Individual consultant (National) on Family Support Service Provision & Coordination – psychological counselling and 24/7 helpline call services

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency for reproductive health, established to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA aims to end unmet needs for family planning, preventable maternal deaths, and gender-based violence (GBV) by 203

• In Turkmenistan, UNFPA plays a crucial role in promoting human rights and gender equality, providing technical support to the government in implementing national strategies and commitments related to gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The position of the National consultant is pivotal in coordinating and ensuring the provision of psychological services to tuberculosis (TB) patients and their families, as well as leading the work of Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS). The consultant will be responsible for organizing psychological counselling services across five velayats and Ashgabat city, ensuring that these services meet international norms and national legislation. The consultant will also oversee the establishment of WGSSs, which will provide safe environments for women and girls, offering crisis support, skills-building workshops, and vital information on health and reproductive rights. The role requires a strong commitment to addressing gender-based violence and supporting survivors through comprehensive psychological services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National consultant will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Organizing and managing psychological counselling services in five velayats and Ashgabat city.
• Establishing and coordinating Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS) to provide a secure environment for women and girls.
• Implementing crisis support services, including a 24/7 helpline for immediate psychological stabilization and support.
• Conducting risk assessments and providing informed consent for services.
• Facilitating referrals to specialized services and ensuring a seamless transition from crisis support to long-term recovery.
• Providing psychological counselling to TB patients and their families, as well as GBV survivors.
• Leading group support sessions and community integration activities.
• Collaborating with case management specialists and healthcare professionals to ensure quality service delivery.
• Engaging in continuous professional development and maintaining ethical documentation practices. 1
• Reporting on service delivery and outcomes to ensure accountability and transparency.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in psychology, social work, sociology, or related fields. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in the same fields with an additional two years of relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in project management or working with NGOs, particularly in providing services to vulnerable groups. Knowledge of gender issues and experience in intercultural environments are essential. Experience in international organizations is preferred. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in English, Turkmen, and Russian, along with computer literacy.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree in psychology, social work, sociology, medical or pedagogical education, law, economics, or other humanities is required. A Bachelor's degree in the same fields is acceptable with additional relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in project management or with NGOs, particularly in providing services to vulnerable groups, including women and adolescents in difficult life situations. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree must have four years of relevant experience.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, Turkmen, and Russian is mandatory. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is from May 1, 2026, to December 25, 2026, on a part-time basis, totaling 120 working days, averaging 15 days per month. The consultant will work at NRCST premises in various cities, and all deliverables will be submitted electronically. Monitoring will be conducted through regular reports and meetings. The consultant will be supervised by the UNFPA Gender and Youth Program Analyst. Travel within the country and internationally will be agreed upon in advance, with costs covered according to UNFPA’s Duty Travel Policy. Compensation will be based on the NOB level of the UN salary scale for National Officer Category, paid in four installments upon completion of specified deliverables.