TERMS OF REFERENCE (to be completed by the Hiring Office)
Hiring Office:
UNFPA Turkmenistan CO
Title:
International individual consultant toย conduct training for psychologists on providing psychosocial support for TB patients and their families
Purpose of consultancy:
For almost three decades, UNFPA has been a strategic partner of the Government of Turkmenistan in empowering women and promoting gender equality. The UNFPA Gender Program aims to work with government agencies to create comprehensive systems and mechanisms to enable women and adolescents to make informed choices and be protected from violence, as well as to engage men and boys in promoting positive social norms in society.
In February 2025 UNFPA initiated cooperation with UNDP to support the implementation of the Global Fund Tuberculosis (TB) grant in Turkmenistan to strengthen the Gender and Reproductive Health (RH) response in the Exit of National TB programme of Turkmenistan, requiring strengthened support systems. ย
Psychosocial support is crucial for TB patients and their families, significantly improving treatment adherence, mental well-being, and overall outcomes. At the same time this support needs to acknowledge and address the unique emotional and psychological challenges faced by individuals due to their gender roles and societal expectations. For example, women may face increased stigma, domestic responsibilities hindering treatment access, or economic dependence that exacerbates stress. Men may struggle with perceived loss of masculinity or reluctance to seek help due to societal pressures.ย
In July 2024, UNFPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan to provide psychological counselling and case management support to women and girls with a focus on gender-based violence. Following the signing, the services were launched in 5 regions of the country and Ashgabat city.ย
Within this initiative UNFPA will hire an international consultant to train psychologists in the Family Support Services in 5 regions and Ashgabat city, as well as a psychologist based at the CSO Keyik okara to provide psychosocial counselling to the target population integrating gender responsive approach.
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Scope of work:
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(Description of services, activities, or outputs)
The functions of the consultant include the following:
3-day trainingย of psychologists in the Family Support Services in 5 regions and Ashgabat city, as well as a psychologist based at the CSO Keyik okara to provide psychosocial counselling to TB patients and their families:
Desk review, preparation of training agenda, materials and presentations - 3 days Country mission and training - 3 days Consultancy report and recommendations - 1 dayย
The training will address the following areas of counselling:ย
Mental Health Challenges:ย TB and its treatment can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Psychological counseling helps patients and their families cope with these challenges and improve their mental well-being.ย
Improving Treatment Adherence:
TB treatment is long and complex, and psychological support can help patients and their families stay motivated and adhere to their treatment plan.ย
TB can lead to social stigma and isolation, which can further exacerbate mental health problems. Counseling can help patients and their families address these issues and build a supportive network.ย Empowering Patients:
Counseling empowers patients and their families to take an active role in their treatment and recovery.ย ย The following types of counseling will be addressed in training: Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions with a trained counselor to address specific concerns and challenges.ย Group Counseling: Support groups where patients can connect with others and share their experiences.ย
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The following key areas will be addressed in training for counseling: Health Education: Providing accurate information about TB, treatment, and prevention.ย Treatment Adherence: Encouraging patients to take their medication as prescribed and attend follow-up appointments.ย Emotional Support: Providing a safe space for patients to express their feelings and concerns.ย Stress Management: Teaching patients coping mechanisms for managing stress and anxiety.ย Social Support: Connecting patients with social support networks and resources.ยExpected Outcomes and Deliverables:
The total number of days: 7 working days:
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Deliverable 1: Desk review of available materials and developed agenda and training materials including presentations and recommendations for a 3-day training on providing psychosocial support for TB patients and their families by April 29, 2025;
Deliverable 2: Country mission, facilitation of the training and travel report on the mission. By May 20, 2025
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Deliverable 3: Final report with finalized presentations and recommendations for future interventions in providing psychosocial support for TB patients and their families โ by May 30, 2025
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Duration and working schedule:
Duration of this consultancy is 7 working days from April 18 through the end of May 2025
Place where services are to be delivered:
The consultancy services will need to be delivered on a home-based mode with a mission to the country in May 2025.
Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:
The International Consultant will report to the UNFPA Programme Analyst on Gender and Youth and will provide an update biweekly on progress, challenges encountered, and support requirements.
Supervisory arrangements:ย
The IC will perform under the overall guidance of and report to the UNFPA Gender and Youth National Programme Analyst.
Expected travel:
Mission to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in May 2025 for 4 days, including travel. Travel costs will be covered additionally according to the UNFPAโs Duty Travel Policy.
Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:
UNFPA will be looking for an expert consultant with proven international experience in conducting evaluations and analysis.
At leastย a Master's Degree inย Public Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, Psychology or equivalent OR Bachelorโs degree with additional two years of the relevant experience; Excellent knowledge and at least 5 years of proven experience inย providing psychological adherence counselling to TB patients in public, private or non-governmental organizations; Experience in the development/adaptation of tools and training materials for adherence counselling (questionnaires, manuals, handouts, etc). Excellent Russian speaking and writing skills required; Strong analytical and facilitation skills;ย Effective communication skills.Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable:
UNFPA will provide the Consultant with the available materials, information and reports. However, additional information will be identified by the Consultant through reviews, working with specialists, other.
Other relevant information or special conditions, if any:
The consultancy fee will be calculated based on the P3 level of the UN Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories effective 1 January 2023 and will be paid in a lump sum upon successful completion of all deliverables. UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Persons with disabilities, and individuals of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.