Project Specialist

People with disabilities make up around 15 per cent of the world’s population, or estimated 1 billion people. They are the world’s largest minority (WHO). One of every 10 people in the world has a disability — some 650 million worldwide. Approximately 500 million are of working age (ILO, Facts on Disability in the World of Work). Historically, and even in the twenty-first century, people with disabilities are among the poorest of the world's poor. According to the United Nations (UN), up to 82% of people with disabilities living in less developed countries live below the poverty line. Their chances of escaping poverty are limited by many barriers and factors: physical and systemic barriers; negative social attitudes and lack of knowledge about the social nature of disability; lack of understanding of the importance of mainstreaming disability issues across policies and programmes, etc. Unfortunately, this puts people with disabilities in a situation of limited opportunities in terms of equal access to quality education, skills development (including life skills, professional skills), employment and participation in society.

In Turkmenistan, medical and social expert commissions (MSEC) recommend suitable occupations and jobs for people with disabilities. In addition, there are legal documents regulating working hours, vacation periods and other benefits that provide protective mechanisms to prevent damage to health of people with disabilities. At the same time, it is important to continue empowering people with disabilities for the full realization of their potential.

Special enterprises for people with disabilities, owned by organisations of people with disabilities (mainly the blind and deaf societies), provided jobs for people with disabilities (vision impaired, deaf or hearing impaired), and received support from the state in terms of procuring equipment, selling/distributing products through quotas guaranteed by state orders.

Turkmenistan acceded to the Convention on the Rights of People with disabilities (CRPD) in 2008 and ratified its optional Protocol in 2010. The Government of Turkmenistan has shown its commitment to promoting the human rights of people with disabilities by developing new and more inclusive strategies and models, as exemplified by the recently developed Concept of Inclusive Education; changes and amendments to the Code on Social Protection (2011), which stipulates increased benefits and support for people with disabilities; work on the National Disability Strategy; search for new employment models for people with disabilities, etc. The National Human Rights Action Plan for 2016-2020 was approved by the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan on 15 January 2016. Part I “Economic, social and cultural rights” stipulates the activities as follows:

(11) Incorporation of the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with disabilities in the national legislation of Turkmenistan, conducting a comparative analysis of laws.

(12) Verification by the regulatory authorities of Turkmenistan of compliance with the provisions of Chapter 24 of the Code of Turkmenistan on social protection of the population in terms of access to social infrastructure for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

(13) Creating an enabling environment to ensure access to infrastructure for vulnerable groups (the elderly, people with disabilities, etc.).

(14) Development and implementation of vocational training courses in training programmes to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

(18) Development of a procedure for determining quotas for employers when hiring people most in need, including people with disabilities who are not able to compete on equal terms in the labour market.

The Blind and Deaf Society of Turkmenistan (BDST), the key national partner in this project, is a well-respected public association of people with disabilities, which plays an active role in protecting the rights of people with disabilities (blind and deaf) and contributes to their social and professional rehabilitation. The BDST was founded in 1932 with branches in all velayats of Turkmenistan. It is an active member of the Asian Union of the Blind (ABU) and the World Blind Union. The BDST accounts for over 3,300 members throughout the country.

The BDST is a leading organisation that provides employment opportunities to its members in its enterprises. The BDST has ten Training and Production Enterprises (TPE) in different velayats of Turkmenistan, which provide employment and limited vocational training to its members in two areas of production – sewing and cardboard printing/production. The quality of the final products makes them less competitive in the open market, since these TPEs operate out-dated equipment which needs upgrading. The premises themselves also require upgrading in many areas (accessibility, ventilation, electrical equipment, fire-fighting equipment, etc.) to meet current standards of operation and safety rules. These enterprises offer a limited number of jobs to their members: only 13% of the BDST[1] members work in these enterprises; among all employees of these enterprises, people with disabilities constitute only 68%. These enterprises also serve as basic training facilities for the BDST members. However, training opportunities and training options are limited, resulting in insufficient qualifications of the BDST members and limited employment opportunities in the open labour market in other industries.

In this regard, the BDST needs to improve knowledge and organisational capacity to support its members in an inclusive manner and lead the transformation of its enterprises into inclusive and competitive training centres in line with the requirements of the twenty-first century and an open market economy. In order to meet these requirements, the BDST will need to conduct a comprehensive market analysis and develop a strategy, but it has insufficient knowledge and capabilities to do this.

Summing up, it can be said that the challenge the BDST currently faces and which does not allow it to play a leading role in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities encompasses three areas:

1. The need to develop marketing strategies to compete successfully in a market economy.

2. The need to upgrade equipment operated at the BDST enterprises to produce competitive market products.

3. The need to improve professional skills of people with disabilities and increase the BDST organisational capacity for provision of such vocational training to people with disabilities.

II. Project strategy

With the view of addressing the gaps outlined above, UNDP will work together with the BDST to increase employment and income generation opportunities for people with disabilities in Turkmenistan through vocational training and creation of new employment opportunities as part of the two-year project titled "Towards decent work for people with disabilities in Turkmenistan: transforming social enterprises into meaningful training and employment opportunities" funded by the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund. The project will specifically aim to improve the economic activities of three social enterprises of the BDST, including the Training and Production Enterprise in Ashgabat that specializes in cardboard manufacturing and printing, and two sewing workshops of the Training and Production Enterprises in the cities of Mary and Turkmenabat. The project will also strengthen the BDST’s organizational capacity to better support its members and raise awareness of policy makers, employers and general public of the social model of disability and inclusive approaches to addressing existing barriers to quality vocational training and employment for people with disabilities.

The overall project target of increased employment and income relates to the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 1 – No Poverty (targets 1.1, 1.2 and 1.4, i.e. end poverty, ensure access to economic resources by all people, especially vulnerable groups); Goal 4 – Quality Education (targets 4.3 and 4.4, i.e. access to vocational education and decent work); Goal 8 – Decent Work for All (targets 8.5. and 8.6, i.e. employment of people with disabilities, reduce unemployed youth); Goal 10 – Reduce Inequality (targets 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3, i.e. ensure equal opportunities for all), Goal 17 – Partnership for the goals (targets 17.9, 17.16 and 17.17, i.e. SSC and PPP to achieve SDGs).

The project will aim to achieve the following outputs:

Output 1. Increased capacity of the BDST to help its members gain access to quality vocational training and decent work.

The Project will assess the capacity and develop an institutional development strategy for the Blind and Deaf Society of Turkmenistan. The Project will support the BDST in improving knowledge of its employees and members on disability issues, organisational development, gender equality, effective management, evaluation and planning, and outreach programmes. The Project will also help the BDST to better monitor its enterprises and establish new forms of partnerships with vocational educational institutions, the private and public sectors. The Project will also contract international and national experts to conduct an analysis of the resources of the BDST’s three enterprises, the current state of affairs and prospects for access to a wider market (national and possibly international). Accordingly, the experts will develop business and marketing strategies for three targeted social enterprises of the Blind and Deaf Society of Turkmenistan.

Output 2. Three selected Training and Production Enterprises (TPEs) of the BDST modernized and reequipped.

The Project will assess existing capacity and develop recommendations, including detailed specifications for procurement of new equipment for three enterprises: two sewing workshops in the cities of Mary and Turkmenabat and one cardboard and printing workshop in Ashgabat. These activities will be supported by national and international consultants. It is also planned to train the staff of the BDST to conduct accessibility checks. These workshops will also be equipped with new and modern equipment designed specifically to facilitate the work of people with visual and hearing impairments. Procurement of cardboard printing and sewing equipment will be carried out in accordance with the rules and procedures of UNDP. UNDP will provide all necessary assistance in preparing all required documentation for handing over the equipment to the BDST and its installation at the three facilities. Jointly with the Government of Turkmenistan, this will include customs clearance and all formalities for duty-free registration. UNDP staff, together with the BDST will regularly conduct general supervision of the work and ensure that it is carried out in accordance with all national standards and international best practices. UNDP, together with the BDST, will also ensure that the necessary certificates are obtained for the repaired facilities and equipment, as necessary. Upgrading these three enterprises, including technical support, availability and training opportunities will increase the safety of work, product quality, sales and economic stability of enterprises. This will also lead to improved working conditions, professional skills and future employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Output 3. Transformation plan for selected enterprise to become sustainable models of vocational skills training, supported employment and transition to an open market employment for people with disabilities.

Based on the operational marketing business strategies developed under Output 1 and the equipment procured under Output 2, the Project is expected to involve experts in the development of professional skills and training for people with disabilities in targeted social enterprises. The Project will also help develop training manuals to adapt them to the specific needs of people with disabilities. The Project will also produce the necessary training materials/teaching aids for three BDST enterprises, manuals for staff training, operation and maintenance of equipment. This Project will apply international experience in advanced business management and vocational training. In particular, the Project will invite international experts to conduct tailored training courses for trainers among employees of three enterprises, so that they become trainers for employees with disabilities, paying special attention to people with hearing/vision impairments. Moreover, based on marketing strategies, the Project will develop detailed business plans and capacity building action plans for each of the three enterprises to ensure efficient, effective and sustainable use of equipment, marketing of products and increase employment opportunities for potential employees.

In addition, in terms of offering vocational education and training to people with disabilities, the Project will strive to go beyond the three BDST enterprises and establish partnerships with existing vocational training institutions to adapt their curricula to the needs of people with disabilities. Practical training at three upgraded BDST enterprises or other private enterprises will supplement the theoretical training activities conducted in vocational and technical schools, as necessary.

Project Management Arrangements

The project will be carried out in the period of 2021-2022 under the national implementation modality (NIM). As the National Partner, the BDST will oversee all aspects of project implementation. The National Partner will appoint a staff member who will serve as a National Project Coordinator (NPC) in respective areas and be the lead individual responsible for overseeing the project.

Overall governance of the project will be carried out by the Project Board, which will include the National Partner, UNDP and representatives of the donor organization. The National Project Coordinator will serve as Chair of the Project Board for this project only, with assistance from UNDP in organizing and running all meetings and other exchanges of information. Meetings of the Project Board will take place at least twice a year, with one of them being convened for approval of the following year’s Annual Work Plan. Additional meetings may be called as needed by the NPC.

UNDP will join in managing the project and providing quality assurance in accordance with plans approved by the Project Board. Most of UNDP’s work for the project will be based in its Country Office (CO) in Ashgabat under the supervision of UNDP Resident Representative, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative, and UNDP Programme Analyst on Governance, Economic Diversification and Inclusive Growth, and management by UNDP Project Manager.

UNDP will engage national and international consultants to provide focused technical assistance to the project as needed. UNDP will also provide administrative support to the BDST with regard to various specific administrative functions (such as those involving procurement and financial management).

III. Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the guidance and supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Specialist will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the project in accordance with Annual Work Plans (AWP) so as to achieve the Project Objective and Outputs within the set timeframe and available budget. More specifically the Project Specialist will perform the following duties:

Output 1. Increased capacity of the BDST to help its members gain access to quality vocational training and decent work.

• Provide support to organization of missions, including online format, by international experts for assessment and development of plans for the BDST institutional capacity building and development of business strategies for marketing activities
• In consultation with technical and managerial staff of the BDST develop TORs for national experts for implementation of the above activities and ensure follow up on their recruitment
• Provide support to organization of workshops, including online format, by international and national experts for presentation of capacity development plans and business operational marketing strategies for the three Training-Production Enterprises (TPEs) of the BDST
• Provide support to organization of missions, including online format, by international experts for Disability Equality Trainings, including support for training of trainers and staff of the three TPEs of the BDST

Output 2. Three selected Training and Production Enterprises (TPEs) of the BDST modernized and reequipped.

• Provide support to organization of missions, including online format, by international experts for assessment of existing capacity and development of recommendations for procurement of cardboard and printing equipment for TPE No.1 in Ashgabat, and sewing equipment for two TPEs in the cities of Mary and Turkmenabat
• In consultation with technical and managerial staff of the BDST develop TORs for national experts for implementation of the above activities and ensure follow up on their recruitment
• Provide support to organization of missions, including online format, by international experts to conduct accessibility audit and develop implementation plan and recommendations for the three TPEs of the BDST
• Based on the recommendations by international and national experts, provide support to development of technical specifications for ITB and organization of tendering process for general overhaul of production areas in the three TPEs of the BDST
• Provide logistical support, if need be, to procurement and installation of equipment for three TPEs of the BDST

Output 3. Transformation plan for selected enterprise to become sustainable models of vocational skills training, supported employment and transition to an open market employment for people with disabilities.

• Provide support to organization of missions, including online format, by international experts for development of respective vocational curriculum and conducting Training for Trainers, and Trainings for Employees for skills development and equipment maintenance
• Provide support to organization of missions, including online format, by international experts for development of enterprise-level policies, procedures and protocols on training and hiring; production contracts; accessibility and disability accommodation; and conducting tailored job coach training for staff of the three TPEs of the BDST to become job coach for employees with disabilities, focusing particularly on persons with hearing/visual impairments
• In consultation with technical and managerial staff of the BDST develop TORs for national experts for implementation of the above activities and ensure follow up on their recruitment
• Contribute to development of partnerships with postsecondary vocational training institutions and employers to promote education and employment of people with disabilities
• Provide support to organization of Job Fairs and workshops for awareness raising and advocacy activities on employability of people with disabilities
• Provide support to organization of an international forum, including online format, to increase awareness on social model of disability and inclusive approaches among policy makers, employers, and general public

Overall project management:

• Provide support to management of project implementation and evaluation across all components and assurance of successful completion of the project in accordance with the stated outputs and performance indicators summarized in the Project Results Framework.
• Ensure regular communication and coordination with the National Partner, members of the Project Board, and all other partners and interested stakeholders, with regard to all project activities. Support to organization of Project Board meetings at least twice a year
• Support to preparation of Annual Work Plans, including monthly targets and deliverables as well as annual spending targets in accordance with the Project Document. Tracking of output progress throughout the year in light of these Annual Work Plans
• Provision of inputs to annual Project Implementation Reviews and other required progress reports to the Project Board and UNDP in accordance with applicable requirements, in all required languages (English, Russian, and/or Turkmen, using outside translation as needed)
• Ensure regular data collection and analysis, including gathering information/data on the number of project beneficiaries, disaggregated by sex, type of disability and region as well as other data for project reports and donors and public outreach via the mass media, events, and other means, to disseminate the results of the project
• Coordination of work of international and national experts, including online consultations by international experts
• Coordination of procurement of supplies, printing materials for trainings and workshops
• Provision of inputs to communication activities as per the Project Annual Work Plan 
• Provision of technical support to monitoring and site visiting activities
• Overall administration of the project office
• Support during the project evaluations, if any
• Travel within Turkmenistan, if required

Running a project:

• Plan the detailed actions according to annual work plans of the project approved by the Project Board and monitor progress against the initial quality criteria.
• Support to mobilization of goods and services to initiate activities, including drafting TORs and work specifications.
• Monitor events as determined in the Monitoring & Communication Plan, and update the plan as required.
• Manage requests for the provision of financial resources by UNDP, using advance of funds, direct payments, or reimbursement.
• Based on the review, provide inputs to preparation of AWPs for the following years, as well as Quarterly Plans if required.

Closing a Project:

• Support to preparation of Final Project Review Reports to be submitted and presented to the Project Board.
• Support to identification of follow-on actions and their submission to the Project Board for consideration.
• Support to management of the transfer of project deliverables, documents, files, equipment and materials to national beneficiaries.
• Support to preparation of final CDR for signature by UNDP and the National Partner.

• Technical expertise to appreciate project aims, ability to speak the “language” of experts
• Good analytical and planning skills, ability to set forecasts and refine/review them in the light of experience and further analysis
• Excellent interpersonal skills, being good communicator at all levels
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders
• Strong results-orientation and team building skills
• Good judgment and ability to work under pressure

Education:

• University degree in Social Science, Public Administration, Economic Development, International Development, Development Studies, and other related fields

Experience:

• 4 years of progressive experience in the area of social protection, social inclusion and integration of people with disabilities and disability policy, etc.
• Skills in organization, planning and supervision of work of consultants
• Advanced usage of information technology as a tool and resource; demonstrable skills in office computer use - word processing, spread sheets, etc.

Languages:

• Fluency in Russian and Turkmen in reading, writing, and speaking.
• Good command of English.

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