Consultant for Baseline Assessment of Access to Healthcare

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they join. IOM's mission includes addressing the challenges of migration, enhancing the understanding of migration issues, and providing support to governments in managing migration effectively. The organization is committed to ensuring that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified, and it works to strengthen the capacity of countries to manage migration and protect the rights of migrants.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be engaged to develop a comprehensive baseline assessment of access to healthcare for various categories of foreigners in Serbia, including asylum seekers, refugees, irregular migrants, and migrant workers. This assessment is crucial for understanding the rights to healthcare of these groups and mapping the existing legal frameworks that regulate their access to healthcare services. The consultant will analyze current practices, identify gaps in the legal provisions, and highlight areas for improvement in institutional coordination between migration and health authorities. The findings from this assessment will inform future policy development and help address the identified gaps in healthcare access for migrants, ultimately contributing to better integration and protection of these populations in Serbia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Mapping and reviewing existing legal frameworks and regulations that provide access to healthcare for each migrant group, including mental health services.
• Identifying gaps in legal provisions and actual practices, particularly for vulnerable groups facing significant obstacles in accessing healthcare.
• Mapping the institutional framework and roles of key stakeholders, including the health insurance fund.
• Assessing practices regarding access to primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare, including the availability of mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support services for different migrant groups.
• Conducting interviews or focus group discussions with key stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, civil society actors, and healthcare providers.
• Mapping challenges, gaps, and good practices in providing healthcare to migrants, including mental healthcare provision.
• Producing a comprehensive baseline assessment report summarizing findings with actionable recommendations for improving access to healthcare and institutional coordination.
• Presenting draft findings to IOM, the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, and the Ministry of Health for feedback.
• Finalizing the report by incorporating comments and ensuring it is suitable for policy use.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess a university degree in Law, Medicine, or a relevant field, along with a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in healthcare or a comparable field. The candidate should have previous experience in migration, particularly in migration health, focusing on legal protection and integration. Additionally, sound experience in research, especially in human rights in the context of migration, is essential. Experience working with international organizations, particularly the UN and EU institutions, is also required. Strong analytical, writing, and reporting skills are necessary, along with the ability to convey information clearly and succinctly. The consultant should demonstrate the ability to foster collaboration and facilitate discussions on sensitive topics, adapting content to various audiences.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Law, Medicine, or any other relevant field is required for this position. The educational background should be complemented by a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in healthcare or a comparable field, ensuring that the consultant has the necessary knowledge and expertise to conduct the baseline assessment effectively.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, particularly in migration health, legal protection, and integration. Previous experience in research, especially related to human rights in the context of migration, is essential. The candidate should also have experience working with international organizations, particularly the UN and EU institutions, which will be beneficial for understanding the context and requirements of the consultancy.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Serbian is mandatory for this position. The IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages may be evaluated during the selection process, which could include written and/or oral assessments. The ability to communicate effectively in both English and Serbian is crucial for conducting interviews and discussions with stakeholders in Serbia.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy tasks are expected to be performed between December 2025 and January 2026, with a total of up to 30 working days allocated for the entire assignment. The fee for the consultancy will be paid in one installment upon the satisfactory completion of the tasks as specified in the terms of reference, and this will be endorsed by the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration and IOM. Travel is not required for this position. It is important to note that any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation, and the appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned government, where applicable. IOM covers consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. However, consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses and must provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment, and does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.