Consultant(s) for Constitution Analysis

USAID/HPI has been implementing activities since 2008 assisting and collaborating with efforts by the Government of Vietnam, USG civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders to develop and implement evidence-based and best practice-driven laws, policies, plans, and programs for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment, and impact mitigation in Vietnam. The project aims to achieve three key results:

1)Facilitate the adoption and implementation of national and local HIV/AIDS policies, plans, and programs based on international best practices;
2)Strengthen and support effective public sector and civil society advocates and networks to assume leadership in the policy process; and
3)Develop and deploy timely and accurate data for evidence-based decision making.

The 1992 Constitution of Vietnam was first amended in 2011 and is undergoing another amendment process, which was initiated in 2012. The draft amendments to the current Constitution are in the process of public debate. The Constitution is the foundation for laws and lower-level legal documents on all political, social, economic, criminal and civic topics. The amendment of the Constitution will lead to revision of related laws and legal documents, including those related to health.

USAID/HPI Vietnam is seeking qualified Vietnamese consultant(s) to carry out multiple analyses on how the draft amendments to the Constitution will affect health-related laws and policies, especially those in the areas of HIV/AIDS, sex work, drug prevention and control, as well as the role of social organizations. The result of the analyses will be used to support for a roundtable discussion on potential impact of the draft amendments to the Constitution on HIV/AIDS, sex work and drug prevention and control.

1.Scope of consultant’s work  

The consultant will complete the following tasks:
- Identify all articles and proposed Constitutional changes related to health in relation to political, socio-economic, civic and human rights;
- Analyze the possible impact of these proposed changes to the Constitution on laws and policies in the areas of HIV/AIDS, sex work, drug prevention and control, and the role of social organizations in HIV/AIDS program; and possible impact on PLHIV and most at risk populations
- Support the preparation of roundtable discussion on potential impact of the draft amendments to the Constitution on HIV/AIDS, sex work and drug prevention and control.

2.Expected deliverables

- Brief report on the analyses on draft amendments to the Constitution and their impact on analysis health-related laws and policies, especially those in the areas of HIV/AIDS, sex work, drug prevention and control and the role of social organizations in HIV/AIDS program; and possible impact on PLHIV and most at risk populations
- Draft storyline for roundtable discussion on potential impact of the draft amendments to the Constitution on HIV/AIDS, sex work and drug prevention and control.

3.Consultant qualifications

- To ensure the quality of the analysis and optimum use of the result, the selection criteria for the consultant will include:
- Demonstrated in depth understanding of the Vietnamese Constitution as well as health related policies and legal framework in Vietnam;
- Excellent established relationships within the Vietnamese political system, especially with the assigned body of National Assembly for collecting public opinions on draft amendment;
- Proven public speaking ability on issues related to policies on HIV/AIDS, sex work and drug prevention and control.

Interest candidates are required to submit written application in English together with updated curriculum vitae, and copies of available degrees  to: [email protected] or mail to Abt Associates Inc, 3rd floor, 72 Xuan Dieu, Hanoi (Attention: Nguyen Thanh Hien)

Deadline for submission: 5pm on Mar 13, 2013.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.