Scam Expert / Technical Consultant
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Scam Expert / Technical Consultant
| Project | DVB Scam Awareness Initiative |
| Organisation | Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) |
| Position | Scam Expert / Technical Consultant |
| Contract duration | 12 months, subject to funding approval |
| Level of effort | Up to 60 working days over 12 months |
| Daily rate | Negotiable |
| Application deadline | 29 October 2026 |
| Application email | [email protected] |
Funding Approval and Recruitment Disclaimer
This consultancy opportunity is conditional on donor approval and confirmation of project funding. As the funding agreement has not yet been finalised, the proposed consultancy and recruitment process remain conditional.
DVB reserves the right to postpone, suspend, amend or withdraw this consultancy opportunity at any stage, including cancelling the recruitment process or deciding not to proceed with the appointment, should donor approval or funding not be secured, or for other operational or organisational reasons.
Issuance of this Terms of Reference, receipt of applications, or participation in the recruitment process does not constitute a commitment by DVB to make an appointment or enter into a consultancy agreement. Any appointment will be subject to confirmation of funding, internal approval and the signing of a formal consultancy agreement.
1. Background
The Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) is developing the DVB Scam Awareness Initiative, a 12-month programme designed to strengthen public awareness, digital safety and community resilience against scams, fraudulent recruitment and related forms of online fraud affecting Myanmar communities.
The initiative combines two complementary areas of work:
- Public information and community engagement: Producing accessible public-interest content, including explainer videos, graphics, podcasts, website articles, practical information materials and community engagement activities, to improve public understanding of scam methods, warning signs and prevention measures.
- Analysis, accountability and documentation: Monitoring scam and fraudulent recruitment trends, producing research briefs, undertaking investigative journalism and documentary production, and documenting relevant evidence to improve public understanding of scam-related risks and their wider implications.
DVB intends to engage a Scam Expert / Technical Consultant to provide specialised subject-matter knowledge, technical advice and analytical support throughout the implementation period. The consultant will work with the project team, researchers, journalists and production staff to strengthen the accuracy, relevance and practical value of programme outputs.
2. Objective of the Consultancy
The objective of this consultancy is to provide specialised technical and subject-matter support on scams, cyber fraud, fraudulent recruitment and related developments, ensuring that the initiative's research, investigations and public information materials are informed by current knowledge, credible evidence and practical expertise.
The consultant will support the project team in interpreting emerging scam trends, identifying relevant issues for investigation and public education, reviewing technical content, and translating specialist knowledge into clear and accessible information for Myanmar audiences.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant will work with DVB's project team throughout the 12-month implementation period. Responsibilities will include the following areas.
3.1 Scam Trends and Technical Analysis
- Advise the project team on emerging scam trends, scam methods, cyber fraud and fraudulent recruitment patterns affecting Myanmar communities.
- Provide technical insight into relevant developments, operational methods, warning signs and potential risks to individuals and communities.
- Help identify emerging issues and knowledge gaps that may warrant further research, investigation or public information content.
- Support the interpretation of information gathered through monitoring, research, expert consultations and other credible sources.
- Recommend relevant topics and approaches for public education and investigative reporting.
3.2 Research Briefs and Analytical Products
- Provide technical input into the preparation of two research briefs planned under the project.
- Advise on research questions, relevant evidence, technical terminology, analytical approaches and the interpretation of findings.
- Review draft research briefs and provide comments to improve factual accuracy, analytical clarity and practical relevance.
- Identify areas requiring further verification, clarification or consultation with relevant experts.
- Help ensure that conclusions are proportionate to the available evidence and that limitations or uncertainties are clearly recognised.
3.3 Major Investigation and Documentary
- Provide technical advice during the development of the project's major investigation and related video or documentary production.
- Support the identification and interpretation of relevant scam-related practices, evidence and potential lines of inquiry.
- Advise researchers and journalists on technical questions arising during the investigation and help identify appropriate sources of specialist information.
- Review relevant technical claims and factual explanations in draft investigative materials.
- Provide technical feedback during verification, drafting and pre-publication review, including identifying claims that require additional evidence or clarification.
- Advise the team on the accurate and responsible presentation of scam-related issues in documentary and multimedia formats.
The specific focus of the major investigation will be determined by DVB based on the strength of available evidence, public-interest value, feasibility and safety considerations.
3.4 Expert Consultations and Knowledge Support
- Contribute specialist knowledge to at least five expert consultations planned under the project, as appropriate to the consultant's expertise and agreed assignments.
- Help the project team identify relevant technical experts, researchers and other knowledgeable sources for consultation.
- Provide advice on questions and issues requiring specialist clarification.
- Share relevant knowledge and practical insights with DVB researchers, journalists and production staff.
- Support the team's ability to recognise and interpret emerging scam-related developments throughout the project period.
3.5 Public Information and Multimedia Content
- Provide technical advice for explainers, podcasts, public information materials, graphics, website articles and other relevant programme outputs.
- Review selected content to help ensure that explanations of scam methods, warning signs, prevention measures and related risks are accurate and understandable.
- Recommend practical, evidence-informed messages that audiences can use to recognise, avoid or respond to potential scams.
- Advise on how complex or evolving scam-related issues can be communicated clearly to different audience groups.
- Support consistency and factual accuracy across research outputs and public information content.
3.6 Evidence, Verification and Responsible Practice
- Advise the project team on assessing the reliability, relevance and limitations of scam-related information and evidence.
- Identify technical claims that require corroboration or additional expert review.
- Provide advice on responsible use of open-source information and other research materials within the consultant's expertise.
- Help the team distinguish verified information, credible indications, allegations and unconfirmed claims.
- Flag technical, ethical or safety concerns that may affect research, reporting or publication.
- Respect DVB's editorial procedures, source-protection practices, confidentiality requirements and applicable safeguarding standards.
The consultant's role is advisory and technical. The consultancy does not involve law-enforcement functions, criminal investigations on behalf of authorities, surveillance, undercover operations, victim rescue or case management.
4. Deliverables and Indicative Timeline
The consultant will provide advice and technical inputs against the following project milestones. Assignments will be agreed with the Project Lead, taking into account the consultant's available working days and the needs of the project.
| Period | Indicative deliverables and responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | Initial technical briefing; advice on scam trends, priority issues, research questions and a proposed schedule of technical support. |
| Weeks 1–16 | Ongoing technical advice on scam monitoring and emerging developments; input into the first research brief, expected around Week 16. |
| Weeks 9–32 | Technical and analytical support for the major investigation, including advice on relevant scam practices, research questions, evidence interpretation and expert sources. |
| Around Week 34 | Technical comments on the second research brief, including review of factual claims, analysis and areas requiring clarification. |
| Weeks 33–39 | Technical review and feedback during investigation verification, drafting and documentary production; advice on accuracy and responsible presentation of findings. |
| Throughout the 12-month period | Technical input into relevant explainers, podcasts, website articles and other public information materials; contributions to at least five expert consultations, as agreed. |
| By the end of the consultancy | Final technical advisory report summarising the support provided, key technical observations, emerging issues and recommendations for future work. |
The timing of individual assignments may be adjusted in consultation with the Project Lead to reflect implementation needs, evidence availability, editorial considerations and production schedules.
The consultant is expected to provide timely technical feedback on agreed assignments. The final number and format of individual inputs will be proportionate to the agreed scope of work and the available 60 working days.
5. Level of Effort and Working Arrangements
The consultancy will cover a period of 12 months, subject to confirmation of funding and execution of a formal consultancy agreement, with a maximum allocation of 60 working days.
The assignment is intermittent and deliverable-based rather than full-time. Working days will be scheduled according to project milestones and agreed tasks.
An indicative allocation of the 60 working days is as follows:
| Period | Indicative working days |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–8: Initial briefing, trend analysis and research priorities | 6 |
| Weeks 9–16: Monitoring support and first research brief | 10 |
| Weeks 17–32: Investigation support, evidence interpretation and consultations | 18 |
| Weeks 33–40: Second research brief, verification, documentary and investigation review | 16 |
| Weeks 41–52: Follow-up technical advice, knowledge sharing and final report | 10 |
| Total | 60 days |
This allocation is indicative and may be adjusted by mutual agreement to respond to the project's actual needs and milestones. The total must not exceed 60 working days without prior written authorisation from DVB.
Before each assignment, the consultant and Project Lead will agree on the task, expected output, estimated working days and timeline.
6. Reporting and Coordination
The consultant will report to the designated Project Lead and coordinate with relevant researchers, journalists, editors and production staff.
The consultant will:
- Provide technical advice and deliverables in accordance with agreed assignments.
- Communicate findings and recommendations clearly and promptly.
- Participate in relevant project meetings or consultations when agreed in advance.
- Inform the Project Lead of any emerging technical concerns, significant uncertainties or risks affecting the assignment.
- Maintain appropriate records of working days and completed tasks for review and payment.
DVB retains full responsibility for editorial decisions, publication, final content, source protection and project management. The consultant's role is to provide specialist advice and does not include authority to approve or publish content on behalf of DVB.
7. Required Qualifications and Experience
The consultant should demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:
- Substantial knowledge or professional experience in scams, cyber fraud, online fraud, fraudulent recruitment, trafficking-related scam operations or closely related fields.
- Strong understanding of scam methods, emerging trends, risk indicators and the impacts of scams on individuals and communities.
- Experience in research, analysis, investigations, technical advisory work or related professional assignments.
- Ability to assess information critically and explain complex technical issues clearly.
- Experience reviewing reports, investigations, public information materials or other evidence-based outputs.
- Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, journalists, editors and multimedia production teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Understanding of confidentiality, source protection, ethical research and responsible communication of sensitive information.
Experience related to Myanmar, Southeast Asia, cross-border scam operations, fraudulent recruitment or affected communities will be an advantage.
Relevant professional experience and demonstrated expertise will be considered alongside formal qualifications.
8. Ethical Standards, Confidentiality and Safeguarding
The consultant must comply with DVB's applicable policies and procedures, including requirements relating to confidentiality, safeguarding, professional conduct, source protection and responsible handling of information.
The consultant will:
- Treat non-public project information, research materials, source details and draft outputs as confidential.
- Obtain authorisation before sharing project information with third parties.
- Avoid disclosing information that could expose sources, affected individuals, staff or other stakeholders to unnecessary risk.
- Handle sensitive information responsibly and follow agreed information-security practices.
- Declare any actual or potential conflict of interest relevant to the consultancy.
- Avoid making unsupported allegations or presenting unverified information as established fact.
- Respect the dignity, privacy and safety of individuals affected by scams and fraudulent recruitment.
- Immediately raise any significant ethical, confidentiality or safety concerns with the Project Lead.
Any external use or publication of information obtained through the consultancy requires prior authorisation from DVB.
9. Ownership of Work and Confidentiality
All reports, technical notes, research inputs, written contributions and other work products prepared specifically under this consultancy will be provided to DVB and managed in accordance with the consultancy agreement.
DVB will retain the right to use, adapt, edit, reproduce and publish these project-specific deliverables for its programme activities, subject to the agreed contract terms and applicable rights.
The consultant must not share, publish or otherwise use confidential project materials without prior written permission from DVB. The confidentiality obligation will continue after the consultancy ends.
10. Consultancy Fee and Payment Arrangements
The daily rate for this consultancy is negotiable. Applicants are invited to propose their own daily rate as part of their application, based on their experience and the level of specialist expertise offered.
This budget and any appointment are subject to donor approval, confirmation of funding and internal authorisation.
If the consultancy proceeds, payment will be based on verified working days, agreed assignments and satisfactory completion or acceptance of the relevant deliverables, in accordance with the signed consultancy agreement and DVB's financial procedures.
The consultant must maintain an accurate record of working days and tasks undertaken. Any travel or other reimbursable expenses must be agreed and approved by DVB in advance and will be subject to the approved project budget and applicable procedures.
No work beyond the agreed scope or 60-day allocation may be charged without prior written authorisation from DVB.
11. How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): outlining relevant professional experience, qualifications and expertise.
- Cover letter: explaining the candidate's suitability for the consultancy, relevant experience in scam-related issues, cyber fraud, fraudulent recruitment, research or related fields, availability to provide consultancy services over the proposed 12-month project period, and their proposed daily rate for the assignment.
Applications should be sent by email to [email protected] no later than 29 October 2026.
Applicants should note that this opportunity is conditional on donor approval and confirmation of funding. DVB reserves the right to postpone, suspend, amend or withdraw the opportunity, cancel the recruitment process, or decide not to proceed with an appointment in accordance with the disclaimer above.
Submission of an application does not constitute a commitment by DVB to make an appointment or enter into a consultancy agreement. Any appointment will be subject to confirmation of funding, internal approval and the signing of a formal consultancy agreement.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
