Disability Inclusion Consultant

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 encompass over 173 member states and operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and their communities. IOM's mission includes addressing the challenges of migration, enhancing the protection of migrants, and fostering international cooperation on migration issues. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, working across various sectors including humanitarian response, development, and migration management.

Job Overview:
The Disability Inclusion Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting IOM's Protection Unit in Pakistan, specifically focusing on enhancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities within the organization's protection programming. This position involves conducting comprehensive research to assess the protection risks faced by individuals with disabilities, as well as evaluating their access to essential services. The consultant will be responsible for designing and implementing a research study that aims to gather evidence-based insights and actionable recommendations to improve the protection outcomes for persons with disabilities. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including organizations representing persons with disabilities, to ensure that the research is inclusive and accessible. The consultant will also be expected to produce detailed reports summarizing the findings and recommendations, which will inform IOM's ongoing and future interventions in the field of disability inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will undertake a variety of tasks to fulfill the objectives of the consultancy. These include designing data collection tools such as Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), mapping participants and field locations across target provinces, and coordinating with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to ensure inclusive data collection. The consultant will prepare an Inception Report outlining the methodology, sampling, tools, and workplan, and will conduct and coordinate data collection activities that prioritize diversity and accessibility. The consultant will analyze protection risks, needs, and challenges faced by persons with disabilities, assess barriers to accessing essential services, and develop practical recommendations for IOM and its partners. Additionally, the consultant will produce a comprehensive report summarizing the findings and may support dissemination efforts through presentations or workshops.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in research, protection, or disability inclusion, with a minimum of five years of professional experience in relevant fields. They should demonstrate expertise in conducting qualitative research and analysis, particularly with marginalized populations. Knowledge of disability inclusion frameworks, protection principles, and accessibility standards is essential. Previous experience working with IOM, UN agencies, or other international organizations is considered an advantage. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of the sociopolitical context of Pakistan and the dynamics of Afghan displacement, along with a commitment to ethical research principles.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, International Development, Disability Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution is required. A Master’s degree in a relevant field will be considered an advantage, providing candidates with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding disability inclusion and protection issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in research, protection, or disability inclusion within humanitarian or development contexts. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in qualitative research methodologies and a proven track record of working with vulnerable populations, particularly persons with disabilities.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Urdu is mandatory for this position, as data collection may be conducted in these languages. Working knowledge of Pashto or other local languages is advantageous, as it may facilitate better communication with diverse communities. Proficiency in the required languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy may involve travel to various provinces in Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan, Sindh, Punjab, and the Islamabad Capital Territory. The appointment is subject to funding confirmation and the candidate's medical fitness for the role. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses under its Compensation Plan, but consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational incidents. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.