UNFPA Lebanon - Vacancies

Consultant for undertaking a study on Perception & Behavior al study among Female Sex Workers’ Clients & Pimps

In Lebanon, the National AIDS Control Program (NAP) reported at the end of 2007, 1,056 cumulative cases among Lebanese with 92 newly reported cases during 2007. Seventy percent of the cases are due to sexual transmission (heterosexual amounting 56% and bisexual 5%). Although the number of cases among homosexuals and Intravenous drug users is known, no specific data exists for Female Sex Workers (FSWs).

The emphasis on targeting sex workers is due to their unique specificity given their vulnerability, absence of protection systems, legal status, discrimination and exclusion, unfavorable economic situation and the forced engagement in the sex work business, etc.

In Lebanon, despite the legislative framework that considers prostitution to be an illegal act with the existence of laws that prosecute the woman on all acts and within the framework of the National Plans on HIV/AIDS, Soins Infirmiers et Développement Communautaire (SIDC), a Lebanese NGO has initiated in partnership with the NAP, pertinent NGOs, the police and internal security forces, supported by UNAIDS and UNFPA since the late nineties a wide range of outreach interventions targeting the most at risk populations, i.e. sex workers, men having sex with men, and Intravenous Drug Users (IDUs). Based on a situation analysis regarding the knowledge and practices of the “populations at risk” on HIV and AIDS including the sex workers conducted by SIDC under the supervision of NAP in 2000 and with the support of UNAIDS, key interventions were carried out.

A behavioral study on the condom use among sex workers was conducted by UNFPA in 2004. Among the findings, condom use for the past month was 48.5% (146/301) in most of the times and 9.3% sometimes. Amongst the reasons attributed for not using a condom, FSWs reported partner’s objection in 66.7% (40 out of 60) of cases. Thus, UNFPA and SIDC believe there is a need to capitalize on this study and explore the reasons behind the rejection of condoms use from the clients’ point of view as well as the role of the pimps in ensuring a protective environment for the FSWs. This study is part of a joint project between UNFPA and SIDC aiming at reducing the vulnerability and risks of FSWs to STIs/HIV and AIDS on “ Reducing Vulnerability & Risk to STI/HIV/AIDS-Expanding Choices for Female Sex Workers” .

The qualitative study will target a selected sample from both pimps and clients with the objective of identifying STI/HIV/AIDS risk factors from the client/pimp’s perspectives. It will focus on the attitudes and utilization of condoms by the clients of the FSWs and the information provided by the pimps – or not – to the sex workers as a mean of protective measures. It will assess the prevalence and the factors determining the use of condoms among the clients of the SW in Lebanon. Lastly, the study will propose approaches and interventions to improve prevention and maximize protection among FSWs and their clients and through the pimps as well.

The SIDC will initiate the undertaking of the assignment through the recruitment of a national consultant/researcher and in accordance with the agreed upon terms of reference. The identification of the consultant/researcher will be made jointly between the SIDC and UNFPA and on basis of agreed upon criteria for selection including primarily previous involvement and expertise of the consultant/researcher in such studies and knowledge with HIV/AIDS issues with particular focus in “Population at risk”. The consultant/researcher will undertake the assignment in consultation with the partners mentioned above and will fulfill the assignment in accordance with the terms of reference.

Specifically the consultant/researcher will undertake the following tasks in close collaboration with SIDC:

Develop a work plan to implement the study among FSWs’ clients and pimps;
Conduct a literature review concerning perception and behavior of FSWs’ clients and pimps worldwide with a specific focus on the Middle Eastern and North Africa Region;
Develop the methodology to undertake the study including suggesting a qualitative tool to target a sample of 30 pimps, 10 directors of “brothels” and 100 male clients from bars, night clubs, etc.
Select and Train interviewers on the tools;
Undertake the data collection and interviews;
Analyze the findings of the study;
Propose practical recommendations;
Finalize report on basis of comments received by SIDC, UNFPA, and other resource persons;
Provide SIDC with an electronic and hard copy of the final report as well as Executive summary in Arabic and English;
Take part in a technical meeting/seminar for the review, dissemination, and discussion of the study results and recommendations.

The outcome of this consultancy will consist of a final report as well as an executive summary. The report will constitute a solid background document that suggests practical approaches for increasing HIV/AIDS prevention among clients and through pimps. The executive summary will include an outline of the methodology and findings as well as the recommendations. Both the final report and executive summary should be submitted in Arabic and English languages as hard copies (3 copies each) as well as electronic copy.

Overview/background, rationale, and objectives of the study;
Process and methodology (tools and instruments);
Findings and main results;
Discussion of the results
Limitations and constraints of the study;
Conclusion and recommendations including a framework for supporting the development of interventions targeting clients and pimps
List of annexes;
List of References.

Candidates who meet the required qualifications may apply on line by sending an updated and comprehensive CV detailing their work experience that is relevant to the job requirements as indicated in the Terms of Reference. The CVs must be sent to Mr. Elie Aaraj, President SIDC, at eaaraj@sidc-lebanon.org by no later than Tuesday September 23, 2008.

In Lebanon, the National AIDS Control Program (NAP) reported at the end of 2007, a total of 1,056 cumulative cases among Lebanese with 92 newly reported cases during 2007. Seventy percent of the cases are due to sexual transmission (heterosexual amounting 56% and bisexual 5%). Although the number of cases among homosexuals and Intravenous drug users is known, no specific data exists for Female Sex Workers (FSWs).

Furthermore, SIDC supported by DROSOS Foundation conducted in the first semester of 2008 a situation analysis and a mapping of the needs and corresponding available response for three of the most at risk populations specifically FSWs, IDUs and Men having Sex with Men (MSM). The preliminary results showed the need for further exploration of the situation concerning the economic component among FSWs and the strategies used by the civil society organizations to socially and economically reintegrate the FSWs. This mapping is part of a joint project between UNFPA and SIDC aiming at reducing the vulnerability and risks of FSWs to STIs/HIV and AIDS being “ Reducing Vulnerability & Risk to STI/HIV/AIDS: Expanding Choices for Female Sex Workers”.

The aim of the consultancy is to explore the social, economic, psychological, health and legal support available in Lebanon for FSWs and women/girls at risks in various settings and identify good practices as well as factors underlying the relapse of the FSWs into the sex industry. The mapping will assess these services by looking at their scope and nature, target population, geographical coverage, cost, source of funding, resource gaps and needs, sustainability, access and utilization of services, etc. More so, the mapping will identify good practices in relation to alternative jobs including income generation activities targeting SW. The study will also look into the relapse backing to the sex industry as well as monitoring of rehabilitated sex workers and within particular perspectives and contexts. Lastly, the mapping will be conducted among relevant NGOs, institutions, and shelters as well as concerned government institutions.

The SIDC will initiate the undertaking of the assignment through the recruitment of a national consultant/researcher and in accordance with the agreed upon terms of reference. The identification of the consultant/researcher will be made jointly between the SIDC and UNFPA and on basis of agreed upon criteria for selection including primarily previous involvement and expertise of the consultant in such studies and knowledge with HIV/AIDS issues with particular focus in “Population at risk”.

The consultant/researcher will undertake the assignment in consultation with the partners mentioned above and will fulfill the assignment in accordance with the terms of reference.

The consultant/researcher’s tasks will consist of undertaking desk review and literature search of pertinent reports and studies, developing interview tools and instruments, selecting and training interviewers, identifying sampling frame, conducting interviews, analyzing data and findings, and translating the latter into practical recommendations for action.

Specifically the consultant/researcher will undertake the following tasks in close collaboration with SIDC:

Develop a work plan to implement the mapping;
Undertake desk review and internet search based on available reports and documentation including findings and documents of the joint project; investigating similar studies/experiences carried out in the Arab region as well as other regions;
Develop the methodology to undertake the mapping;
Identify a framework for developing the questionnaire;
Design and develop the first draft of the questionnaire in terms of content and issues; this tool assessment will be used to assess the type of services provided their scope and nature, target population, geographical coverage, cost, source of funding, resource gaps and needs, sustainability of services, access and utilization;
Interview the relevant NGOs, institutions, shelters, and public institutions to collect information requested including income generating projects as well as identify the related good practices.
Analyze the findings of the study;
Propose practical recommendations;
Prepare and ensure timely delivery of the first draft of a comprehensive descriptive report synthesizing the findings and outcome of the mapping of such available services for the reintegration of FSWSs and retrieve good practices;
Finalize report on basis of comments received by SIDC, UNFPA, and other resource persons;
Provide SIDC with an electronic and hard copy of the final report and the Executive Summary in Arabic and English;
Take part in a technical meeting/seminar for the review, dissemination, and discussion of the study results and recommendations.

The outcome of this consultancy will consist of a descriptive and analytical report as well as an executive summary. The report will constitute a solid background document that highlights concrete recommendations and actions on one hand and advocates for innovative approaches among socially and economically reintegrated FSWs with the support of various partners working in this area. The executive summary will include an outline of the methodology and findings as well as the recommendations. Both the final report and executive summary should be submitted in Arabic and English languages as hard copies (3 copies each) as well as electronic copy.

Overview/background, rationale and objectives of the study;
Process and methodology (tools and instruments);
Findings and main results;
Discussion of the results
Limitations and constraints of the study;
Conclusion and recommendations including a framework for supporting the development interventions targeting clients
List of annexes;
List of References.

Candidates who meet the required qualifications may apply on line by sending an updated and comprehensive CV detailing their work experience that is relevant to the job requirements as indicated in the Terms of Reference. The CVs must be sent to Mr. Elie Aaraj, eaaraj@sidc-lebanon.org by no later than Tuesday September 23, 2008.