Consultant for Improving Migration Governance and Access to Services

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 offices in over 100 countries. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities that host them. IOM's mission in Tajikistan is particularly focused on supporting the government in addressing migration issues, enhancing social cohesion, and improving access to services for displaced populations, particularly in the context of the Comprehensive Action Plan for Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries (CAP) and the Regional Refugee Response Plan for Afghanistan (RRP).

Job Overview:
The consultant's role is pivotal in supporting IOM's project aimed at improving migration governance and access to services for displaced Afghans in Pakistan and Central Asia. This position involves empowering communities, particularly vulnerable populations, and enhancing social cohesion between Tajik and Afghan communities. The consultant will work on integrating mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support (MHPSS) into livelihood initiatives, promoting social initiatives, and ensuring effective coordination among various stakeholders. The consultant will also be responsible for mapping basic services and protection activities, providing direct assistance to vulnerable individuals, and facilitating community engagement through sensitization and problem-solving sessions. The overarching goal is to improve livelihoods and access to services for both Tajik and Afghan communities, with a specific focus on women and youth.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will perform a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: mapping the provision of basic services and protection activities at the micro level; disseminating information about available resources; providing direct assistance to vulnerable individuals and families; organizing sensitization and problem-solving group sessions; strengthening social networks; mapping socially supportive structures; identifying vulnerable cases and ensuring their access to protection services; coordinating community-based activities; providing technical guidance to community focal points and volunteers; conducting MHPSS needs assessments; and integrating MHPSS into livelihood support activities. The consultant will also be responsible for documenting outcomes and maintaining a database of vulnerable individuals and families.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in social sciences, social work, or a related field. Previous experience in social and protection activities, particularly with vulnerable populations, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate experience in coordinating activities with team members and community stakeholders, as well as knowledge of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs assessments and programming. Skills in mobilizing resources and building capacity at the community level are also essential.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in social sciences, social work, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical framework and understanding of social dynamics, community engagement, and the complexities of working with vulnerable populations.

Experience:
Candidates should have previous experience in social and protection activities, particularly in areas related to migration and community support. Experience working with vulnerable populations, including women, children, elders, persons with disabilities, and survivors of violence, is a strong advantage. Additionally, candidates should have experience in coordinating activities with team members and community stakeholders, as well as knowledge of MHPSS needs assessments and programming.

Languages:
Fluency in Tajik and Russian is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages spoken by the community or beneficiaries is considered an asset. IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages may be evaluated during the selection process.

Additional Notes:
The position does not require travel, and any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation. The appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, and necessary government authorizations. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, but consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding 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 online recruitment system.