Consultancy to provide Technical assistance for the expansion of a Psychosocial Support Counselling Pilot Initiative for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Persons in Jamaica

THE UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND (UNFPA)

Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean invites applications from suitably qualified individuals

Purpose of Consultancy

Technical assistance for the development of a Peer Psychosocial Support Counselling Pilot Initiative for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Persons in Jamaica.

Background (Abbreviated)

Considerable evidence exists that transgender persons experience worse health disparities and outcomes than heterosexual persons in every country across the globe. 

Some global findings regarding transgender persons include

• Higher rates of depression, anxiety, smoking, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, suicide, and suicidal ideation as a result of chronic stress, social isolation, and disconnectedness from a range of health and support services.
• Transgender women are at higher risk of HIV and other STIs, including viral hepatitis.
• Elderly transgender individuals face additional barriers to health because of isolation and a lack of social services and culturally competent providers. 
• Lack of support from families or communities drives transgender youth to be significantly more likely to be homeless, which results in other social and health problems. 
• Transgender individuals have a high prevalence of HIV/STIs, victimization, and mental health issues and are less likely to have health insurance than heterosexual persons.
• Transgender individuals are also at higher risk of being unemployed, experiencing discrimination in the workplace, and being victims of violence in the community.

Scope of work, et al

1. A mapping of social protection and trans-friendly psychosocial services in Jamaica including similar initiatives of JFLAG/Equality Jamaica.

• A Peer Psychosocial Support Counselling Guide  on mental health and psychosocial well-being issues in respect of transgender and gender non-conforming persons, including Frequently Asked Questions and referral pathways for social protection and GBV services in Jamaica. The Guide will address trans-friendly psychosocial services including for significant others, family members, and friends (SOFFAs) of transgender and gender non-conforming persons.

2. Capacity building workshops conducted for the operationalisation of the Peer Psychosocial Support Counselling Guide including a Facilitators’ Manual, presentations and handouts.

Psychosocial counselling sessions held for staff members and volunteers of TransWave Jamaica to help them to mitigate the emotional well-being and mental health issues that they may be experiencing.  

To apply, kindly submit an letter of application with Resume to:

Vacancy #: 2021/Peer-Trans/0019

14-20 Port Royal Street, Kingston, Jamaica

Email:  vacancy.sroc@unfpa.org

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Note:

• There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. 
• UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status. 
• UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.