Disability Inclusion International Expert

Job Description

Ukraine faces a rising demand for disability-inclusive humanitarian and recovery programming, with an estimated between 16 and 23% of the population living with disabilities, many newly affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine, displacement, and systemic barriers. Despite national efforts, notable gaps remain in applying rights-based approaches, universal design, and inclusive service delivery[1]. IOM’s Disability Inclusion Strategy 2025–2028 and recent needs assessments[2] underscore the urgent need for technical expertise to define and implement context-specific standards for disability inclusion. Thanks to its broad, multisectoral presence, established leadership, and strong partnerships with authorities and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), IOM is well-positioned to lead this strategic advancement.

To support this process of technical development, IOM is recruiting a Disability Inclusion International Consultant who will report to the Programme Manager (MHPSS). The Consultant will strengthen IOM’s capacity to mainstream disability and inclusion across humanitarian and recovery operations. Core responsibilities include delivering training on inclusive communication, accessibility, and rights-based approaches; documenting good practices; and providing comprehensive recommendations to enhance inclusivity throughout all programs.

Employing a multidisciplinary and integrated approach, the Consultant will ensure that disability inclusion is embedded across programming. This aligns with priorities identified in IOM’s Disability Inclusion Strategy 2025–2028 and recent needs assessments, emphasizing the need for universally designed and accessible services. The Consultant will also develop inclusive tools, training materials, and evidence-based reporting systems to facilitate participatory assessments and targeted capacity-building. The Consultant will help shape and refine disability-inclusive policies, empowering authorities and stakeholders to create accessible and dignified services for persons with disabilities. 

This collaborative approach will fortify national policy frameworks, promote resilience and equity, and ensure IOM’s interventions adhere to international standards and best practices.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: 3R (Response, Resilience and Recovery) Unit, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

Responsibilities

The main tasks and deliverables under this contract will include:

1. Disability inclusion and accessibility screening of IOM Multisectoral Programme Interventions conducted through comprehensive field visits and technical evaluations (second month).
2. Assessment report on disability inclusion needs and opportunities in Ukraine produced with a set of actionable recommendations (second month).
3. Capacity of IOM staff, government counterparts, and partners enhanced through comprehensive training initiatives (third month).
4. Media and communication approach to disability inclusion and its mainstreaming across sectors reinforced and standardized (fourth month).
5. IOM Disability Inclusion Strategy for Multisectoral Humanitarian and Recovery Programming in Ukraine drafted (fourth month).
6. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

All deliverables will be linked to specific milestones and payment schedules, with quality and timeliness confirmed through comprehensive reporting and alignment with IOM guidelines.

• Conduct 15 meetings with HR, IOM Programme Managers and staff and field visits to the activities.
•  Produced a comprehensive report, highlighting strengths and identifying gaps in current practices across multiple sectors, to guide strategic planning and programme adaptation.
• Formulated practical recommendations tailored to each of the programmes and to HR for inclusivity improvements. 

2. Assessment report on disability inclusion needs and opportunities in Ukraine produced with a set of actionable recommendations and strategic indications.

• Completed a nationwide disability inclusion needs assessment, with on-site evaluations in at least three main cities and at least 3 hard-to-reach areas, at least 10 interviews with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, service providers, stakeholders and partner organisations and at least 4 focus group discussions and review of national documentation, including national laws, reports, policy and advocacy document.
• Reviewed the main government authorities’ policy instruments for alignment with international standards and best practices on disability inclusion across humanitarian, recovery, and development sectors.
• Participated in meetings of policy working groups or advisory committees to collect experts directions in the disability inclusion national debate.
• Prepared and delivered a comprehensive assessment report, drawing on stakeholder consultations and technical analysis, that summarises the main findings with clear, evidence-based recommendations and including a mapping of stakeholders.

3. Capacity of IOM staff, government counterparts, and partners enhanced through comprehensive training initiatives.

• Outlined and agenda for a programme of training modules developed and submitted, including at least 18 hours of training on disability inclusion and adaptable solution design and modules structured to support Training of Trainers (ToT) and regular training sessions.
• Inclusion of evaluation and impact assessment tools in the training modules.
• Programme based on needs assessment and screening findings.
• 1 Training of Trainers (ToT) delivered for IOM staff, consultants, and partners.
• 3 training sessions delivered to IOM staff, government counterparts, and/or partners (minimum 20 participants each).
• Delivered of ad hoc thematic training sessions (online and in-person) based on needs assessment and screening results on topics such as inclusive communication, accessibility, rights-based approaches to disability inclusion, intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities.

4. Media and communication approach to disability inclusion and its mainstreaming across sectors reinforced and standardized.

• Completed a thorough review of IOM’s current communication assets and approaches to disability inclusion components.
• Identify gaps and produce recommendations to inform multimedia package development.
• Designed and delivered a multimedia package, aimed at promoting disability inclusion awareness, information and sensitization (Leaflets; videos; infographics; accessible digital content).
• Produced materials aligned with best practices in disability inclusion for humanitarian, recovery, and development response, meeting international standards for inclusive communication and with verified accessibility features.
• Designed recommendations for a multimedia awareness and advocacy campaigns.

5. IOM Disability Inclusion Strategy for Multisectoral Humanitarian and Recovery Programming in Ukraine drafted.

• Delivered a draft of the IOM Disability Inclusion Strategy for Multisectoral Humanitarian and Recovery Programming in Ukraine.
• The strategy should provide guidance for adapting and enhancing IOM’s disability inclusion efforts nationwide, based on assessment outcomes, and with a strategic and policy development perspective.
• Developed a set of actionable recommendations addressing current needs, opportunities, and areas for improvement in disability inclusion, with a dedicated section on strategies to promote and facilitate inclusive cultural, recreational, and social initiatives.
• Delivered a toolkit with comprehensive procedural guidance for participatory co-design of inclusive solutions, including minimum checklists and expanded recommendations aligned with Ukrainian and international best practices.
• Defined primary objectives, specify target populations and geographical prioritization, and detail intended deliverables by timeline within the Disability Inclusion portfolio.
• Engaged key stakeholders (CSOs, UN agencies, government bodies, organizations of persons with disabilities) through 10 tailored consultations or validation meetings supporting the revision of the strategy.
• Established robust methods for measuring impact and evaluating deliverables at project and strategic levels.
• Included sample Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Terms of Reference for optimal team structure.

Timely completion of deliverables, confirmed through detailed timesheets and activity reports:

Month 1

• Conducted the comprehensive disability inclusion needs assessment and the accessibility screening of IOM programmes and HR (site visits, stakeholder interviews, and desk review).
• Prepared and shared two preliminary analytical briefs, summarizing assessment and screening findings and recommendations.
• Developed and submitted an outline and agenda for a minimum 18-hours training module on disability inclusion and inclusive design. 
• Submitted the first draft of the “Disability Inclusion Strategy for Multisectoral Humanitarian and Recovery Programming in Ukraine.”

Payment milestone: 30% upon completion and submission of all Month 1 deliverables.

Month 2

• Conducted additional sites visits, meetings, participatory sessions and stakeholders’ consultations to complete the data collection.
• Expanded the needs assessment and accessibility screenings briefs to include analysis for IOM policy development support to government authorities and consolidate the reports. 
• Delivered one Training of Trainers (ToT) and one training course for IOM staff, government counterparts, and/or partners (minimum 20 participants), including pre- and post-training evaluations. The training should be supported by the previously trained facilitators.
• Conducted at least 5 stakeholder consultations or validation meetings (with OPDs, authorities, and partners) on the draft guidance and document feedback.

Month 3

• Delivered the two online or in-person training courses for a new group of IOM staff, partners, or government representatives (minimum 20 participants), supported by previously trained trainers.
• Delivered ad-hoc training sessions on different aspects of disability inclusion to IOM staff and partners.
• Delivered a revised and expanded Guidance document, including the inclusive design toolkit, and training materials based on feedback from consultations and training evaluations.
• Conducted a second round of 5 stakeholder consultations or validation meetings and document outcomes.
• Included technical inputs and recommendations for policy and strategy initiatives.

Payment milestone: 40% upon completion and submission of all Month 2 and 3 deliverables.

Month 4

• Finalized and submitted the approved “Disability Inclusion and Inclusive Design Guidance,” agreed with IOM and relevant national authorities, OPDs and partners.
• Finalized and submitted the toolkit and training materials for internal and external use, including a report of the sessions implemented and related results.
• Provided documentation of policy development support, including written recommendations, technical inputs to government policy or strategy, good practices, lessons learned, and programme-wide recommendations for future action.
• Delivered the recommendations and draft materials the roll-out of multimedia awareness and advocacy campaigns.
• Delivered a completion report summarizing all activities, lessons learned, and recommendations for scaling up disability inclusion in IOM and partner interventions.
• Delivered a communication and visibility toolkit on disability inclusion awareness, information and sensitization
• Provided detailed records of all training sessions, audits, campaign activities, timesheets, and activity reports, compiled in a comprehensive deliverable.

Payment milestone: 30% upon completion and submission of all Month 4 deliverables.

Qualifications

IOM Ukraine is seeking a motivated, attentive, and responsible professional with a proven international background in Disability and Inclusion, and humanitarian and/or recovery programming. Ideal candidates will bring experience from diverse global contexts, demonstrating a strong foundation in delivering inclusive training, conducting accessibility assessments, leading participatory research, and developing practical tools and guidance for inclusive programming that reflect international best practices.

Applicants should be adept at collaborating within multidisciplinary teams and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including persons with disabilities, older persons, and both local and international partners. A successful track record of taking initiative, introducing innovative approaches, and adapting methodologies and tools across different cultural and regional contexts will be considered a strong asset.

The role requires flexibility and a readiness to travel across various regions of Ukraine, as well as the ability to draw on experiences working in diverse international environments. 

The Consultant should meet the following requirements:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Disability Studies, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Inclusive Education, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree is an asset.
• Experience: At least five years of professional experience in disability inclusion within humanitarian, recovery or development contexts. Experience working directly with persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Demonstrated experience in delivering inclusive training, conducting accessibility audits, facilitating participatory assessments (including with persons with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities), and developing guidance or tools for inclusive programming and policies.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, including persons from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Ukrainian is considered an asset.
• Mobility: Willingness and ability to travel frequently across different regions of Ukraine, including for field-based training and accessibility assessments. 
• Assets: A track record of innovation, initiative, and adaptability in local or field-based settings will be considered a strong advantage.

Travel required

Yes. 

Required Skills

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