Consultant for the Development of Contingency Plans for LANA members - Nadoum Programme

“Nadoum Programme: Together for change; Sustaining HIV services in MENA” is a three-year (2022-2024) multi-country grant funded by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, managed by Frontline AIDS as Principal Recipient (PR) and implemented by eight sub-recipients (SRs) – five national CSOs (in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia) and three regional networks. SIDC is the SR of the grant in Lebanon, implementing activities in close collaboration with the Lebanese AIDS Network Association (LANA) members.

The overall goal of the grant is to improve the provision of HIV services to people living with HIV (PLHIV) and key populations in the MENA region and is guided by the following six strategic objectives (SO):

SO1: Increase resource mobilization, technical and management capacity for KP organizations;

SO2: Develop, document, support, and promote the use of innovative and sustainable community-led service delivery models;

SO3: Advocate for increased domestic financing for quality HIV prevention, treatment, and care services for KPs through public health systems, community systems, or through social contracting;

SO4: Reduce structural barriers, including stigma and discrimination against KPs, and improve their access to health services and retention in care;

SO5: Document human-rights violations against key populations and provide ways of responding to them;

SO6: Support processes and policy reforms towards the scale-up of comprehensive prevention programs for people who use drugs.

Within the framework of Nadoum Programme, SIDC is seeking a consultant to develop contingency plans for LANA members.

The development of contingency plans for LANA members is of utmost importance. Contingency plans serve as crucial tools that allow organizations to proactively address unforeseen challenges and respond effectively to emergencies or unexpected circumstances. In the context of HIV, where the landscape of the epidemic can evolve rapidly, having well-designed contingency plans ensures that NGOs can adapt and continue providing essential services to vulnerable populations. These plans help organizations navigate various scenarios, such as disruptions in funding, changes in policy frameworks, natural disasters, or public health emergencies. By identifying potential risks, establishing clear protocols, and outlining alternative strategies, contingency plans enable NGOs to mitigate negative impacts, maintain program continuity, protect the rights and well-being of beneficiaries, and sustain their efforts in the fight against HIV in Lebanon. They also enhance organizational resilience, promote efficient resource allocation, and facilitate effective coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Ultimately, investing in the development of contingency plans empowers NGOs to better respond to challenges, safeguard their missions, and ensure the continued provision of quality services to those affected by HIV in Lebanon.

Consultancy Details:

1. Objectives

The consultant will be responsible for developing comprehensive contingency plans for LANA members, ensuring that they are well-prepared to respond effectively to potential risks and emergencies.

The objectives of the assignment include:

a. Assessing the existing risk landscape and identifying potential threats to LANA members.

b. Conducting a thorough analysis of LANA members’ operations, vulnerabilities, and critical functions to inform the contingency planning process.

c. Identifying key stakeholders and establishing mechanisms for effective communication and coordination during emergencies.

d. Developing a standardized template for contingency plans that can be tailored to suit each NGO's specific needs.

e. Providing recommendations and best practices for risk mitigation, response, and recovery.

f. Conducting training sessions and workshops for LANA members’ staff on the implementation and maintenance of the contingency plans.

2. Scope of Work:

The consultant's tasks will include:

a. Review relevant documentation, such as existing emergency plans, policies, and procedures, if available.

b. Conducting interviews and consultations with key personnel from each LANA member to gather information on their operations, resources, and potential risks.

c. Analyzing the collected data to identify critical functions, vulnerabilities, and risk factors.

d. Develop a ToR for an emergency/safety focal point to be assigned by each member (the focal point will have a clear list of tasks and responsibilities including assisting in the development, update, and implementation of the contingency plan, conducting risk assessments and identifying potential hazards in the organization's operations and facilities, coordinating and providing guidance during emergency situations or crises, serving as a point of contact for staff and volunteers regarding safety concerns and inquiries, etc.

e. Developing a comprehensive contingency plan template that includes sections on risk assessment, emergency response protocols, resource mobilization, and communication strategies.

f. Customizing the template for each LANA member, ensuring that it reflects their specific context, resources, and priorities.

g. Providing clear guidelines and recommendations for implementing and maintaining the contingency plans.

h. Include a section on monitoring and evaluation of the contingency plans. Outline how the effectiveness and implementation of the plans will be assessed, including performance indicators, data collection methods, and reporting mechanisms.

i. Organizing training sessions and workshops to train LANA staff on contingency plans in addition to crisis management, emergency response protocols, communication strategies, etc., while including simulation exercises to test their effectiveness. h. Drafting a final report summarizing the findings, recommendations, and proposed contingency plans for each LANA member.

j. Drafting a final report summarizing the findings, recommendations, and proposed contingency plans for each LANA member.

3. Deliverables:

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

a. Risk assessment report outlining potential threats and vulnerabilities for each LANA member.

b. Tailored contingency plan template for each LANA member, including clear guidelines for implementation.

c. Training materials and documentation used during the training sessions and workshops.

d. Final report summarizing the findings, recommendations, and proposed contingency plans.

Duration of Assignment

The duration of this assignment shall not exceed 12 days with effect from 25 August 2023 and concluding no later than 22 December 2023.

Qualifications and experience

The consultant should possess the following qualifications and expertise:

● Proven experience in developing contingency plans and risk assessments for NGOs or similar organizations.

● Strong knowledge of risk assessment methodologies and emergency response protocols.

● Proficient project management skills to coordinate stakeholders, gather information and develop contingency plans.

● Previous experience working with NGOs or within the non-profit sector, ensuring familiarity with the sector's unique characteristics, constraints, and complexities.

● Experience and understanding of HIV and the Lebanese context

● Excellent communication skills to convey complex concepts clearly and facilitate training sessions or workshops on contingency planning and crisis management.

● Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

● The consultant might apply as an individual or as a consortium Commitment to Quality Work.

The Consultant shall use an evidence-based approach and ensure the highest standard of work and timely deliverables at every stage of this assignment. In particular, the Consultant shall ensure clarity of objectives and process during consultations; countercheck all facts and figures cited; ensure that the content and format of the deliverables meets the highest standard for such documents; and ensure proper editing and clarity. The contractual partner will not publish in any form the results of this assignment without prior written consent of the contractor. The contractual partner will be solely responsible for the professional quality of his/her/theirwork and the timely completion of the assignment.

Remuneration
The Consultant shall provide their expected daily rate. Evidence of rate history from previous consultancies in
the past three years is required. The final amount will be agreed by all parties before a contract is issued.