Empanelment field counsellor; engagement

Position: Empanelment of a field counsellor (need based engagement)
Last date of application: 20th Feb 2026

Tarutium Global Consulting is implementing a UNICEF supported study on community perceptions, drivers, and motivators of disaster risk resilience and response in the context of climate change induced extreme weather events, in selected locations in Assam and Odisha. The study involves primary fi eldwork with community members and local stakeholders, using qualitative and mixed methods such as in depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interactions.

Discussions may cover lived experiences of extreme events, losses and disruptions, displacement, safety and protection concerns, access to services, and recovery challenges.

Given the nature of the study, some conversations may be emotionally sensitive and may trigger distress or trauma responses, particularly among vulnerable groups (including children and adolescents, women, older persons, persons with disabilities, and households with recent disaster losses). To ensure the study is conducted ethically and safely, it is important to have access to a trained mental health professional who can support participants if distress arises, and who can guide the fi eld team on trauma informed engagement and safe handling of sensitive disclosures.

Nature of engagement

This engagement is need based and not a mandatory full time deployment during fieldwork. The counsellor will remain on call on survey days to provide immediate guidance and support. The counsellor will be deployed only when required, such as in situations where a participant experiences significant distress, a sensitive disclosure emerges, or the field team needs in person support to manage an ethically complex interaction.

In addition, the counsellor will provide scheduled check ins and debriefs (remote or in person, as feasible) to support investigator wellbeing, reduce secondary trauma risks, and strengthen trauma informed field protocols.

Indicative Responsibilities

The counsellor is expected to:

Provide immediate psychological first aid and emotional support to participants, when needed.
Advise investigators on trauma informed interviewing, safe probing, and respectful closure of interviews when distress occurs.
Support the establishment and use of a basic referral pathway to appropriate local services, where required, while maintaining confidentiality.
Participate in periodic team check ins and debriefs to support investigator wellbeing and improve fi eld practices for sensitive interviews.
Flag ethical risks to the project team and suggest practical mitigation measures.

We are seeking two qualified counsellors, one for each study location:

Jagatsinghpur District, Odisha (fluency in Odia)
Dhemaji District, Assam (fluency in Assamese)

The professionals should be trained and registered as applicable (clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, psychiatric social worker, or equivalent) and have demonstrated experience in community-based work, crisis or trauma-sensitive support, and the ethical and confi dential handling of sensitive disclosures. Strong familiarity with local socio-cultural contexts and the ability to coordinate with fi eld teams in district settings will be required.

Interested professionals may share the following details by email to Manisha Taheem at  [HIDDEN TEXT]

Brief profile and qualifications
Relevant experience (especially disaster, trauma, gender, child safeguarding, or community mental health)
Location and ability to support in Assam or Odisha
Availability for on call support during the field period
Professional fees (need based engagement rates)