Summary
The National Consultant will support coordination, scheduling and communication with the key stakeholders ahead of and during the two (2) week in-country mission (expected 14-25 September 2026). This will include accompanying the international advisors to Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and consultations – including in 2 provinces – and providing accurate Mongolian-English translation to support the data collection. The position is based in Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar and is a locally recruited role.
The National Consultant will report to the Principal Social Protection Specialist and will work closely with the Social Protection Specialist and UNICEF Mongolia Country Office.
To apply for this role, please submit your CV to tamzyn.willmott-daly@dt-global.com.
Closing Date: Tuesday, 18 August 2026, 11:59pm AEST, but applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Earlier submissions are highly encouraged.
Description
About SPARC
The Social Protection Advice, Research and Capability Building platform (the “SPARC platform”), is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and is implemented by Development Pathways. Among other objectives, the SPARC platform facilitates evidence generation to strengthen DFAT and DFAT Partner programming and policy engagement efforts related to social protection, poverty and community driven development, predominantly (but not exclusively) in Asia.
Background
The Government of Mongolia (GoM) is considering a number of major reforms to the country’s social protection system. In support of the ongoing reform process, UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Protection (MFLSP) to provide technical to strengthen the social protection system and lay the groundwork for proposed reforms.
To inform UNICEF’s technical support, UNICEF and SPARC are partnering to conduct a systematic mapping of existing care and support service packages for persons with disabilities (PWD) and children with disabilities (CWD) in Mongolia (“the Mapping”).
To conduct the Mapping, a series of Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), consultations and field observations will be conducted by two (2) international advisors during a two (2) week in-country mission (expected 14-25 September). Key stakeholders will include Government, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and service providers.
Purpose
The National Consultant is engaged to support coordination, scheduling and communication with the key stakeholders ahead of and during the in-country mission. This will include accompanying the international advisors to KIIs and consultations – including in 2 provinces – and providing accurate Mongolian-English translation to support the data collection. Travel and accommodation for fieldwork in two selected aimags will be arranged and provided.
Key Responsibilities
Coordination and Planning
- Support overall coordination and planning for the in-country visit, including confirming meetings with stakeholders, meeting locations and logistical needs.
- Coordinate all KIIs and consultations, including drafting introductions letters, scheduling meetings, confirming availability and managing follow-ups.
- Liaise with government officials, service providers and OPDs to ensure effective and well organised engagement.
Travel and Logistics
- Work alongside the international advisors throughout each day of the in-country visit.
- Travel with the international advisors within Ulaanbaatar and to selected aimags / provinces as required by the field visit itinerary.
- Assist with identifying appropriate meeting venues, ensuring suitability for KIIs and consultations (with support from UNICEF).
- Troubleshoot logistical issues such as changes in stakeholder availability or meeting venues.
- Provide practical guidance on local conditions, including travel times, cultural expectations and regional context considerations.
Translation and Communication
- Provide Mongolian-English translation during KIIs, consultations and field engagements.
- Ensure accurate, clear and culturally appropriate interpretation of technical, administrative and social care terminology.
- Facilitate clear communication between the international advisors and stakeholders.
Contextual Understanding
- Identify cultural or contextual consideration that may influence meeting dynamics or fieldwork planning.
- Provide practical understanding and insights of Mongolia’s social care system, including local norms, service structures and stakeholder expectations. (Desirable)
Skills, Experience and Behaviour
Essential
- Strong Mongolian-English translation and interpretation skills.
- Experience coordinating research or assessment activities (KIIs, meetings, schedules, field visits and / or stakeholder engagement activities).
- Experience coordinating stakeholder communication, including introduction letters, scheduling and follow ups.
- Highly organised and attention to detail.
- Experience in working collaboratively with international teams.
- Ability to summarise discussions or produce short notes when required.
- Professionalism, reliability and discretion when handling sensitive information.
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills.
Desirable
- Understanding of Mongolia’s social care system, social protection or community services.
- Experience supporting development projects, research activities or government consultations.
Reporting Line
The National Consultant will report to the Principal Social Protection Specialist and work closely with the Social Protection Specialist and UNICEF Mongolia Country Office. During the in-country visit, the National Consultant will work alongside the international advisors throughout each day of the mission and will support daily coordination, logistics, priorities and stakeholder engagement.
