Technical Consultant for the Development of Online Counselling Services

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 Australian 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 in Timor-Leste (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

This consultancy will provide technical expertise to finalize a draft SOP for online counselling, develop accompanying reference materials, and design training modules for online counselling. The training modules will be closely aligned with Nabilan's existing GBV and counselling training curricula. Fokupers and PRADET should be consulted on an ongoing basis throughout the process as key implementers of the future service.

Key Responsibilities

July-October

• Review the draft SOP and make recommendations for revision based on best practice and the Timorese context
• Based on agreement with TAF, revise the SOP
• Provide technical inputs and guidance on key points for consultation and testing with partners during the training development process
• Develop supplementary materials to be included in the SOP (either as annexes or a separate reference guide). Topics may include: safety planning, cases involving children/family in Timor, pregnancy in Australia, suicide, basics on visa/legal status, translation services
• Develop training modules for online counselling

November-December

• Orient the in-country TAF staff to deliver the training to Fokupers and PRADET counsellors
• Provide recommendations into actual testing of the services (i.e. starting with practice calls, then progressing to real callers) and adjustments based on testing

Requirements

• A master's degree in social work, social science, community or international development, gender studies, or a related field
• A minimum of 10 years' relevant experience working in the GBV prevention and response sector
• Experience working with labour mobility schemes
• Previous experience developing SOPs specific to GBV or related area
• Understanding of Labour Sending Units and the operating context for labour mobility schemes in home countries and in Australia
• Understanding of specific welfare and GBV risks associated with the labour mobility experience for workers and families
• Experience in developing and facilitating training for staff working in service delivery for women and children experiencing violence, as well as in mental health support
• Experience working in remote support service delivery
• High proficiency in English

Desirable

• A basic understanding of Tetum
• An understanding of partner program Nabilan's key approaches
• Understanding and knowledge of the Timor-Leste socio-economic and cultural context

Deliverables

• A workplan outlining the key steps and timelines
• A revised SOP for online counselling in English
• Associated annexes
• Online counselling modules (outline, session plan, associated materials/PPTs)
• A brief final report summarising outputs and outcomes and providing recommendations for ongoing action

Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report to the Labour Mobility Social Support Lead and work closely with the Senior Program Officer for Online Counselling. Regular check-ins and progress updates will be required.

Timeframe

30 days over six months, from July to December 2026.

Location

Remote support

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 international and national candidates.

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

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.