National Consultant on Health Service Availability Assessment and SOP Development
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related agency, promotes humane and orderly migration. In partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the governments of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, IOM is implementing a project to enhance cross-border health security. This initiative addresses public health risks, surveillance gaps, and the health vulnerabilities of mobile populations along key economic corridors.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to support the governments of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in assessing the capacity of border health systems to serve migrants, mobile populations, and host communities, focusing on communicable disease prevention, detection, referral, and response. The role involves conducting a health service availability and readiness assessment at specific border points and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cross-border information and data exchange on infectious diseases. The findings will inform responses to reduce health risks, improve service availability, and strengthen cross-border cooperation and communication.
Responsibilities
The National Consultant will review and contextualize assessment methodologies and tools, map existing cross-border data sharing systems, and conduct a desk review of relevant health policies and protocols. Responsibilities include supporting field activity planning, conducting field assessments using agreed tools, and collecting/validating quantitative and qualitative data. The consultant will prepare a field assessment report, develop an operational roadmap for improving health service availability for vulnerable groups, and draft SOPs for cross-border disease notification, information exchange, case management, surveillance, and coordination during public health emergencies. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate stakeholder consultations and validation workshops for the draft SOPs.
Work Experience
Demonstrated experience in conducting health service availability/readiness assessments or similar public health assessments is required. Experience in communicable disease control, IHR, public health emergency preparedness, infection prevention and control, or border health is advantageous. Experience with WHO health facility assessment tools, adapting methodologies, collecting/analyzing health data, and using digital data collection platforms like KoboToolbox is beneficial. Experience with international organizations and in cross-border/migration health contexts is also an asset.
Skills
Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data collection, management, and analysis. Strong ability to coordinate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including health and border authorities, service providers, and international organizations. Excellent analytical, report-writing, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are essential.