Background
The Nabilan (Ending Violence Against Women and Children-EVAWC) Program began in 2014 and has now begun Phase IV (2026-2030). Nabilan is an Australian aid initiative implemented by The Asia Foundation in Timor-Leste on behalf of the Government of Australia and in collaboration with the Government of Timor-Leste. Nabilan's Phase IV goal is that "Women and children in Timor-Leste, in their diversity, enjoy gender equality and live free from violence".
Summary of Assignment
Work under the Nabilan Services pillar contributes to the End of Program Outcome: "Women and children experiencing violence receive timely, coordinated and inclusive services that keep them safe and support recovery and justice". In Phase IV, Nabilan has an enhanced focus on strengthening access for women with disabilities experiencing violence to safe, appropriate and inclusive VAWC response services, as part of a broader commitment to disability inclusion across the VAWC response system.
Working closely with relevant team members, the consultant will develop Nabilan's Phase IV Disability Strategy that will provide an overarching strategy and focus and consolidate and build on the actions identified in the Disability Action Plan developed in 2025. The strategy will provide a practical, prioritised framework for strengthening disability inclusion across Nabilan's programming, with particular attention to improving access to response services for women with disabilities experiencing violence.
Key Responsibilities
- Review relevant documents including the National Disability Action Plan 2021-2030, Nabilan's current Disability Action Plan and relevant Nabilan Phase IV program documents, evidence and partner inputs, including the report on the 2024 consultation.
- Consult with Nabilan staff, Nabilan partners, disability inclusion stakeholders and, where appropriate, representatives of women with disabilities to identify priorities, opportunities and constraints.
- Develop a practical Phase IV Disability Strategy that consolidates input and recommendations from the document review and consultations, including the 2025 Disability Action Plan commitments, and sets out the strategy and focus, priority actions, roles, timelines and monitoring considerations.
- Ensure the strategy includes specific guidance on strengthening safe, accessible and inclusive response pathways and services for women with disabilities experiencing violence, and guidance on how to effectively strengthen disability inclusion in prevention programming.
- Ensure that the strategy meets DFAT requirements and is broadly in line with the approach to disability strategies used by DFAT funded programs.
- Provide a final presentation or briefing to Nabilan on the proposed strategy, implementation priorities and recommended next steps.
- Provide a final report or briefing note on the process.
Requirements
- University master's degree in social work, disability studies, social science, community or international development, gender, public policy or a related field.
- A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in disability inclusion, gender equality, women's rights and/or VAWC response programming, including experience developing strategies, action plans or implementation frameworks.
- Demonstrated understanding of barriers faced by women with disabilities experiencing violence, including barriers to safe shelter, referral pathways, case management and recovery support, and inclusion in prevention programming.
- Understanding and knowledge of the Timor-Leste socio-economic and cultural context; understanding of the VAWC and disability inclusion context in Timor-Leste is highly desirable.
- A personal commitment to feminist values and principles, promoting gender equality and modelling personal behaviours consistent with the program focus.
- A commitment to working respectfully and collaboratively with individuals and organisations at a range of levels.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English; Tetum desirable
Deliverables
- A proposed strategy development approach submitted in week 1, including proposed consultation approach, document review plan and strategy outline.
- Draft Phase IV Disability Strategy, including strategy and focus, priority actions, roles, timelines and monitoring considerations.
- Presentation of the draft Strategy to Nabilan
- Final Phase IV Disability Strategy, incorporating feedback from Nabilan and relevant stakeholders.
- A final report or briefing note summarising the consultation process, key findings, strategy decisions and recommended next steps for implementation.
Reporting and Coordination
The consultant will report to the Nabilan Team Leader, working closely with the Nabilan senior team and Services pillar team. Regular check-ins and progress updates will be required.
Timeframe
Approximately 15 days to be completed by end of October 2026.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in English to [email protected] by 24 August 2026.
Applications must include a cover letter and CV with three contactable referees.
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
