Consultant for Online Counselling Development Support

Background

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is a strategic partnership between Pacific nations and Australia, including Timor-Leste, offering mutual benefits by addressing labour shortages in Australia while providing Timorese workers with employment opportunities. In Timor-Leste, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) supports the Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program (PLMSP), implemented by Palladium International in partnership with the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE). The Asia Foundation (TAF) is providing support to strengthen efforts to promote safe labour mobility for workers and their families.

Building on the first year of implementation, the next phase will continue to strengthen protection, wellbeing, and support services for Timorese workers and their families, while applying lessons learned to refine future programming. It will focus on institutional strengthening, training and capacity development, sustained engagement with key stakeholders, alongside the further refinement of response, prevention, and reintegration approaches. The phase will also expand both in-person and remote support services, prioritizing practical, context-appropriate systems and partnerships.

Summary of Assignment

The consultant will serve as the main focal point at TAF to manage interactions with referral partners, technical experts, and government stakeholders. The consultant will provide technical and coordination support for the development of online counselling services for Timorese PALM workers and their families. Working closely with the senior technical consultant and the Labour Mobility team, the consultant will help ensure that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for online counselling, reference materials, and training content are practical, contextually appropriate, and aligned with the Timor-Leste service delivery environment. The consultant will play a key role in supporting local consultation, incorporating partner and stakeholder feedback, contextualizing materials for Timor-Leste, and assisting with preparation for training, co-facilitation of training sessions, and initial service testing.

Key Areas of Support and Leadership

• Support the review of the online counselling SOP to ensure it is relevant, practical, and appropriate to the Timor-Leste context, while maintaining best-practice standards and risk mitigation measures
• Contribute to drafting and revising SOP sections, annexes, guidance notes, and other supporting reference materials as agreed
• Ensure SOP guidance is aligned with relevant national guidance documents
• Support consultations with relevant stakeholders, including partner organisations, service providers, and government partners such as SEFOPE and the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, and document feedback clearly for integration into revised materials
• Assist in the development of training modules, session plans, case studies, and facilitator resources for online counselling
• Review draft training materials to ensure consistency with local terminology, partner capacity, and the intended operating model for the service
• Support preparation for and delivery of training to counsellors and relevant personnel, including leading the facilitation, session coordination, and follow-up on participant feedback
• Support the development of a plan for testing and trialling the service, including implementation considerations, referral processes, documentation needs, and operational risks
• Provide regular written and verbal updates on progress, emerging issues, and recommendations for adjustments during the development process
• Support the development of detailed supportive supervision tools
• Carry out close accompaniment and frequent support visits to counselling partners during the initial months of service provision

Requirements

• Certificate III in social services, welfare services, or a related undergraduate degree
• A minimum of 7 years' relevant experience working in the GBV prevention and response sector
• Experience working with referral network partners
• Understanding of specific welfare and GBV risks associated with the labour mobility experience for workers and families
• Demonstrated ability to draft, review, and revise technical documents and training materials in English
• Ability to adapt, refine and test approaches as a part of service delivery design
• Experience facilitating training for staff working in service delivery for women and children experiencing violence, as well as in mental health support
• Experience with adult learning techniques and participatory facilitation approaches
• A commitment to working respectfully and collaboratively with individuals and organisations at a range of levels
• Proficiency in English (verbal and written)

Deliverables

• A workplan outlining the key steps and timelines
• A revised SOP and associated annexes for online counselling in Tetun
• Consolidation of lessons learned from the online counselling training and testing process on a quarterly basis

Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report to the Labour Mobility Social Support Lead and work closely with a technical expert and other program staff.

Timeframe

250 days over 11 months: July 2026–June 2027

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in English to [email protected] on or before 16 July 2026.

Applications must include a cover letter (1 page max), CV (3 pages max), three contactable referees, and a proposed daily rate. This consultancy is open to Timorese nationals only.

A criminal record check will be required as part of the selection process.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. No phone calls or emails will be entertained.