National Health Needs Assessment Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The National Health Needs Assessment Consultant will play a crucial role in conducting a mixed-method needs assessment of vulnerable groups and mobile populations, including migrant workers, in selected border communities of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. This position is part of a project aimed at addressing health threats in Central Asia, particularly focusing on the health needs and vulnerabilities of migrants and mobile populations. The consultant will be responsible for contextualizing and translating assessment methodologies, conducting field assessments, and generating evidence on health-related risks and barriers to accessing health services. The findings from this assessment will inform practical measures to strengthen health care services for migrants and improve community-based communicable disease prevention and response. The consultant will work under the supervision of IOM Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and will coordinate with an international consultant and various stakeholders throughout the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including reviewing and contextualizing assessment methodologies, conducting stock-taking and desk reviews of border health assessments, mapping key border communities, and conducting capacity development exercises on data collection tools. The consultant will also support the planning and organization of field activities, conduct assessments using qualitative and quantitative methods, clean and validate data, prepare field assessment reports, and participate in coordination meetings with stakeholders. The consultant will be expected to develop a joint strategy for reducing health risks among vulnerable populations and provide periodic progress updates throughout the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Health Sciences, including public health, epidemiology, or related disciplines. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in public health research, particularly in epidemiology and communicable diseases, is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in conducting needs assessments, health facility assessments, and knowledge of International Health Regulations (IHR). Experience in data collection and management using digital platforms like KoboToolbox is an asset, along with strong analytical and report-writing skills. Candidates should also have experience working with international organizations and government institutions in cross-border health contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Health Sciences, which encompasses fields such as public health, epidemiology, and other relevant disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of health needs assessments and the public health landscape in which the consultant will operate.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in public health research, with a focus on epidemiology, communicable diseases, and border health. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting or supporting health assessments and should be familiar with public health emergency preparedness and infection prevention and control. Experience in working with migrant and mobile populations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English, Uzbek/Tajik, and Russian is required for this consultancy. The proficiency in these languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure effective communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will cover occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, but consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. The appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its e-Recruitment system. Late applications will not be accepted, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.