Heartland Alliance LTD/GTE- Request For Expression Of Interest For Gender, Gender Based Violence (GBV) And Inclusion Assessment For USAID Implementing Partners (IPS)

DEADLINE: 1ST MAY, 2023
HEARTLAND ALLIANCE LTD/GTE
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR GENDER, GENDER BASED VIOLENCE (GBV) AND INCLUSION ASSESSMENT FOR USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS (IPS) ACROSS 26 STATES OF NIGERIA BY A CONSULTANCY FIRM
HOUSE 4, 11 ROAD, OPPOSITE VIEWPOINT HOSPITAL OF 1ST/3RD AVENUE, GWARIMPA ESTATE, F.C.T ABUJA- NIGERIA,
www.heartlandalliancenigeria.org

(1.0) BACKGROUND
About Heartland Alliance Limited by Guarantee (HALG) Nigeria
Heartland Alliance Nigeria is a service-based human rights organization that is established under the laws of Nigeria with a mission to engage as a lead and global player with a variety of stakeholders to create access to opportunities and resources for comprehensive healthcare, social and economic justice for all. The organization’s vision is an inclusive society where all persons have equal and equitable access to comprehensive healthcare and socio-economic justice in a right-based environment.

In 2018, Heartland Alliance Limited by Guarantee (HALG) attained full indigenous status with a Nigerian board of advisors. A national organization with a global heritage, HALG is building on over a hundred-year legacy of Heartland Alliance International (HAI); the global arm of Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights, a family of organizations that has been leading anti-poverty and social justice work in Chicago for more than 125 years to provide high quality and stigma-free HIV prevention and treatment services to extremely marginalized communities using a tailored human rights-based approach. For more than one decade, HALG has been working diligently in Nigeria to provide post-gender-based violence (GBV) services in local communities. This work has led to the development of a ground­ breaking partnership with government agencies, which has resulted in the establishment of HALG Sexual Assault and Referral Centers (SARC) in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. HALG has emerged as an industry leader in creating access to high-quality and stigma-free post-GBV care, with significant expertise in the fields of trauma-informed mental health care and access to justice for survivors of human rights and gender based violence. This expertise has been honed through years of experience and a commitment to improving the lives of survivors of GBV.

Overall, HALG’s work in Nigeria has been instrumental in improving the response to GBV and ensuring that survivors receive the care and support they need.

(1.1) About the Gender Analysis
Gender analysis is a critical approach that seeks to understand the impact of gender on a wide range of social, economic, and political issues. This analysis is essential in identifying and addressing gender inequalities and disparities, which can have a significant impact on individuals and societies as a whole. Gender norms impact individuals of all genders differently and can create barriers to accessing HIV prevention and mitigation resources (Auerbach J, 2011). Tailoring responses to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of key populations and those with diverse gender identities is crucial for advancing health equity and improving outcomes. Gender-based violence and discrimination intersect with HIV, affecting women, girls, children, youth, persons with disabilities, and LGBTIQ+ individuals disproportionately. Understanding these differences is essential for enhancing program sustainability and achieving equitable health outcomes.

USAID HIV & TB office currently integrates gender and GBV interventions in general and key population HIV treatment, orphans and vulnerable children’s and tuberculosis programs in about twenty-six states in Nigeria through the PEPFAR program (Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos. Niger, Jigawa, Yobe, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, Kaduna, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Delta, Imo, Katsina, Kano, Nasarawa, Kwara, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, Edo, and Borno)

HALG has been contracted by USAID to carry out gender assessments for all the implementing partners (IPs) in Nigeria. The scope of this review is to assess the current interventions being implemented by USAID HIV & TB Office’s partners at both the facility and community levels. The review aims to identify any gaps in the interventions and to address them in line with national, United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of services provided by the USAID HIV & TB Office.

(2.0) SCOPE OF WORK

(2.1) Task
The successful organization will coordinate the assessment of ongoing USAID interventions across the general population, key populations, and orphans and vulnerable children’s projects, identifying areas of weaknesses, recommend remediation for strengthening the quality of services to ensure programs are actively responding to gender barriers that will impede the achievement of epidemic control at any level.

(2.1.1) Sub-tasks
The successful organization shall support with the following tasks using personnels with the required expertise:

(1) Clinical Cascade: HIV Testing, Treatment, Viral Suppression

• Review IP level data and support partners in addressing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the context of index testing, care and treatment using clinical and routine inquiry for IPV and the provision of first-line support using the LIVES approach.
• Review site-specific tools and SOPs for conducting routine enquiry for IPV.
• Develop site-specific action plans to address gaps (focus could be on high-volume facilities while the IP cascades to other sites).
• Review current provision of the minimum package of post-violence clinical care at HIV care and treatment sites.
• Review programs (services, employment, participation In activities information and communication technology, etc.) for inclusion of people with disabilities especially women and girls.

(2) Work with Data analyst to review GEND_GBV Rapid Data Quality Review Tool

• Assess the quality of GEND_ GBV Data
• Use the GEND_GBV Rapid Data Quality Review Tool to assess GEND_GBV data collection and reporting processes at high volume sites.
• Develop an action plan to address any identified gaps.
• Support the IP in implementing developed action plans.
• Work with DATA. FI to ensure accuracy of reporting on Automated Partners Progress Report (APPR).
• Support partners to participate in national GBV Data Quality Review.

(3) GBV Quality Assurance (QA) Tool– Assessing and supporting partners to improve the quality of post-violence clinical care services.

• Assist IPs in collating and analysing the data collected using the GBV Quality Assurance Tool.
• Support IPs in developing and implementing action plans to respond to gaps identified using the tool.
• Support IPs to develop a continuous quality improvement process using the GBV QA Tool.

(4) HIV and GBV Prevention

• Review delivery of curricular for gender and community norms change.
• Improve linkages between community-based HIV and GBV prevention interventions and clinical post-GBV care services.
• Support the integration of routine enquiry for IPV and first-line support (LIVES) into PrEP services.

(5) Work with the Data Analyst to review Custom Indicators

• Use of custom indicators to monitor GBV prevention, case identification, and response activities to facilitate program improvement.
• Analyze custom indicator data, identify gaps and TA needs, and work with IPs to develop action plans, implement the plans, and then monitor the results.
• Work with DATA. FI to ensure accuracy of reporting on APPR.

(6) Support the OVC implementing partners to assess the level of Violence Against Children (VAC) – Identification and response of VAC in USAID programs and services.

• Support IPs in cascading the USAID/Office of HIV/AIDS’ (OHA) VAC training to service providers and healthcare workers who engage with children and adolescents with OHA VAC Training Facilitation Package,
• Identify and support COVID-19 adaptations to GBV and VAC services as needed.

(7) MHPSS Support:

• Assess integration of MHPSS into programs and activities.
• Address vicarious and secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout among providers and healthcare worker who deliver first-line support and GBV clinical services providers.
• Write SOPs for IPs and sites for MHPSS for facility and community settings.
• Support IPs to establish processes and systems to support the mental health of survivors and the wellbeing of GBV first-line responders and GBV service providers
• Referral mapping for local MHPSS services.        

(8) Government Engagement Support:
Support USAID and IPs during engagement with national and state-level stakeholders in developing gender and GBV policies, guidelines, and tools where needed. This would also include supporting the partners to strengthen coordination among all stakeholders and activities of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, including supporting the set-up of the state GBV Dashboard.

(9) Establish a specific Technical Assistant Plan across key IPs .

(10) Submit the final report with detailed recommendations and best practices.

Note:
When collecting information about the HIV continuum of care, HALG takes into account the unique needs of subgroups such as youths, key populations, those in poverty, people with disabilities, minority groups, rural residents, pensioners, and gender/sexual minorities. This ensure that barriers to care and support are addressed and outcomes are equitable for all.

(3.0) OBJECTIVES

• Technical Assistance to IPs on Gender and GBV programming, and the intersection of marginalized groups such as girls with disabilities within HIV/TB programs.
• Identify specific gaps, and support implementing partners to develop and execute remedial plans.
• Document recommendations, best practices, and opportunities.

(3.1) Tasks

(4.0) KEY DELIVERABLES
(1) Inception Report

(2) Gender Analytical Framework

(3) Submit Field Assessment Tools (hard copy tools, tablets, recorders, videos, audios

(4) A compendium of post GBV clinical and non-clinical services of each IPs across the 26 states.

(5) Final Assessment Report

(5.0) COPYRIGHT
All materials, tools and forms arising out of the consultancy shall remain the sole property of Heartland Alliance or shared copyright where such arrangement will be beneficial.

(6.0) TIMELINE
The Gender Assessment will require a Four-Month period of a five-day workweek basis commencing from 10 May – 31 August, 2023

(7.0) LOGISTICS
All travel arrangements will be provided by HALG. A technical support team made up of officers across thematic areas will assist the Consultants (where required) in the fieldwork. Where the use of mobile phones and virtual means are imminent for data collection, HALG will ensure that respondents have access to the relevant platforms and internet facilities to aid the process.

(7.1) Required Qualifications and Skills

• Organization must show capacity and experience working in the public health space:
• Must have a team experienced in Gender, OVC, Mental Health, Care and Support, and Human Rights.
• Experience in conducting gender analysis; experience conducting analysis with health/HIV projects highly preferred.
• Familiarity with Nigerian socio-cultural norms and structures.
• Knowledge of USAID and PEPFAR gender policies and strategies.
• Demonstrated skills in qualitative research methods required.
• Familiarity with gender analysis tools and methodologies in the sped c area of intervention.
• Demonstrated capacity to analyze complex issues, draw relevant conclusions and produce a comprehensive technical report.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, Including experience successfully interacting with USAID, implementing partners, government officials, civil society partners, and other stakeholders.
• Cultural sensitivity, particularly in multiethnic and multi-religious contexts.

RFP Timeline

Any proposal received after the stipulated time may not be accepted and shall be considered non-responsive.

How to Apply:
Interested organizations who feel qualified are to submit the following documents:

(1) Organization Capacity Statement clearly stating the firm’s ability to conduct the assessment and the capacity of the firm to dedicate resources needed to provide the services requested. All write-ups should be font-style Times New Roman with single line spacing.

(2) Organization Profile: Provide an overview of the Proposer’s company including the range of services offered by the Proposer, years in business, number of employees, and a brief company history.

(3) Updated CVs of Key Personnel showing experience in similar roles as specified under the required qualifications and skills.

(4) Experience and Qualification Statement: Submit a list of clients that similar services have been provided for in last three-five years. Provide contact persons, position, email address, phone number, and dates of service.

(5) References: Submit 3 References Letters from past clients.

(6) Submit Proposer Contact Information including all legal registration documents (CAC1.1 Certificate, CAC FROM C02 and C07, Tax Clearance etc.)

The Submission should be sent to bids.kpcare1@heartlandlliancenigeria.org quoting “Gender Assessment Consultancy,” as subject head on or before 01 May, 2023 (11:59),pm Nigeria Time.

Only shortlisted organizations will be contacted.