National expert for providing psychological support to victims of Trafficking in Persons, (SSAs)

Background:

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, within the framework of the Project on Counteracting Trafficking in Persons and Supporting Victims Access to Justice, implements a number of activities aimed at counteracting trafficking in Tajikistan and protecting the rights of victims of trafficking in persons (hereinafter referred to as VoTs). Among these activities is the provision of direct assistance to the most vulnerable VoTs, which includes the provision of legal, social and psychological assistance to VoTs. Psychological assistance represents an additional package of services provided to those VoTs, who will receive legal assistance at the stage of criminal proceedings and aims to ensure the full restoration of their psycho-emotional state and opportunities for effective participating in the administration of justice. In addition, it is planned to provide psychological assistance to other categories of vulnerable VoTs, regardless of their participation in criminal proceedings on TiP cases. 

In this regard, the task of providing comprehensive psychological assistance will be performed by a National Expert with appropriate educational background and experience in psychological work with victims of crimes, including those related to TiP.

Objective of Assignment: 
The national expert will provide a range of psychological services to the most vulnerable VoTs, including those who are involved in the examination of cases related to trafficking in persons (TiP) within the criminal and civil proceedings of the Republic of Tajikistan (during the preliminary investigation and in the court of first instance). This responsibility includes providing a full range of psychological counseling and referral support to VoTs suffering from mental disorders and having psychological trauma/disorders as a result of the crime committed. It is expected that the national expert will develop and send to the staff of the OSCE Anti-Trafficking Project periodical reports on the results of psychological assistance provided to VoTs.

Duration of Assignment:
3 months in the period from 15 February 2024 to 15 May 2024.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the National Anti-Trafficking Officer of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, the National Expert will perform the following tasks:

1. Directly providing comprehensive psychological rehabilitation assistance to the most vulnerable VoTs, including those who are involved in the examination of cases related to TiP  in the framework of criminal and civil proceedings of the Republic of Tajikistan (during preliminary investigation in the courts of first instance). The complex of psychological services should include:

• psychological consultation
• psychotherapy
• psychological diagnosis
• psychological correction
• crisis intervention
• psychological training
• psychological rehabilitation

2. Providing free psychological assistance to VoTs during the period of appointment and performance of their functions;

3. Taking the necessary measures to minimize and eliminate psychological trauma inflicted on victims, stabilize/rehabilitate their psycho-emotional state, as well as meet other victims' needs for psychological assistance at the stage of identification, referral, protection and reintegration;

4. Promoting through the services provided the fullest possible restoration of abilities, improvement of the quality of life and self-esteem, improvement of social adaptation and integration into society, prevention of the development of persistent personality disorders and negative changes in the life style of VoTs;

5. Taking into account the peculiarities of work with minor VoTs;

6. In necessary cases, with the permission of the interrogating officer, investigator, prosecutor and judge, be involved in providing emergency psychological assistance to VoTs involved in the proceedings;

7. Acting conscientiously and delicately when providing services to VoTs (especially minors), avoiding harm to their health and legitimate interests;

8. Maintaining the confidentiality of data of VoTs (do not disclose information that became known in the course of work with VoTs) in the manner prescribed by the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan;

9.  Providing other assistance necessary to ensure effective psychological rehabilitation and resocialization of VoTs;

10. On monthly basis providing general statistic information on support provided to beneficiaries;

11. On a quarterly basis, providing the staff of the OSCE Anti-Trafficking Project with a report on the work done and the results of the psychological assistance provided.

Deliverables:

• VoTs were provided with comprehensive, high-quality and effective psychological assistance;
•  A completed report submitted on a quarterly basis on the results of the rendered psychological assistance, to track the results of the services provided;
• The final report on the work done, submitted after the completion of all duties under this ToR;

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, please see: https://www.osce.org/programme-office-in-dushanbe 

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in psychology and/or related sciences;
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in providing psychological and rehabilitation assistance to victims of TiP;
• Good organizational and communication skills;
• Ability to work under stress and complete tasks under tight deadlines;
• Knowledge of Tajik and Russian languages;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications;
• Experience working with international organizations will be an advantage;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.