Local Consultancy: Technical Assistance to Assess the Zikhalakanjani Youth Prevention Strategy’s Effectiveness, Alignment, and Relevance to Adolescents and Young People, South Africa, Pretoria 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.