Job Description

Apply by: 25/10/2026

Duty Station of the Consultancy: Home based
Nature of the Consultancy – Category B - International Consultant on conducting a health needs assessment of vulnerable groups and mobile populations (including migrant workers) in border communities
Duration of the Consultancy: 40 working days, October 2026 – July 2027

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION
Interested candidates are requested to submit the following no later than 25 October 2026 (midnight):
•    A detailed and up-to-date CV.
•    Short Concept Paper outlining the proposed approach to the assignment 
•    Samples of previous similar work

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, 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. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in cooperation with Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the governments of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, is implementing the project “Cross-border Health Security Partnership between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan”, launched in September 2026 under the ADB Technical Assistance entitled: Addressing Health Threats in Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Countries and the Caucasus. The project responds to persistent public health risks, including insufficient coordination between countries, gaps in disease surveillance and data exchange, and limited understanding of the health vulnerabilities of migrants and mobile populations. The proposed project foresees activities along the economic corridor Khujand-Tashkent, more specifically in the area of the Points of Entry "Fotehobod", district Mastchoh (Tajikistan) and "Oybek", district Bekabad (Uzbekistan).

Under the project, the health needs assessment of vulnerable groups and mobile populations (including migrant workers) in border communities near these Points of Entry is envisioned. Topics to cover are health profiles (including self-reported morbidity in particular chronic diseases), socioeconomic status including mobility, barriers to receiving health services, health needs, the impact of infectious disease (chronic and/or outbreaks) on livelihoods and human mobility dimensions of communicable disease, and sex-differentiated effects of chronic infectious disease and/or outbreaks. The findings will help identify priority areas for intervention and inform practical measures to strengthen mobility-sensitive and migrant-inclusive primary health care services, improve community-based communicable disease prevention and response, and enhance access to appropriate health services for migrants, mobile populations, and host communities.
 

Project Context and Scope

The overall objective of this assignment is to design and lead a mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) health needs assessment of vulnerable groups and mobile populations, including migrant workers, in selected border communities of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in order to generate evidence on their health needs, vulnerabilities, health-related risks, barriers to accessing health services, and priority concerns. 
 
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: Migration Health/MECC unit

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of IOM Uzbekistan and IOM Tajikistan and in coordination with the national consultants, the International Consultant will perform the following tasks:
1.    Develop a work plan in coordination with IOM Project Manager and Bilateral Task Force Group (BTFG) outlining the geographical scope, data collection methodology, key activities, timeline and deliverables.
2.    Develop the mixed-method assessment methodology and data collection tools (questionnaires, interview guides) based on WHO assessment tools, including the assessment scope and indicators, sampling approach, data collection framework, data quality assurance procedures, analytical methodology, in cooperation with national consultants and in consultation with IOM and relevant stakeholders.  
3.    Coordinate and monitor the National Consultant through online consultations during field implementation, including briefing on the assessment methodology; oversee the consistent application of the methodology and tools; monitor data quality and completeness; and address methodological and technical issues arising during data collection.
4.    Incorporate the findings of the stock-taking and desk review of border health and cross-border assessments conducted by National Consultant and the mapping and identification of key border communities and key vulnerability groups along the mobility corridor between “Fotehobod” and “Oybek” to the final assessment report.
5.    Review collected data and preliminary findings to ensure data completeness, consistency, accuracy and methodological rigor, identifying and addressing data gaps or inconsistencies in coordination with the national consultants.
6.    Prepare a comprehensive needs assessment report in accordance with the IOM House Style and relevant IOM editorial, branding, and reporting standards, presenting key findings, identified gaps and bottlenecks, and practical, prioritized recommendations.
7.    Review and provide recommendations to the joint strategy – developed by the National Consultant - on reducing health risks among the most vulnerable populations in border areas (women, older persons, children, persons with disability, and migrant and mobile populations) from chronic diseases and/or infectious disease outbreaks.
8.    Prepare and deliver presentations of the preliminary and final assessment findings to IOM, government counterparts and relevant stakeholders, facilitate discussion of key findings and recommendations, and incorporate relevant feedback into the final assessment report.
9.    Consolidate survey methodology, processes, tools, results, recommendations for strategy development and lessons learned into a package for potential use by other CAREC countries.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
  • First deliverable: A concise and well-structured Inception report including detailed methodology, sampling approach, data collection framework, and work plan agreed with IOM.  8 days, deliverable by 9 November 2026. 
  • Second deliverable: Complete set of assessment tools and data collection instruments developed/adapted and validated by IOM, including household questionnaire(s), key informant interview guides, focus group discussion guides, observation checklists, and other relevant tools. First instalment payment – 8 days, deliverable by 20 November 2026. 
  • Third deliverable: A comprehensive draft needs assessment report submitted to IOM, including methodology, findings, gap analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. First instalment payment - 15 days, deliverable by 25 December 2026. 
  • Fourth deliverable: A finalized revised report incorporating feedback from IOM and stakeholders, including executive summary, findings, recommendations, annexes, and final data analysis outputs; consolidated package of documents for use by other CAREC countries Second and final instalment payment – 9 days, deliverable by 31 March 2027.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • University degree in Health Sciences, Social Sciences, including public health, epidemiology and other relevant disciplines; 
  • Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in public health research, preferably on epidemiology, experience on communicable diseases, IHR and border health;
     

Experience

  • Demonstrated experience in conducting health needs assessments or similar public health assessments; 
  • Experience in communicable diseases prevention and control, International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), public health emergency preparedness, infection prevention and control (IPC), and/or border health is an asset; 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with relevant WHO health facility assessment tools and methodologies, including tools for assessing health service availability and readiness; 
  • Experience in data collection and management using KoboToolbox or similar digital data collection platforms;
  • Experience working with international organizations, government institutions and other relevant stakeholders;
  • Experience working in cross-border, migration or mobility-related health contexts, including with migrant and mobile populations, is an asset. 
     

Skills

  • Demonstrated proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data collection, data management and analysis.  
  • Demonstrated ability to engage and coordinate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including public health authorities, border authorities, health service providers, international organizations, and migrant and mobile populations.  
  • Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
     

Languages

For this consultancy, Fluency in English is required. Russian, Uzbek and Tajik are an advantage. 

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

TRAVEL

No travel is envisioned within the assignment. 

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

Interested candidates are requested to submit the following no later than 25 October 2026 (midnight):
•    A detailed and up-to-date CV.
•    Short Concept Paper outlining the proposed approach to the assignment 
•    Samples of previous similar work

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
  • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
  • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
  • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

  • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
  • Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
  • Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
  • Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
  • Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. 

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 40 working days
Org Type: Country Office
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No
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