National Individual Consultant to lead the process and provide technical support for the development of the National HIV control and prevention programme 2026 – 2030

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, health

In partnership with the government and other stakeholders, UNICEF supports the creation of healthy lives for children by first focusing on the well-being of pregnant women and the safe delivery of their children through increased knowledge of child health care and improved access to health services. As the UNAIDS co-sponsor, UNICEF is part of the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) on HIV/AIDS) held in June 2001, which led to the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, followed by high level Political Declarations on HIV/AIDS in 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021. The most recent declaration, Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS: Ending Inequalities and Getting on Track to End AIDS by 2030, was adopted in June 2021.

At the country level, the global strategy is implemented through policies, which in Moldova take the form of the NAP. Currently, the National Programme on HIV Prevention and Control for the period 2022–2025 (referred to as NAP), approved by the Government decision Nr.134 on March 2, 2022, is underway. The Ministry of Health (MoH), as the main custodian of the NAP, developed Decision Nr. 92 in February 2025, aimed at outlining the process for the final evaluation of the NAP and the development of the new NAP for 2026 – 2030.

The overall objective of the current NAP (2022–2025) is to minimize the consequences of the HIV and STI epidemic by reducing the rate of new HIV transmissions and the prevalence of infection, especially among key population groups: MSM (men who have sex with men) – no more than 12%, PWUD (people who use drugs) – 10 %, SW (sex workers) – 2.5% while also minimizing HIV-related mortality. The goal is to respond effectively to the existing evidence base and implement coordinated, comprehensive and high-quality measures for prevention, treatment and care, including targeting children and adolescents, as well as mobilize and raise awareness among key groups and the general population, including youth and adolescents about AIDS and effectively integrate HIV-related issues across all sectors. It is widely recognized that achieving universal access to basic services requires strategic decisions on priority activities, which, in turn, ensure maximum efficiency and optimal progress toward expected results. Evaluating the objectives, outcomes and achievements, as well as assessing programmatic progress, challenges and development, processes based on existing evidence is essential. Moreover, this evaluation will serve as the foundation for developing a new people and family-centered; human and child rights based, evidence-driven, and costed strategy to meet national targets and contribute to achieving globally related SDGs. A key priority in the new NAP will be reducing the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate to below 2%, with the ambition of achieving the triple elimination of HIV, congenital syphilis, and hepatitis B.

How can you make a difference?

1. Purpose of the individual consultancy

This consultancy aims to provide technical support to the NAP coordination team and the MoH for the final evaluation of the current NAP 2022-2025 and the development of the new National AIDS Programme 2026-2030 in an inclusive and transparent manner, with a special consideration for mother-to-child transmission, the mothers and children’ health and prevention among adolescent boys and girls.

Specific objectives of the individual consultancy

The National Consultant will provide technical assistance to support the National AIDS Programme coordination team and the MoH in the final evaluation of the current NAP and the development of the new NAP 2030.

• Conduct a comprehensive final evaluation of the National AIDS Programme (NAP) 2022-2025
• Assess the progress made toward achieving the NAP objectives, including HIV prevention, treatment, and care outcomes, with a particular focus on human rights and gender equality.
• Following an evaluability assessment review the effectiveness and efficiency of implemented interventions, focusing on key populations (MSM, PWUD, SW) and MTCT.
• Identify challenges, gaps, and good practices based on available evidence and stakeholder consultations to inform decision makers on potential practices to be implemented in the new NAP.
• Facilitate an inclusive and transparent consultation process for the development of the new NAP (2026-2030)
• Facilitate structured consultations with government institutions, civil society organizations, key populations, youth, families and development partners to ensure broad stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure that the new NAP is aligned with national priorities, global commitments -including the UNAIDS, UNICEF, and WHO 2030 targets- and fundamental human and child rights principles.
• Integrate gender-sensitive and human-rights-based approaches throughout the development process to promote equity and inclusivity
• Support the design and drafting of the new National AIDS Programme (NAP 2026-2030)
• Develop a results-based framework with clear objectives, measurable indicators, and achievable targets to drive effective implementation.
• Ensure the programme is evidence-based, costed, evaluable and feasible for implementation.
• Provide recommendations to strengthen governance, financing mechanisms, and optimize monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Enhance the integration of MTCT prevention within the new NAP
• Assess existing MTCT prevention strategies and their impact on reducing transmission rates
• Recommend targeted interventions to reduce MTCT rates below 2% and achieve Triple Elimination of HIV, congenital syphilis, and hepatitis B.
• Strengthen coordination between maternal and child health services and HIV programmes.

2. Details of how the work should be delivered

Under the direct supervision of the UNICEF Health Specialist, the consultant will work closely with the NAP Coordination Unit and MoH, with national stakeholders maintaining a technical reporting line to the Lead Consultant.

The contracted National Consultant will collaborate with other members of the Team of Consultants, who will provide technical support to the NAP Coordination Unit and the MoH in conducting the final evaluation and developing the new NAP by 2030.

All activities and deliverables undertaken by the consultant shall be discussed and planned in consultation with UNICEF and UNAIDS. Close consultation and collaboration are expected with the MoH, Country Coordination Mechanism on HIV and TB Control (CCM) and the UN Joint Team on HIV/AIDS.

3. Deliverables and delivery dates

Tasks

Deliverable

Timeline**

• Conduct a comprehensive final evaluation of the National AIDS Programme (NAP) 2022-2025
• Assess the progress made toward achieving the NAP objectives, including HIV prevention, treatment, and care outcomes, with a particular focus on human rights and gender equality.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of implemented interventions, focusing on key populations (MSM, PWUD, SW) and MTCT.
• Identify challenges, gaps, and best practices based on available evidence and stakeholder consultations to inform decision makers on potential best practices to be implemented in the new NAP.
• The final evaluation report informing on the progress towards achieving the NAP objectives, including HIV prevention, treatment, and care outcomes, including from the lens of human rights and gender equality;
• Analysis of challenges, gaps and good practices reflected into the final evaluation report;
• Validated conclusions and recommendations for the design of the new NAP
• Specific analysis and findings on mother and child related information included in the final evaluation report.

10 working days

• Support the design and drafting of the new National AIDS Programme (NAP 2026-2030)
• Develop a results-based framework with clear objectives, measurable indicators, and achievable targets to drive effective implementation.
• Ensure the programme is evidence-based, costed, and feasible for implementation.
• Provide recommendations to strengthen governance, financing mechanisms, and optimize monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Draft of the new NAP 2026-2030 including the general and specific objectives; strategies; interventions, indicators and targets developed;
• The budget of the strategy developed (costed implementation plan);
• Governance; financing mechanisms and M&E framework includ;
• Integrated mother to child transmission objectives; actions and strategy related elements included into the new NAP.

10 working days

• Enhance the integration of MTCT prevention within the new NAP
• Assess existing MTCT prevention strategies and their impact on reducing transmission rates
• Recommend targeted interventions to reduce MTCT rates below 2% and achieve Triple Elimination of HIV, congenital syphilis, and hepatitis B.
• Strengthen coordination between maternal and child health services and HIV programs
• Conclusions and recommendations for PMTCT and HIV elimination designed, validated and agreed with national partners.
• Integration of PMTCT and triple elimination reflected into the new NAP

10 working days

• Facilitate an inclusive and transparent consultation process for the development of the new NAP (2026-2030)
• Engage government institutions, civil society organizations, key populations, and development partners in structured consultations.
• Ensure the new NAP aligns with national priorities, global commitments (including UNAIDS, UNICEF and WHO 2030 targets), and human rights principles.
• Integrate gender-sensitive and human-rights-based approaches in the development process.
• Documentation of the NAP development and consultation process, demonstrating stakeholder inclusiveness and alignment with national and global commitments.

Throughout the entire process

Total:

30

• Exact deadlines will be mutually agreed upon contract signature.

3. Reporting requirements

The consultant will report to UNICEF Health Specialist who will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance on his/her performance and all other necessary support to achieve objectives of the consultancy, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to consultant’s performance and quality of work. The consultant is expected to deliver each component of the workplan electronically (in Word format) and in English.

4. Work location and official travel involved

The consultancy will be performed remotely. The work will not require local travels.

5. Payment schedule

The payment will be made in 1 instalment/lumpsum, upon submission and acceptance of all deliverables stipulated in the table above.

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

• Relevant bachelor degree in public health, medicine, public administration or related field is required;
• At least 5 years of proved relevant working experience in the field of HIV/AIDS national response and/or HIV/AIDS national M&E system is required;
• Analytical and report writing skills is required. Experience of working in unsupervised, ability to work under pressure, prioritize work and use personal initiative is a strong asset;
• Prior relevant experience of working with UN Agencies and familiarity with UNICEF’s work and mandate would be an asset;
• Oral and written fluency in Romanian is required, working knowledge of Russian and English is a strong asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

For more details on the consultancy assignment and requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR):

2025_ToR_Nat Indiv Consultant_NAP Development 2026-2030_VA.docx

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain the Technical and Financial Offers (templates below):

Technical Offer_NAP Development 2026-2030.docx

Financial Offer_NAP Development 2026-2030.xlsx

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility jobs-near-me.org UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

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