VAWG Psychological Support Capacity Building Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as a response to the need for a dedicated entity to promote gender equality and empower women globally. The organization is grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and works towards eliminating discrimination against women and girls. UN Women operates in multiple countries, including Georgia, where it has maintained a Project Office since 2017, focusing on addressing violence against women and girls, particularly in the region of Abkhazia. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to provide essential support services to survivors of gender-based violence. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and adheres to strict policies against discrimination and misconduct.

Job Overview:
The VAWG Psychological Support Capacity Building Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality and accessibility of psychological support services for survivors of violence against women and girls (VAWG). This position involves developing standards, tools, and practical guidance for psychological support services, as well as conducting training and capacity-building workshops for service providers. The consultant will work closely with UN Women staff and partner organizations to assess existing practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement a comprehensive capacity-building package tailored to the needs of frontline personnel. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the survivor-centered and trauma-informed nature of psychological support services, ensuring that all women and girls in the target regions can live free from violence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct online consultations with UN Women project staff and partner CSOs to review existing psychological support practices and identify priority areas for capacity building.
• Develop a psychological support capacity-building package that includes an online-adapted training curriculum, session plans, facilitation materials, and practical tools aligned with international standards.
• Conduct at least one multi-session online capacity-building workshop for staff working in crisis centers, covering topics such as survivor-centered care, case management, and trauma-informed psychological support.
• Submit a final consultancy report summarizing activities implemented, results achieved, challenges encountered, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations for strengthening psychological support services.
• Ensure that all training materials and sessions are tailored to the specific roles and responsibilities of different staff members working with survivors of VAWG.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, or related mental health fields is required.
• A first-level university degree in a relevant field, combined with seven (7) years of practical experience in psychological support, counselling, or trauma-informed services for VAWG survivors, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• At least 5 years of practical experience in providing or coordinating psychological support services for VAWG survivors.
• Experience in developing and delivering capacity-building activities for psychologists, counsellors, or frontline service providers.
• Knowledge of gender equality, gender analysis, and women’s empowerment, with a focus on survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
• Strong writing and communication skills for preparing reports, guidelines, and training materials.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, or other related mental health fields is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in a relevant field, combined with seven (7) years of practical experience in psychological support or related services, may be accepted. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively support survivors of violence against women and girls.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of practical experience in providing or coordinating psychological support, counselling, or trauma-informed services for survivors of violence against women and girls. Candidates with a Master’s degree should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, while those with a Bachelor’s degree should have at least 7 years of experience. Additionally, candidates should have experience in developing and delivering capacity-building activities for service providers, as well as a strong understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Russian is required for this position. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders, conducting training sessions, and preparing reports and guidelines. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances the consultant's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The consultant will report to UN Women staff, including the VAWG Programme Specialist and Programme Analyst, and will be supported by a Project Analyst for contract and payment issues. The consultancy is part of a 24-month project aimed at addressing violence against women and girls in Abkhazia, Georgia, and is funded by the Government of Switzerland and the Government of Sweden. The consultant will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures, including those related to diversity and inclusion, and will undergo rigorous background checks as part of the recruitment process.