Terms of Reference for the Recruitment of a Consultant for Policy Brief Development

Position Title: Consultant for Policy Brief Development on the Global Fund’s Impact in the MENA Region for GC8

Organization(s): ITPC-MENA and MENA H Coalition

Duration of Consultancy: 5 effective working days

Background :

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is experiencing a growing HIV epidemic, characterized by specific challenges in data availability and policy responses. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM) is a crucial player, but its funding model requires adaptation to maximize its impact in the region.

ITPC-MENA and the MENA H Coalition, as civil society organizations and regional coalitions, play an essential role in advocating for an effective, human rights-centered, and key population-focused HIV response in the region.

The Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment Cycle (GC8) presents a critical opportunity. Preparations are underway, with a minimum funding target of US$18 billion for 2027-2029 to sustain progress against the three diseases and achieve a 30% reduction in combined mortalities from 2023 levels. A concise and impactful Policy Brief is indispensable to influence investment decisions in favor of the MENA region.

Overall Objective of the Consultancy

The overall objective is to recruit an experienced consultant to swiftly develop a concise and impactful Policy Brief (max. 4-6 pages). This Policy Brief will serve as a key advocacy tool for ITPC-MENA and the MENA H Coalition to influence decision-makers and donors during the Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment Cycle discussions, highlighting the Global Fund’s impact on HIV in the MENA region and advocating for optimal and adapted investments.

Specific Objectives (for a 5-day duration)

The consultant will be responsible for:

• Rapidly synthesizing the Global Fund’s impact on HIV in the MENA region, based on existing data and focusing on key populations.
• Identifying the most impactful advocacy messages for GC8, emphasizing the need for sustained engagement and more flexible and equitable funding allocations for the region.
• Developing a high-quality, action-oriented Policy Brief that clearly articulates the challenges, successes, and recommendations for ITPC-MENA and the MENA H Coalition.

Key Tasks and Deliverables (within 5 working days)

The consultant will undertake the following tasks in a condensed and efficient manner:

Day 1: Kick-off, Targeted Data Collection, and Planning

Kick-off Meeting (1/2 day): Understand the expectations of ITPC-MENA and the MENA H Coalition, priority key messages for GC8 advocacy, and preferred data sources.

• Targeted Data Collection (1/2 day): Conduct a rapid review of essential Global Fund reports, UNAIDS documents, and MENA-specific evaluation materials provided by the organizations, focusing on impact figures, gaps, and successes.

Deliverable for Day 1: A detailed work plan and a structured outline for the Policy Brief, including key advocacy messages and main sections, submitted for quick approval by end of day.

Days 2-3: Intensive First Draft Development

Drafting the Core Policy Brief: Write the main body of the Policy Brief (approx. 4-6 pages), including the following sections:

• Executive Summary: Concise overview of key points.
• Context: HIV situation in the MENA region (epidemiology, key populations, challenges).
• Global Fund’s Impact: Essential contributions, key successes (e.g., treatment), persistent challenges (e.g., access gaps, key populations).
• Advocacy for GC8: Why strong Global Fund financing is vital for MENA, key messages for donors and the Global Fund, focusing on adapted allocations and support for key populations.
• Key Recommendations: Specific actions to optimize the effectiveness of Global Fund financing in the region.

Deliverable for End of Day 3: A complete first draft of the Policy Brief (without extensive final proofreading), sent for review.

Day 4: Incorporating Feedback and Revision

Feedback Integration (1/2 day): Receive and incorporate comments from ITPC-MENA and the MENA H Coalition on the first draft. Prompt communication is essential.

• Revision and Refinement (1/2 day): Refine the language, clarity, conciseness, and impact of advocacy messages. Ensure the document is ready for final proofreading.

 Deliverable for End of Day 4: A revised version of the Policy Brief, ready for finalization.

Day 5: Finalization and Advocacy Material

Final Policy Brief (1/2 day): Conduct final proofreading, formatting, and consistency checks to produce the high-quality final Policy Brief (4-6 pages).

• Advocacy Material Development (1/2 day): Prepare a condensed version of the Policy Brief for social media (e.g., key messages with hashtags) and/or a short key oral argument for donor meetings, as agreed with ITPC-MENA and the MENA H Coalition.

Deliverable for Day 5: The finalized Policy Brief and succinct advocacy material (key messages for social media or oral argument).

Specific Deliverables :

• An approved work plan and Policy Brief structure (Day 1).
• A first draft of the Policy Brief (Day 3).
• A finalized Policy Brief (maximum 4-6 pages), in English, incorporating feedback and ready for dissemination (Day 5).
• Key advocacy messages adapted for social media and/or a concise oral argument (Day 5).

Consultant Profile :

Given the time and budget constraints, we are seeking a highly efficient and experienced consultant capable of working autonomously.

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Public Health, Public Policy, International Development, or a relevant field.

    Professional Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of proven and relevant experience in rapidly developing Policy Briefs and advocacy documents for international organizations or civil society.
• Demonstrated expertise in HIV/AIDS and practical knowledge of Global Fund operations.
• In-depth knowledge of the MENA region context regarding HIV and civil society advocacy is imperative.
• Experience in quickly synthesizing complex information and data.

    Skills:

• Excellent analytical, synthesis, and writing skills in English, with the ability to produce concise, impactful, and evidence-based documents within tight deadlines.
• Strong advocacy orientation: Ability to identify and formulate key messages to influence decision-makers.
• Autonomy, proactivity, attention to detail, and excellent time management.

Advocacy: Utilizing the Policy Brief as a Tool

This Policy Brief will be a cornerstone of ITPC-MENA and the MENA H Coalition’s advocacy efforts for GC8. The consultant is expected to develop it as a strategic tool to:

• Strengthen Arguments: Provide concrete evidence and compelling arguments for civil society networks and human rights defenders in their discussions with national governments and international donors.
• Inform Donors: Offer a quick and convincing overview of needs and impact in the MENA region, advocating for generous contributions to GC8 and equitable allocations.
• Highlight Key Populations: Emphasize the urgency of investing in programs for key populations in the MENA region, who are often marginalized and criminalized, and for whom Global Fund financing is vital.
• Facilitate Community Engagement: Serve as a resource for communities and civil society organizations to engage more effectively in Global Fund processes and national dialogues.

Supervision and Reporting :

The consultant will work under the joint supervision of the focal points from ITPC-MENA and the MENA H Coalition. Regular communication and rapid document exchange are expected to maximize the efficiency of the 5 days.

Application Modalities :

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents, emphasizing their ability to deliver quickly and effectively:

• A concise and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV), highlighting relevant experience for this short-term assignment.
• A short cover letter (max. 1 page) explaining their understanding of the ToR, their approach to delivering this Policy Brief in 5 days, and their expertise on the MENA region and Global Fund advocacy.
• One example of a concise Policy Brief or advocacy document (max. 6 pages) authored or significantly contributed to by the candidate.
• A detailed financial proposal, including a single daily rate for the 5 working days.

Applications must be sent to Mr. Zakaria BAHTOUT, Program Manager at ITPC-MENA by 10 September 2025at 12 pm (Morocco time GMT+1).