In 2025a, it was estimated that approximate76,000 people were living with HIV in Cambodia, of which 95% of them knew their HIV status and almost 100% of those who knew their HIV status receiving HIV treatment, and more than 98% of those who are on treatment achieved viral load suppression. This means only 5% of total estimated people living with HIV (approximately 3,800) have not access to HIV treatment due to unaware of their HIV positive status, afraid of being tested or access to treatment services due to fear of stigma and discrimination, seeking care and treatment at private clinics, deciding not to continue with treatment, or they may be migrant workers in other countries.

Stigma and discrimination against PLHIV and key population still exist. Based on data from community-led monitoring conducted in 2026, it shows that 31% of PLHIV experienced stigma and discrimination in different settings in the past 6 months. Stigma and discrimination remain one of key barriers to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care in Cambodia. People living with HIV (PLHIV) often face social exclusion, discrimination, and internalized stigma, which can negatively impact their mental health, access to healthcare, and overall quality of life.

The Stigma Index is a standardized tool developed by and for PLHIV to measure and document stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV. This survey aims to assess the prevalence and impact of stigma and discrimination among PLHIV in Cambodia and provide evidence-based recommendations to address these issues.

Cambodia has conducted two rounds of Stigma Index since 2010. The first round was conducted in 2010, led by Cambodian People living with HIV Network (CPN+), in collaboration with Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance (KHANA) with support from UNAIDS. The study was implemented under the guidance of an Advisory Committee chaired by National AIDS Authority and comprised of representatives from government, civil society, bilateral and multilateral agencies and PLHIV and key population networks. This assessment targeted 400 PLHIV in four provinces and one municipality with a high prevalence of HIV and concentration of PLHIV: Kampong Cham, Battambang, Takeo, Kampong Thom and Phnom Penh. Second round of Stigma Index (PLHIV Stigma Index 2.0) was conducted in 2028-19 under the leadership and guidance of the NAA, and implemented by the Population Council, with support from FHI360 LINKAGES/USAID and UNAIDS, in close partnership with Cambodian People Living with HIV Network (CPN+), ARV User's Association (AUA) and the PLHIV and Key Populations (KP). Findings of the study enhanced the contemporary knowledge on the situation of stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV in Cambodia and enhanced evidence-based advocacy to improve programs and policies to better address the PLHIV needs in priority areas in Cambodia.

To understand current state and provide comprehensive updated information and evidence of stigma and discrimination among people living with HIV in Cambodia to inform future policy and programmatic actions, HACC, in partnership with CPN+, AUA and CCW and networks of key populations is seeking a consultant to support third round of PLHIV Stigma Index in Cambodia.

Goal and objectives:

The overarching goal of this study is to implement the updated PLHIV Stigma Index Version 2.0 in selected provinces in Cambodia with the aim of detecting the causes, extent, manifestation and impact on care and service uptake, of stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV in Cambodia.

Specific objectives of this study are as follows:

• Objective 1: Provide an updated situational analysis of HIV related stigma and discrimination in Cambodia utilizing the Stigma Index 2.0 survey to provide an evidence base for improving policies, programs and to better meet the needs of PLHIV in priority provinces.
• Objective 2: To improve evidence-based advocacy on HIV related stigma and discrimination and to ensure that research utilization and evidence-based programming and policymaking practices are systematically improved and documented.
• Objective 3: Continue to improve and model the best practice of the greater involvement of PLHIV (GIPA) within the study to empower and develop capacities of PLHIV.

Scope of works

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Set up committee which representatives from key stakeholders including representatives from Government, Development Partners, UN agencies, NGO, PLHIV and KPs.
• Develop a comprehensive survey protocol, including a clear methodological framework, appropriate data collection approaches, assessment tools, and a robust sampling strategy aligned with the survey objectives.
• Conduct a thorough desk review of relevant national, regional, and international literature, policies, guidelines, and existing studies to inform the assessment design and analysis.
• Review with adaptation of Stigma Index tool to the Cambodian context, ensuring cultural relevance, context-appropriate, ethically sound, and aligned with the assessment objectives and alignment with global standard stigma index and previous rounds of Cambodian Stigma Index
• Provide technical support for the ethical approval process, including preparation of necessary documentation and submission in accordance with national ethical and regulatory requirements.
• Train PLHIV data collectors on assessment methodology, tools, ethical considerations, and data quality standards, and establish quality assurance and data validation mechanisms.
• Supervise and/or provide technical guidance throughout the data collection process, ensuring adherence to protocols, timelines, and data quality standards.
• Conduct data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation, using appropriate analytical methods to generate meaningful findings and insights.
• Facilitate a stakeholder consultation and/or validation meeting to present preliminary findings, gather feedback, and ensure stakeholder perspectives are reflected in the final results.
• Produce a comprehensive assessment report that clearly presents the methodology, findings, conclusions, and evidence-based strategic recommendations, aligned with national priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Develop a two pager policy brief with evidence-informed policy and programmatic recommendations that address stigma and discrimination among PLHIV

Key deliverables

• Inception Report and Desk Review Summary: A comprehensive inception report outlining the assessment’s scope, objectives, methodology, implementation timeline, and key milestones. This deliverable will include consultation plans and a summary of the desk review of relevant documents.

• Assessment Protocol: A finalized assessment protocol detailing the overall methodological approach, sampling strategy, ethical considerations, and data collection tools to be used for the study in English and Khmer as required for submission to National Ethical Committee for Health Research (NECHR) for their review and approval.

• Draft Assessment Report: A draft report presenting preliminary findings, analysis, and key recommendations, submitted for review and feedback by relevant stakeholders.

• Final Comprehensive Assessment Report and Policy Brief: A finalized report and a Policy Brief incorporating stakeholder feedback and validated findings, including a clear presentation of methodology, results, conclusions, and evidence-based strategic recommendations aligned with national priorities and programmatic needs.

Qualifications and experience required:

The minimum qualifications and experience required are:

• Education Qualifications:
  • Advanced academic qualifications in medicine, public health, health policy, social sciences, or another relevant field from a recognized institution.
• Experience: 
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in HIV/AIDS-related programmes, research, or policy work.
  • Proven experience in leading and/or conducting research, assessments, and studies related to HIV, including study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Previous experiences with Stigma Index Survey is strong advantage.
  • Demonstrated experience working on HIV programmes in Asia and the Pacific, with prior work experience in Cambodia considered a strong advantage.
  • Extensive experience collaborating with civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and key and vulnerable populations, including people living with or affected by HIV.
  • Strong understanding and familiarity with the Stigma Index tool or similar stigma measurement tools.

• Skills/knowledge
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear findings and actionable recommendations.
  • Proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, managing multiple tasks effectively in time-sensitive environments.
• Languages and level required/desired
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, including demonstrated ability to produce high-quality technical reports and present findings to diverse stakeholders.

Duration and timeframe

The consultancy assignment is expected to start in Mid-September to November 2026. The consultancy is expected to be completed within 18 Days.

Reporting and coordination

The consultant will be contacted directly with HACC Executive Director at hacc@hacccambodia.org or 077 275 227.

Ethical Considerations

The consultant must submit the research protocol to get approval from Ethic committee and ensuring that all data collection activities adhere to ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of participants' rights.

Application process

Interested consultants should submit the following documents:

• A technical proposal outlining the methodology and work plan.
• A financial proposal with a detailed budget.
• CV(s) of the consultant(s) and examples of previous relevant work.
• Contact information

Applications should be submitted to Ms. Bun Monyrod, Admin and Finance Manager by September 22, 2026 at 4:00PM. Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Contact information:

For further information, please contact:

• Ms. Bun Monyrod, Admin and Finance Manager, HACC
• afm@hacccambodia.org
• 012 786 565