Lead Consultant to Implement the Study: Enhancing Early HIV Detection Through p24 Antigen Rapid Testing Among Key Populations in Rwanda.

1. About HDI

HDI Health Development Initiative (HDI) is an independent, non-governmental organization based in Kigali, Rwanda. It is dedicated to promoting equitable healthcare access and improving health outcomes for all Rwandans. Established and registered with the Rwandan government, HDI enhances both the quality and accessibility of healthcare through a multidisciplinary team with expertise in medicine, public health, and community development. HDI's mission centers on empowering communities by providing essential knowledge and tools, enabling individuals to lead healthier lives and avoid preventable diseases and premature mortality. By striving for a society where everyone has equal opportunities for health and well-being, HDI plays a crucial role in advancing public health in Rwanda.

2. Background

The HDI Rwanda intends to conduct a study evaluating the epidemiological impact and cost-effectiveness of integrating p24 antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) into HIV testing services for high-risk populations in Rwanda. HDI seeks to recruit a senior consultant to lead the study, in collaboration with the HDI research team and its partners, to develop protocols, oversee data collection and analysis, coordinate with partners, and ensure timely dissemination of findings.

3. Objective of the Assignment

• Lead the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of a national/policy-relevant evaluation of p24 antigen RDT integration for acute HIV infection detection among key populations in Rwanda.
• Ensure rigorous methodological quality, ethical conduct, and alignment with national policies and standards.
• Build capacity within the HDI research team on p24-based diagnostics, data collection, and analysis.
• Develop the study protocols, final reports, and manuscripts suitable for submission to peer-reviewed journals and dissemination to relevant partners.

Scope of Services

The consultant will deliver the following:

• Develop the study protocol and obtain all necessary ethical approvals.
• Prepare all documentation required for ethical clearance and ensure data protection compliance.
• Develop a comprehensive implementation plan, including a clear timeline for all study activities.
• Plan all site visits, activities, and logistics for data collection, including detailed schedules.
• Develop robust data collection tools, train data collectors and the entire study team, and provide refresher training as required.
• Pilot-test and refine the data collection tools to ensure their validity, reliability, and suitability for use in the study.
• Oversee all data collection activities, including on-site supervision and rigorous quality control checks.
• Lead the data collection process across all selected sites, ensuring strict adherence to the study protocol and ethical standards.
• Monitor recruitment, consent, data quality, and participant safety while ensuring timely progress reports are submitted.
• Prepare intermediate and final analyses using appropriate statistical methods and sensitivity analyses.
• Ensure rigorous interpretation of findings in alignment with the research questions and context.
• Prepare weekly study progress reports to keep stakeholders informed of ongoing developments.
• Produce a preliminary research report and present its findings to HDI and other relevant stakeholders.
• Organize and conduct an internal validation or technical advisory workshop to review and refine study outcomes.
• Deliver a final research report suitable for publication, and provide support for manuscript preparation and journal submission.
• Facilitate training and mentoring for HDI researchers and health facilities staff involved in the study.
• Train and engage with community-based organizations and peer educators to ensure their participation in the study.

4. Timing and Duration

The assignment is anticipated to run for approximately 12 months from contract signing, with a possible extension depending on feasibility, funding, and IRB timelines.

5. Required Qualifications and Experience (Minimum Requirements)

• At least 7–10 years of experience leading public health research, with demonstrable expertise in HIV prevention, testing strategies, SRH, or epidemiology in low- or middle-income settings.
• Strong track record in designing and managing complex mixed-methods studies, including protocol development, data collection, data management, analysis, and dissemination.
• Experience with HIV testing, using HIV RDTs or acute HIV infection research is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with national health authorities, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
• Proven capacities to develop and manage study budgets, monitor progress, and ensure timely deliverables.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of French or Kinyarwanda is an advantage.
• Prior experience with ethical approvals and regulatory compliance in Rwanda or similar contexts.

6. Collaboration and Governance

• The consultant will report to the executive director of HDI Rwanda and copy the director of the research department at HDI.
• A steering committee will be established to provide strategic oversight, guidance, and sign-off on key milestones and deliverables.
• Regular coordination meetings (monthly or as agreed) to align activities, adjust timelines, and share findings.

7. Intellectual Property, Data Security, and Ethics

All study outputs, data, protocols, tools, analyses, and manuscripts produced under this TOR shall be the property of HDI and funded partners in accordance with grant agreements; data shall be stored in secure, password-protected systems with access restricted to authorized personnel, and anonymization/pseudonymization standards will be strictly followed.

8. Evaluation Criteria (weighted approximate)

• Technical approach and methodology (40%)
• Relevant experience and leadership capacity (25%)
• Team collaboration and stakeholder engagement plan (15%)
• Data management, ethics, and quality assurance plans (10%)
• Budget realism and value for money (10%)

9. How to Apply

Interested consultants should submit a technical proposal outlining the approach, methodology, work plan, risk management, and a detailed 12-month timeline aligned with the scope above; a separate detailed financial proposal with budget and budget narrative; a curriculum vitae or biosketch with references and examples of relevant work; and copies of contracts or certificates of good execution for similar consultancy work.

10. Submission

Proposals should be sent to finance@hdirwanda.org or submit hard copies in a sealed envelope to the HDI Rwanda head office at KK 649 No. 34, Kicukiro, Kigali, with the subject "Technical and Financial Proposal for Lead Consultant – p24 RDT HIV Early Detection Study" no later than Monday, 08 September 2025, at 5:00 PM. late submissions shall be rejected.