National Consultant on Health Needs Assessment
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency, is implementing a project in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank and national governments. This project aims to address public health risks, improve cross-border coordination, and enhance disease surveillance. The role contributes to the Migration Health/MECC unit, focusing on health security along a key economic corridor.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to conduct a comprehensive, mixed-method health needs assessment for vulnerable groups and mobile populations, including migrant workers, in selected border communities of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The assessment will generate crucial evidence on their health needs, vulnerabilities, risks, barriers to accessing healthcare, and priority concerns. The findings will inform targeted interventions, strengthen primary healthcare services to be migrant-inclusive and mobility-sensitive, improve communicable disease prevention and response, and enhance overall access to appropriate health services for migrants, mobile populations, and host communities along the Khujand-Tashkent economic corridor.
Responsibilities
The National Consultant will review and adapt assessment methodologies and data collection tools, ensuring contextual relevance and translation. They will conduct a stock-taking and desk review of existing health assessments and map key border communities and vulnerable groups. The consultant will organize and conduct capacity development for data collection teams. Field activities will involve planning, coordination with local authorities and stakeholders, and conducting the assessment through interviews, focus groups, and consultations with target populations. Responsibilities also include cleaning, validating, and organizing collected data, preparing field assessment reports with preliminary findings, and participating in coordination meetings. Finally, the consultant will contribute to developing a joint strategy for reducing health risks among vulnerable populations in border areas.
Work Experience
Demonstrated experience in conducting or supporting health needs assessments or similar public health assessments is essential. Experience in communicable disease control, IHR, public health emergency preparedness, or border health is advantageous. Proficiency with data collection tools like KoboToolbox and strong analytical and report-writing skills are beneficial. Experience working with international organizations, government institutions, and in cross-border or migration health contexts is also desirable.
Skills
Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data collection, management, and analysis. Strong ability to coordinate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including public health and border authorities, service providers, international organizations, and mobile populations. Excellent analytical, report-writing, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.