National Consultant for Conducting Health Service Availability and Readiness

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, particularly in regions facing public health risks.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Governments of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in generating evidence regarding the capacity of health systems in border areas to respond to the needs of migrants, mobile populations, and host communities. This position is part of a project aimed at addressing health threats in Central Asia, particularly focusing on the health service availability and readiness in selected border regions. The consultant will work under the supervision of the IOM Project Manager and will be responsible for contextualizing assessment methodologies, conducting field assessments, and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cross-border health communication and coordination. The consultant will also engage with various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the project objectives, which include improving health service availability and readiness for vulnerable groups in border communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including reviewing and contextualizing assessment methodologies and tools, conducting mapping of existing cross-border data sharing systems, and performing a desk review of relevant legislation and protocols. The consultant will also consolidate a list of priority infectious and endemic diseases, support the planning and organization of field activities, conduct field assessments, and validate data collected. Additionally, the consultant will prepare reports summarizing field activities and findings, develop an operational roadmap for improving health services, and facilitate stakeholder consultations and validation workshops on draft SOPs. The consultant will ensure that all activities align with the project objectives and contribute to cross-border cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Health Sciences, Social Sciences, or related fields such as public health or epidemiology. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in public health research, particularly in epidemiology and communicable diseases, is required. Demonstrated experience in conducting health service availability assessments, knowledge of WHO health facility assessment tools, and experience in data collection and management using digital platforms like KoboToolbox are essential. Strong analytical and report-writing skills, as well as experience working with international organizations and government institutions, are also necessary. Familiarity with cross-border health contexts and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders are highly valued.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Health Sciences, Social Sciences, or other relevant disciplines. Candidates should have a strong foundation in public health, epidemiology, or related fields to effectively contribute to the project objectives and tasks.

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 health service availability assessments and experience in public health emergency preparedness and infection prevention and control. Experience working in cross-border health contexts and with migrant populations is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and either Uzbek or Tajik is mandatory for this consultancy. Proficiency in Russian is considered an asset. The language skills will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure effective communication and collaboration with 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 aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. Late applications will not be accepted, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.