National Health Needs Assessment Consultant
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. In Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, IOM, with ADB and governments, is implementing a project to enhance cross-border health security. This initiative addresses public health risks, surveillance gaps, and the health vulnerabilities of migrants and mobile populations along the Khujand-Tashkent economic corridor.
Job Purpose
This role is to conduct a comprehensive, mixed-method health needs assessment for vulnerable groups and mobile populations, including migrant workers, in selected border communities of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The assessment will generate crucial evidence on their health needs, vulnerabilities, risks, barriers to accessing services, and priority concerns. The findings will inform targeted interventions to strengthen mobility-sensitive primary healthcare, improve communicable disease prevention and response, and enhance health service access for migrants, mobile populations, and host communities within the project's scope, contributing to improved health security and well-being in the region.
Responsibilities
The National Consultant will support the contextualization and translation of assessment methodologies and tools, and conduct a stock-taking and desk review of relevant health assessments. Responsibilities include mapping key border communities and vulnerable groups, and organizing capacity development on data collection tools. The consultant will plan and coordinate field activities, conduct the assessment using agreed methodologies (interviews, focus groups), and clean, validate, and organize collected data. They will prepare a field assessment report, participate in coordination meetings, provide progress updates, and develop a joint strategy for reducing health risks among vulnerable populations in border areas, incorporating inputs from stakeholders.
Work Experience
Demonstrated experience in conducting or supporting health needs assessments or similar public health assessments is required. Experience in communicable disease control, IHR, public health emergency preparedness, or border health is advantageous. Proficiency with WHO assessment tools, adapting methodologies, and collecting/analyzing quantitative and qualitative health data is needed. Experience with KoboToolbox, strong analytical and report-writing skills, and experience with international organizations and government institutions are beneficial.
Skills
Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data collection, management, and analysis. Ability to effectively coordinate with diverse stakeholders including public health and border authorities, international organizations, and migrant populations. Strong analytical, report-writing, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.