic or other multi-media tools such as audio and visual clips, animation, etc.
• Work closely with NCDC IT and IPC team in transferring modules onto the moodle digital platform to be used as the E-learning platform
• Support NCDC to test the modules when developed on the target participants, and make necessary revisions to improve module content.

Requirements

• A Degree in Public Health, Infection prevention and control or a relevant Educational Degree or qualification
• Minimum of 2 (Two) years of experience in the development of online learning modules/content
• Strong industry knowledge of technology and development in the field of e-learning
• Candidate must have previously worked with Infection Prevention and Control programs.
• Familiarity with e-learning platform: Moodle Learning Platform is desirable
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proactive and highly motivated
• Knowledge of, and experience working with, Federal Government of Nigeria, NCDC or relevant public sector

Language Skills:

• Must have good written and oral English language skills.

Deadline: Thursday, 1st July, 2023 – 12 noon.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Proposals to:
Head Procurement,
National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA),
Ground Floor Room 1.08,
No. 3 Zinguinchor Street, Beside AEDC Office,
Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

Click here for more information

Global Fund Code of Conduct

• You shall get acquainted with the global fund code of conduct for suppliers using this link: Here (pdf)
• Accepting this invitation shall serve as an acknowledgment and agreement to abide by the Global Fund Code of Conduct for Suppliers.

Guideline for Submission and Opening of Documents

• The detailed Proposal must be in English Language and submitted in two (2) hard copies each (one original & two copies) of the requested documents and proposal.
• The documents shall then be enclosed and sealed in one (1) single outer envelope, and clearly marked at the topmost right corner “Kindly indicate  the position of interest” and the Name, Address, Email and Phone Number of the Consultant boldly written at the back of the envelope, with acknowledgement to NACA office at the address below after filling the Bid register in front of the reception.
• The Receptionist will guide the candidates on the assigned bid box to submit the proposal. of NACA where the bid box assigned.

Job Titles: Engagement of National and Subnational Consultant for Research on the Scope of Practice of Non-Formal Health Care Providers in Nigeria

Location: Nigeria

Overview

• Mother-to-child transmission of HIV remains an important public health issue in Nigeria. In 2019, Nigeria accounted for the largest number of new infections among children, with an estimated 22,000 new HIV infections (UNAIDS, 2020a). According to the UNAIDS estimates, only 37% of pregnant women were tested for HIV in 2019, and of those that tested positive, only 43% received ART (UNAIDS, 2020a).
• The low uptake of maternal services is one of the factors responsible for the inadequate coverage of PMTCT service in Nigeria. Recent estimates indicate that about 67% of pregnant women receive antenatal care from a skilled provider at least once and 39% deliver in a health facility (NPC & ICF, 2019). Approximately 20% of deliveries are assisted by non-formal providers such as Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), with wide variations across the states.
• Non-formal health care providers such as TBAs are an important but currently underused resource for PMTCT scale-up in Nigeria. The TBAs play considerable roles in the provision of care for pregnant women in Nigeria, particularly in the rural areas (where two-third of the population lives).
• TBAs have filled an unmet public health need by providing for pregnant women who cannot or will not access formal health facilities for care. In some countries where TBAs have become well integrated into the healthcare system, they are increasingly involved in providing preventive health services to pregnant women (Chi and Urdal 2018; Saremnto, 2014; Wilunda et al., 2017).
• TBAs in Nigeria have fully been involved and participated in training on infection control, modern obstetrics, family planning, the use of cell phones to report maternal and child health events which have significantly impacted the quality of services they provide. However, they have been poorly integrated into the formal health care system.
• A review by Amutah-Onukagha et al of studies done in Nigeria suggest that improving the policy environment would help in harnessing the potential of this underutilized resource in addressing some challenges of maternal and child health
• While the need to strengthen the health system to ensure skilled birth attendant for all deliveries is imperative in the long term, the present reality in Nigeria requires intermediate and urgent action.
• If effectively engaged, TBAs and other non-formal health care providers could bridge the gap between communities and the formal health sector, contributing to the uptake and coverage of PMTCT services.
• To this end, NACA in collaboration with relevant partners (Department of Family Health and National AIDS and STI Control Program of the Federal Ministry of Health) began the development of a framework for the engagement of non-formal health care actors to improve PMTCT services towards achieving elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Justification for Technical Consultants

• The finalization of the framework started by NACA and other stakeholders will require the services of competent consultants to carry out the research component of the pending activities.
• Consultants with the requisite skills and capacity are needed to conduct quality research that will inform the development of a robust and evidence-based framework that will be acceptable to all stakeholders and can guide the effective engagement of non-formal healthcare providers for PMTCT service delivery.

Objective

• To gather quality data on the current scope of practice of non-formal health care providers, including the size, utilization and quality of care delivery and how well they engage in the provision of PMTCT services (referral and linkage) in six states across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

Scope of Work:

• The national and subnational consultants will work closely with stakeholders, including NACA, the Department of Family Health and the National AIDS and STI Control Program of the Federal Ministry of Health in conducting the research. The specific tasks will include:

National Consultant:

• Develop a protocol for the research
• Develop interview guides and questionnaire for the research
• Facilitate the finalization of interview guides and questionnaire with stakeholders
• Conduct training for the field workers/data collectors
• Participate and oversee the data collection
• Analyze the data and interpret the results
• Make recommendations based on the findings
• Present the findings to stakeholders.

Subnational Consultant:

• Support the states in the recruitment of the field workers/data collectors
• Conduct training for the field workers/data collectors
• Participate in and oversee the data collection in their respective states
• Support data analysis and interpretation of the results

Time Frame
National Consultant: The engagement will be for 32 days.

• Development of protocol, questionnaires, and tools: 5days
• Training of subnational consultants on protocol, interview guides and questionnaires: 2 days
• Data cleaning, collation and analysis: 20 days
• Report writing: 5 days

(ii) Subnational Consultants: The engagement will be for a period of 20 days.

• State Entry and training of data collectors – 4days (2 days per state)
• Fieldwork (data collection): 14 days (7 days per LGA)
• Report writing: 2 days.

Deliverables:

• The final deliverables of the consultants will be a detailed report of the research, that will include the executive summary, background, methods, results, and recommendations. The report is to be made available in both soft and hard copies.

Competencies Required
National Consultant:

• Advanced Degree in Medicine, Public Health, Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Health Planning, Health Economic, Social Sciences or other related fields
• A minimum of 10 years’ research experience in maternal and child health, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV or other related fields
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Good communication and writing skills.

Subnational Consultants:

• Degree in Medicine, Public Health, Health Planning, Health Economic, Social Sciences or other related fields
• A minimum of 5 years’ research experience in maternal and child health, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV or other related fields
• Good communication and writing skills
• Familiarity with the study site.

Position Available:

• One National Consultant
• Six Sub National Consultants.

Documents
While submitting the Technical Proposal, the Applicant shall, in particular, ensure to attach the following:

• Profile of the consultant (max 1 page) explaining why they are the most suitable for the Copies of all certificates for all qualifications indicated in the CV.
• Relevant Experience (max 2 page) and relevant supporting document.
• Detailed methodology and conceptual framework with expected deliverables and timelines, man-days required (3-5 pages).
• Recent CV
• The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount (including a breakdown of costs for fee, travel and number of working days). Payments will be made in installments based upon key outputs/deliveries (mentioned under payment schedule above).
• The submission(s) received will be opened immediately after closing at NACA Conference Room in the presence of consultants that choose to attend.

Deadline: 23rd June, 2023; 12:00 PM

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their detailed Proposals with the requested documents to the address below:
Attention: Head Procurement,
National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA),
Ground Floor Room 1.08,
No. 3 Zinguinchor Street, Beside AEDC Office,
Wuse Zone 4 – Abuja.

Click here to download the RFP (PDF)

Guideline for Submission and Opening of Documents

• The detailed Proposal must be in English Language and submitted in two (2) hard copies each (one original & One copy) of the requested documents and proposal.
• The documents shall then be enclosed and sealed in one (1) single outer envelope, and clearly marked at the topmost right corner “Engagement of Consultant National/Sub National” and the Name, Address, Email and Phone Number of the Consultant boldly written at the back of the envelope, with acknowledgment to NACA office at the address below.

Global Fund Code of Conduct

• You shall get acquainted with the global fund code of conduct for suppliers using this link below: https://www.theglobalfund.org/media/3275/corporate_codeofconductforsuppliers_policy_en.pdf
• Accepting this invitation shall serve as an acknowledgement and agreement to abide by the Global Fund Code of Conduct for Suppliers.

Notes / Disclaimer

• Late submissions will not be accepted.
• NACA shall verify any or all documents and claims made by applicants and will disqualify consultants with falsified documents and claims.
• If it is determined that submitted documents and claims have been falsified, the consultant may face prosecution in a court of Law.
• NACA shall not be held responsible for any disqualified proposal as a result of any omission or deletion relating to the submission guidelines.
• This advertisement shall not be construe a contract to any Consultant, nor shall it entitle any Consultant submitting documents to claim any indemnity from NACA.
• NACA is not bound to shortlist any Consultant, and reserves the right to annul the bidding process at any time without incurring any liabilities or providing reason.