LEAD CONSULTANT - SOCIO-ECONOMI IMPACT ASSESSMENT - THE CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF AIDS IN GRENADA

CALL FOR PROPOSALS – Lead Consultant – Regional or International Consultant

Preliminary findings of the most recent Country Poverty Assessment (CPA) in Grenada, conducted by the CDB and the Government of Grenada, and for which field work was undertaken in 2007 and 2008, show that over 50% (52.3%) of the Grenada population is either poor or vulnerable to falling into poverty.

Despite high levels of poverty, Grenada is considered a middle income country and is ranked 82 out of 177 countries based on the Human Development Index (HDI) which measures achievement in education, GDP per capita and health. However, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) there are special development considerations which pose negative implications for sustainable human development. These include vulnerability to natural disasters and a narrow economic base characterized by over-dependence on a single sector in this instance the volatile and unpredictable tourism sector.

The above factors pose significant challenges for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other Internationally Agreed Development Goals (IADGs). This is problematic as development goals are inextricably linked and failure to meet one has implications for poverty reduction and sustainable development.   According to UNAIDS estimates the adult prevalence rate for the Caribbean stood at 1.6% at the end of 2005 – the second highest prevalence rate in the world – trailing only sub-Saharan Africa. Although the HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rate for Grenada stands at 0.1%, in the context of a population of 110, 000 any increase in the epidemic has national implications.

Moreover, the recent economic recession could result in the diversion of funds away from the social sector, thus posing additional challenges for social development and poverty reduction in Grenada.

An analysis of Grenada’s situation revealed that as regards the mainstreaming of AIDS into Poverty Reduction Strategies (PRSs) and Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs), there remains a gap in the understanding of the current and potential impact of HIV/AIDS on the economy and society.

It is therefore critical to increase the understanding of policy makers of the developmental and other dimensions of the HIV epidemic, including the links to poverty. To clarify mainstreaming opportunities and as part of mainstreaming activities prioritised by the Joint Programme, a socio-economic impact assessment of AIDS in key sectors in Grenada will be conducted.

The sectors identified for emphasis during the assessment are:

i.                     The agriculture sector

ii.                   The education sector; and

iii.                  The tourism sector.

The UNDP SRO therefore requires the services of a Regional or International Consultant to lead the proposed socio-economic impact assessment.

The Lead Consultant should possess:

·         At least a postgraduate degree in Development Studies, Development Economics, Public Health or a related social science;

·         Significant experience in the area of social development and social policy, with emphasis on AIDS and poverty reduction;

·         Familiarity with the AIDS context in the region would be an asset;

·         Demonstrated excellent analytical skills;

·         Demonstrated experience in conducting SIAs, PSIAs or other social impact methodologies and approaches would be a significant. Experience on HIV/AIDS social impact assessments is highly desirable;

·         Excellent public speaking and presentation skills;

·         Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills in English; and

·         Consultancy or work experience with the UN and/or UNDP would be a definite asset.
Proposals should be prepared in MS Word Format, Word 2003 preferably, and should be no longer than 10-15 pages excluding appendices. Proposals should outline specifically the consultant's experience in relevant work, his/her understanding of the assignment and the main tasks to be accomplished, the proposed strategy for executing the assignment including an outline of the proposed methodological approach. Both academic and relevant hands-on experience will be considered. Proposals will be evaluated based on the above criteria. A full costing should be included - outlining fees including daily rate as well as costs for miscellaneous items. UNDP will cost travel separately once a consultant is selected. A copy of an achievement oriented resume or CV relevant to the assignment must be attached to the proposal.

All submissions should be sent to Stein Hansen, Deputy Resident Representative at

UNDP Barbados and the OECS
UN House
Marine Gardens
Hastings,
Christ Church
Barbados, West Indies

or

UNDP Barbados
PO Box 625 C
Bridgetown Barbados

by email – stein.hansen@undp.org, copied to registry.bb@undp.org ; mervin.haynes@gov.gd; kemberley.gittens@undp.org and anne-marie.diop@undp.org.

The deadline for submissions is 12 noon on 23 May, 2010.