Background:

Background/Context

UN Women exists to advance women’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. As the lead UN entity on gender equality and secretariat of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, UN Women shift laws, institutions, social behaviours and services to close the gender gap and build an equal world. UN Women’s partnerships with governments, women’s movements and the private sector coupled with its coordination of the broader United Nations translate progress into lasting changes.

In Türkiye, in line with its global Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and Country Strategic Note (2022-2025), and the overall UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Türkiye (UNSDCF) (2026-2030), UN Women works towards the overarching goal of “Women and girls including those at greatest risk of being left behind fully exercise their human rights, enjoy a life free from violence and discrimination, and lead, influence and benefit from sustainable and inclusive socioeconomic development towards the advancement of gender equality in Türkiye”. UN Women works in four thematic areas: (i) governance and participation in public life; (ii) women’s economic empowerment; (iii) ending violence against women and girls; and (iv) women, peace and security, humanitarian action and disaster risk reduction. In line with its coordination mandate, UN Women promotes coordination and coherence across the UN system to enhance accountability and results for gender equality and women’s empowerment, including through joint programmatic and advocacy actions and initiatives, standardized tools and guidance and services to strengthen the relevant capacities of the UN system. 

Towards these goals, UN Women implements programmes and projects that aim to advance gender equality, improve women’s access to opportunities, rights, and services in political, social, and economic life, and combat gender stereotypes, discrimination, and violence, as required by international and national legal and policy commitments. UN Women collaborates with numerous partners – central and local level government authorities, civil society organizations, including women’s organizations and platforms, academia, private sector companies, and other UN agencies. It commits itself to the Leave No One Behind principle, by supporting targeted actions to remove the obstacles that marginalized and vulnerable groups of women face in accessing their rights and to promote them as agents of change. UN Women Türkiye has been at the forefront of support for Türkiye’s continuous commitment to implement international norms and standards on women’s rights, and the enhancement and implementation of relevant national legal and policy frameworks. The Country Office has been operational in Türkiye since 2012. 

In the area of ending violence against women and girls (VAWG) and other harmful practices, UN Women supports enhancing services on VAWG prevention and protection through strengthened capacities of institutions, improved data management, better coordination, and empowerment of women and girls who are at risk of and/or are survivors of violence. Furthermore, to address the underlying root causes of VAWG and harmful practices, UN Women Türkiye works towards favorable social norms, attitudes, and behaviors at the individual, community, and institutional levels that advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. Currently, UN Women in Türkiye has a diverse and growing portfolio on Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) which is led by a Programme Specialist, under the overall guidance of the UN Women Country Director and the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director. 

Within the scope of “Restoring and Strengthening the Preventive and Protective Services in response to Violence Against Women affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye (2024-2027) ” project, UN Women aims to restore and strengthen both the physical infrastructure and technical capacities of VAW service provision through a survivor-centered and rights-based approach that contributes the empowerment of women. The project aims to establish good models that can then be scaled up to become part of the overall MOFSS response to violence against women in their areas of competence under the scope of the project.

The Impact/ Overall Objective of the Project is to improve the protection of women and children’s rights in earthquake affected regions in Türkiye. The project comprises of the following 1 Outcome/Special Objective and 4 Outputs:

• Outcome/ Specific Objective 1: To enhance access to quality prevention, protection and empowerment services for women and girls at risk of and survivors of VAWG, in the earthquake-affected provinces and provinces receiving migration from the affected region, in line with national and international standards.
  • Output 1.1. Reconstructed women shelters for survivors of violence and their accompanying children in selected earthquakes affected provinces and migration receiving ones, in line with the national and international standards and good practices.
  • Output 1.2. Strengthened and refurbished shelters and violence prevention and monitoring centres for survivors and those at risk of violence against women and girls, and their accompanying children in selected earthquakes affected provinces and provinces that received migration to meet the increasing needs.
  • Output 1.3. Increased technical knowledge, skills and enhanced tools of the public personnel providing and coordinating violence prevention and protection services at the institutions of Ministry of Family and Social Services and Law Enforcement institutions in the target provinces. 
  • Output 1.4. Increased access of survivors to opportunities supporting their socio-economic empowerment and well-being, including in the post-shelter period. 
• Conduct structured reviews of existing PSS and case management practices across VPMCs, shelters, Social Service Centers Violence Prevention Contact Points, and community-based settings and provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening service models.
• Provide technical inputs for the development of trauma-informed, survivor-centered Psychosocial Support approaches tailored to VPMCs, shelters, Social Service Centres Violence Prevention Contact Points , and community-based settings.
• Contribute to the design of training modules on Psychological First Aid (PFA), trauma response, crisis intervention, case assessment, referral pathways, child-sensitive communication, responding to complex cases, and protection-sensitive service delivery.
• Strengthen case management approaches, including risk assessment, safety planning, follow-up mechanisms, documentation standards, and ethical decision-making.
• Offer technical guidance on addressing trauma symptoms, grief and loss reactions, prolonged stress, and psychosocial needs arising from experiences of violence, abuse, and high-risk domestic violence among women, children
• Provide technical advice on complex service delivery situations, ensuring alignment with safety, confidentiality, and ethical principles.

Within Output 1.3, the project focuses specifically on enhancing the technical knowledge and skills of MoFSS personnel and frontline service providers working in Violence Prevention and Monitoring Centres (VPMCs), women’s shelters, Social Service Centres, and other relevant units. Activities include strengthening psychosocial support (PSS), trauma-informed service delivery, case management, supervision structures, referral pathways, group-based PSS approaches, and inter-agency coordination.

To support these objectives, UN Women will hire a Psychosocial Support (PSS) and Case Management Consultant to provide technical, coordination and knowledge development support in the areas of trauma-informed psychosocial support, case management, supervision, Psychological First Aid and trauma.

The Consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme Specialist (EVAWG), with overall guidance from the Deputy Country Director, and in close cooperation with the Directorate General on the Status of Women (DGWS) and provincial MoFSS units.

Description of Responsibilities /Scope of Work

1. Provide Technical Expertise on Psychosocial Support and Case Management:

2. Support the Development, Adaptation and Quality Assurance of PSS Knowledge Products and Tools

• Conduct detailed technical reviews of existing documentation templates, assessment forms, and referral systems, recommending revisions based on national and international standards. 
• Develop, revise, and adapt training materials, guides, SOPs, assessment tools, referral maps, checklists, and other PSS and case management resources.
• Build continuous feedback loops with to ensure tools remain practical, user-friendly, and responsive to varying needs. 
• Review and ensure quality assurance of partner-developed PSS materials to confirm they are trauma-informed, ethical, protection-sensitive, and aligned with international good practices.
• Integrate learnings from consultations held with MoFSS units, implementing partners, and relevant stakeholders, monitoring data, participant evaluations into updated tools and knowledge products.
• Provide quality assurance and harmonization of all materials to ensure coherence, accuracy, and consistency in training delivery.

3. Facilitate Training, Workshops, and Capacity-Strengthening Activities

• Design and/or jointly deliver capacity-building workshops—co-developed with MoFSS and implementing partners
• Plan and conduct monthly online supervision sessions for relevant professionals.
• Support the roll-out of Training of Trainers (ToT) modules to promote sustainability and institutionalization of competencies.
• Provide coaching and practical guidance to designated institutional staff or facilitators to strengthen consistency and quality in PSS delivery including case simulations, role plays, reflective learning sessions, and peer-support methodologies to deepen practical skills.
• Develop and apply pre- and post-training assessment tools to measure learning outcomes, skills acquisition, and changes in professional practice.
• Ensure training methodologies are adapted for remote, hybrid, and in-person modalities
• Review partner reports, training data to provide expert interpretation and actionable recommendations.
• Support harmonization of approaches between shelters, VPMCs, Social Service Centers Violence Prevention Contact Points by identifying gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for improved coordination.

Payments will be made on a monthly basis, based on the provision of timesheets and supporting deliverables approved by the UN Women Programme Specialist, who shall confirm Consultant’s work is completed and eligible for payment. The total duration of the contract is 30 working days until 31 March 2027.

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

This is a home-based assignment with travels to project provinces when needed. UN Women Türkiye Office will cover the organization and the costs of the consultant’s travel as per UN Women’s rules and regulations. 

Competencies :

Core Values:

• Integrity;
• Professionalism;
• Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework: 

Functional Competencies:

• Strong expertise in trauma-informed PSS, case management, and protection services
• Proven ability to design, implement, and quality-assure psychosocial and case management interventions in service-delivery settings, including shelters, VPMCs
• Demonstrated experience in crisis response and psychosocial support in humanitarian or VAWG contexts as well as experience working in post-disaster, emergency, or high-stress operational contexts with the ability to adapt interventions to rapidly evolving needs
• In-depth knowledge of ethical, survivor-centered, protection-sensitive, confidentiality standards, do-no-harm principles, informed consent processes, and safe referral mechanisms approaches
• Solid experience in training design, facilitation, and adult learning methodologies including mentoring facilitators, and supporting long-term capacity development strategies
• Ability to liaise effectively with MoFSS, local authorities, CSOs/WLOs, and field practitioners in identifying trends, risks in service delivery and formulating actionable recommendations
• Strong analytical and documentation skills

Required Qualifications:

Education and Certification:

• Master’s degree in psychology, clinical psychology, social work, counselling, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Advanced academic training in trauma, mental health, gender-based violence, or protection (e.g., postgraduate certificates, specialization programmes) is considered a strong asset.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in psychosocial support, trauma-informed service provision, case management, or related protection services is required.
• Experience working with government institutions is required.
• Experience in training and capacity-building is required.
• Demonstrated experience providing PSS or case management in high-stress, emergency, or humanitarian settings—including post-disaster or conflict contexts—is highly desirable.
• Experience with PFA, crisis intervention, grief/loss support, or therapeutic modalities (e.g., EMDR, CBT, SFT) is an asset.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating PSS interventions is desirable.
• Familiarity with WHO MHGAP, IASC Guidelines, or other international PSS/GBV standards is desirable.
• Experience developing assessment tools, competency frameworks, or quality assurance mechanisms for PSS and case management services is desirable.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Turkish is required.

Important Notes:

Mandatory Training Courses:

The Consultant shall complete all the mandatory and other required UN training courses and modules on time. The certificates shall be submitted to the supervisor and the HR focal point.

Multiple Contracts:

It is permissible for a Consultant to be engaged by UN Women if the individual has a contract with another employer, provided that there is no actual or perceived conflict of interest and that the performance of the required services for UN Women is feasible (for example, where both contracts involve a part‑time work schedule).

Where the Consultant holds a full‑time contract with another employer, eligibility will be subject to the Consultant’s ability to present formal acknowledgement or approval from their primary employer confirming that engagement with UN Women is permitted. Candidates unable to provide such acknowledgement will not be considered eligible.

Taxes:

The consultant is responsible for payment of any taxes that may be due on the gross fees received from UN Women for their services. UN Women has no liability for taxes, duties or other payments payable by the Individual Contractor on remuneration made under the contract.

Statements :

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)

Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.