Hiring Office: UNFPA Turkmenistan CO

Title: Individual consultancy services (international) on conducting the Situation Analysis on Adolescents and Youth (10-30 years of age) in Turkmenistan.

Duration and working schedule:

Duration of this consultancy is 34 working days, from April 1st till May 4th, 2024.

Operational closure of the contract is August 20th, 2024.

1. Desk review: 4 days

• Design study tools for primary data collection within the draft inception report with detailed research methodology, design and research protocols, as applicable, including for ethical reviews.
• Finalise the inception report and reach a final agreement on the scope, structure, schedules and timeframes of the SitAn.
• Undertake a thorough desk review of all existing data sources including: a literature review of the key strategic youth related documents and approaches (concepts and definitions) including mental health policy and legislation relating to children and young people; a mapping of current and existing government led, and UN supported programmes, plans, initiatives, reports, studies, and data sets.

2. Actual Assessment/Analysis: 23 days

• Develop a national youth profile based on the existing information – vulnerabilities, gaps/challenges/issues, current values, opportunities, preferred communication platforms (can be in the form of the visual infographic-based document to be used for policy advocacy).
• DocuSign Envelope ID: 87CE7A28-8636-4442-8BC6-C26F6A9FF071
• Conduct a situation mapping of the current youth mental health system and services across health, education and social care systems using existing WHO mapping tools.
• Hold focused meetings and consultations with the UN joint working group on Youth SitAn to address the scoping exercise.
• Develop an interview guide and document with the national counterparts, including the Mejlis, Youth Organization, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Union of Entrepreneurs and Industrialists, Ombudsperson’s office, local NGOs, and others.
• Design focus group discussions (FGD) Guide and hold and document FGDs with the selected group of adolescents and youth, including teenage girls to address the needs of the scoping exercise. It also sought to tap youth perceptions of social change and their current and anticipated living situations, and it strives to give voice to youth observations and concerns about employment, health, mental health, education including higher education, participation in Youth development, social norms, and the challenges they face, as well as their potential involvement in development.
• Based on the preliminary findings, make a presentation to the UNCT and Interagency working group of the UN for the Youth Sitan, which should include a proposed outline of the analytical report and follow up actions.

3. Reporting: 7 days

Develop an analytical report on the subject of the survey, based on the agreed outline, which should include the results of the research work, youth profile, policy recommendations, and suggested road map with focus on how to deliver the recommended actions.

Required expertise, qualifications, and competencies

• Minimum seven years of experience in conducting sociological studies, desk reviews and research, including both qualitative and quantitative studies.
• Experience in writing analytical papers, in the field of youth and adolescents, knowledge of gender and equity analysis a definite asset.
• Researchers with MA and PhD degrees in social sciences, political sciences, economics, and statistics.
• Proven track record in submitting structured and well-written reports (in English and/or Russian) - samples of such reports will be requested from candidates.
• Good knowledge of the work and approaches in youth related programming used by the UN.
• Previous experience in youth and adolescent issues and rights will be an asset.
• Fluency and strong writing skills in English language, knowledge of Russian is an asset.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking
• Ability to work independently and respond to feedback in a timelyand professional manner.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to contribute to a team.
• Familiarity and experience with Turkmenistan country context is an asset including language requirements.

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