Local Consultancy: Technical Assistance to Assess the Zikhalakanjani Youth Prevention Strategy’s Effectiveness, Alignment, and Relevance to Adolescents and Young People, South Africa, Pretoria needed at United Nations Development Programme

The assessment will include:

• Reviewing the strategy in line with the current AYP HIV status of the country (95-95-95 targets).
• Analyse the relevance and alignment of the strategy to the current situation through SWOT analysis to leverage on the strengths and opportunities.
• Reviewing the development and relevance of specific indicators related to the objectives of the  #ZikhalaKanjani Youth Prevention Strategy.
• Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the strategy’s implementation across different stakeholders: DBE (Department of Basic Education), DSD (Department of Social Development), DOH (Department of Health), and other organizations like UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women and different funders
  supporting the AYP program.
• Evaluating the strategy’s impact on the incidence rates of HIV and STIs. Reporting and dissemination of findings to all stakeholders.

Deliverables:

• Detailed report presenting findings, progress, and recommendations.
• Overview of strategy implementation across sectors.
• Provide actionable insights to refine and improve the strategy over time.
• Recommendations for policy adjustments, innovative approaches to enhance the overall effectiveness of the #ZikhalaKanjani Youth Prevention Strategy.
• PowerPoint presentation summarizing key findings and recommendations.
• Advocacy brief on prevention strategy in combating HIV, AIDS, TB, and STIs among youth in South Africa.

Duration of assignment:

Place where services are to be delivered:

• Consultancy will be home based and the consultant may be expected to travel to implementation sites.

Required expertise and qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field with a focus on adolescent and youth health. A PhD is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in programme evaluation, public health strategy, youth development, or related fields.
• Proven experience in conducting multi-stakeholder assessments of national or provincial level strategies, especially in HIV, STI, TB prevention, and youth-focused programmes.
• Strong track record of participatory research methods with adolescents and young people, including facilitating youth consultations, co-creation workshops, and use of inclusive engagement tools.
•  Demonstrated understanding of South Africa’s public health policy landscape, national strategic plans, and relevant youth-focused initiatives (e.g., She Conquers, NSP on HIV, TB & STIs).
• Experience in conducting SWOT analyses and applying other strategic assessment tools to evaluate programme effectiveness and alignment.
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, including experience designing and implementing surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations. 
• Familiarity with the social and cultural contexts affecting adolescents and young people in South Africa, including gender, socio-economic, and traditional factors.
• Working knowledge of official South African languages, with the ability to engage meaningfully with diverse youth populations. 
• Previous collaboration with UN agencies or government departments at national or provincial level on youth or public health initiatives is highly desirable.