Short term consultant for HIV and AIDS research

[Guest guest]

CONSULTANT for South Asia Regional HIV and AIDS Programme

VSO India is an international development agency that works through volunteers.

We are seeking a qualified and experienced Consultant to explore the possibility

of South Asia regional work on HIV and AIDS.

HIV and AIDS is one of VSO’s priority goals. VSO aims to combat stigma, support

prevention, and increase the availability of treatment, care and support for

those infected and affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Four Programme

Offices in South Asia have HIV and AIDS Programmes - Bangladesh, India, Nepal

and Pakistan.

The Consultant is expected to undertake the initial research, which will form

phase I of a two-part research project. Phase I will explore key regional

advocacy opportunities, focusing on regional synergies and added value of HIV

and AIDS regional programming. Phase I will be completed by January 2006.

Phase II will build on Phase I research to build in-depth exploration of

regional HIV and AIDS opportunities, develop an implementation plan and make

recommendations on proposed frameworks and structures for regional work.

Purpose of the Research

• To explore if there is an added value to regional programming in South Asia on

HIV and AIDS

• To explore cross-border issues and opportunities for regional work on HIV and

AIDS and advocacy

• To identify potential advocacy targets in the South Asia region

Objectives of the Research

• To clarify areas of possible regional programming work in South Asia in HIV

and AIDS

• To clarify the added benefits of South Asia regional HIV and AIDS advocacy

• To clarify key foci for regional work including: Topic, Stakeholders, Key

opportunities

• To make clear recommendations on the above

Research methods

• Consultation with HIV and AIDS Programme Managers, Country Directors, other

relevant VSO staff and other key stakeholders

• Desk research Tasks

• Consider the four HIV and AIDS Programme Area Plans in South Asia and the

environment/issues in Sri Lanka, and identify opportunities for regional

programming

• Undertake desk research

• Explore gender and advocacy in relation to South Asia regional HIV and AIDS

work

• Explore regional opportunities and cross-border issues around HIV and AIDS

• Collate and analyse findings and make recommendations on potential

areas/issues and specific opportunities for regional HIV and AIDS work Timeframe

The research is a two-month project and the consultant is expected to start as

early as possible and a final report to be submitted by January 30th 2006.

Interested applicants with the relevant experience are invited to send a

statement of no more than 300 words stating why you are appropriate for this

position, together with your CV by email to vsoindia@... by 25th November

2005.

Please remember to mention in bold the position applied for.

Women, and people with personal experience of HIV and AIDS and/or disability are

particularly encouraged to apply.

Rakhi Sarkar

Programme Manager

VSO India Programme Office

B8/25, Vasant Vihar

New Delhi 110 057

Ph# 91-11-26153051/2/3/51661030/1

Extension - 201

Fax# 91-11-26153055

website: www.vso.org.uk

E-mail: <rakhi.sarkar@...>