Position: Consultant to support the Baseline Assessment for the Actions to Strengthen Systems to End Trafficking (ASSET) project

Duration: April 10 – May 28, 2026 (20 days LOE estimated)

Reports to: Project Director, ASSET

Location: The assessment will be carried out in Turkmenistan. Beginning and final parts of the assignments may be done remotely.

Application closing date: April 3, 2026

Background

Winrock International (WI) is a non-profit organization that works with people around the world to increase economic opportunities, sustain natural resources, and empower the disadvantaged. The Actions to Strengthen Systems to End Trafficking (ASSET) project is a five – year US Department of State funded project implemented by Winrock International in Turkmenistan.  The project will use Winrock’s technical expertise, in-country presence, and existing strong relations with key Government of Turkmenistan (GoTM) and NGOs to accelerate Turkmenistan’s progress in countering trafficking in persons (CTIP).

TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

The consultant, in close coordination with the project team, will perform the following tasks:

• Under the guidance of the Project Director (PD) and project team, develop the methodology for the assessment, including research questions, interview and focus group protocols, and data collection approaches.
• Prepare and submit an Inception Report outlining the assessment methods, workplan (Gantt chart), logistics, and management arrangements for the study, as well as the outline for the final report.
• Review relevant project documentation, research reports, media and public data sources to inform the assessment.
• Design data collection tools and support data collection using participatory research methods, and ensuring an enabling environment for participation of women and men, youth and adults.
• Translate (where required) and pilot survey questionnaires and research tools in Turkmen and Russian.
• Involve Winrock NGO partners as part of the field team and, where necessary, engage private sector experts, particularly related to the cotton sector component.
• Oversee data collection, data entry, transcription, and quality control, ensuring appropriate supervision and adherence to methodological standards.
• Ensure compliance with ethical research standards, including confidentiality, anonymity of respondents, and adherence to “Do No Harm” principles (dignity, safety, rights, and privacy).
• Consolidate data into a database compatible with the ASSET-prescribed MS Excel template.
• Submit all relevant data and information collected during the study to ASSET, including datasets, completed questionnaires, transcripts, coded qualitative data, training materials.
• Present preliminary findings and recommendations to the ASSET team and senior management, and subsequently to the Department of State for feedback.
• Prepare a draft evaluation report in English.
• Revise the report based on feedback from ASSET and the Department of State and submit the final evaluation report to Winrock.
• Prepare a 2–3 page stand-alone evaluation brief summarizing the evaluation design, key findings, and recommendations in accessible language suitable for non-specialist stakeholders.
• Coordinate the overall evaluation process, including organizing periodic meetings, consolidating inputs from team members, and ensuring the production of a high-quality final report.
• Maintain regular communication with the ASSET team, including weekly status meetings or calls.

QUALIFICATIONS

Winrock seeks candidates who meet the following minimum qualifications:

• A degree in economics, management, international development, public policy, or other relevant field.
• At least 5 years of professional experience working on donor-funded development programs, including projects focused on economic development, labor governance, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated experience leading or conducting at least two research projects of comparable scope and complexity, preferably for international development programs.
• Extensive experience applying qualitative research methodologies, including mixed-method evaluations.
• Understanding of U.S. Government (USG) or other donor’s performance monitoring frameworks and evaluation standards.
• Fluency in English, Russian and Turkmen (preferred) with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing research methodologies, development of data collection tools, and qualitative data analysis.
• Familiarity with issues related to trafficking in persons, forced labor prevention, responsible supply chains, and labor standards in export-oriented sectors will be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience conducting field-based research using approaches.
• Strong ability to synthesize complex datasets and analytical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers, program managers, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal treatment for all people. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by law.

To get additional information and apply for the position, please follow the link.