Title of Project: Embedding Trauma Informed Practice in the provision of accommodation for International Protection Applicants in Ireland.
Overall Purpose and Scope of Assignment: The consultant will play a crucial role in the delivery of a project to be implemented by UNHCR Ireland, funded by the European Commission (DG Reform TSI Instrument), which aims to embed trauma informed practice in the provision of accommodation to applicants for international protection in Ireland. Central to the achievement of this aim will be the development of a training framework, materials, and resources for delivery to International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) officials and private service provider staff on trauma informed approaches in the provision of accommodation to international protection applicants.
IPAS staff will be responsible for achieving the outcomes contributing to the long-term impact of this Project, by following the necessary actions to ensure the implementation of the outputs linked to this Project and subsequent enforcement of wider policies, which remain outside the responsibility of the European Commission and UNHCR. To support them in this, train-the-trainer capacity-building support will be delivered to government officials working on the relevant training team and training will be delivered jointly with them to all IPAS staff.
The expected long-term effects of this Project (impact) are:
• IPAS and private service providers staff are better prepared and supported when working with applicants with mental health conditions including those related to psychological trauma.
• IPAS residents with mental health and psychosocial conditions are better supported.
• IPAS residents with mental health and psychosocial needs and conditions experience less distress.
In addition, the Project is expected to produce additional effects in short and / or medium term (outcome). The outcomes are the following:
• The impact of adversity, distress and traumatic events is recognised and understood by all IPAS staff and private service providers.
• IPAS residents with mental health and psychosocial problems and conditions, including those related to trauma, are supported in their recovery process.
• Burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma and related mental health issues among staff related to working with individuals affected by trauma are recognised and addressed in the workplace.
Tasks and responsibilities of the consultant:
- Hold government and stakeholders’ inception interviews: Feb 2025
- Draft an Inception Report: Mar 2025
- Participate in Advisory Group and Expert Advisory Committee meetings (throughout)
- Research and draft a report setting out the academic basis of the training curriculum to be developed and recommendations for its practical application in the specific context concerned: June 2025
- Develop a training framework setting out the expected knowledge, skills and behaviours appropriate to IPAS and private service provider staff by reference to their level of responsibility and the level of direct or substantial contact they have with persons who may be affected by trauma: August 2025
- Develop a comprehensive training curriculum including guidance for trainers and a range of learning tools and resources designed to support the achievement of the learning and performance objectives: December 2025
- Deliver train-the-trainer capacity building sessions to IPAS training team staff: March 2026
- Deliver joint training to IPAS staff members: April 2026
- Draft a final project report: April 2026
The consultant will work closely with UNHCR Mental Health & Psychosocial Support staff based in the Regional Bureau for Europe and in the Public Health Section, Division of Resilience and Solutions in Head Office, as well as a dedicated project manager and protection staff, including community-based protection staff, based in Ireland and the Regional Bureau for Europe.
How to apply
For further details, including required qualifications and work experience, and to apply, go to UNHCR’s careers page
