Call for Applications-Disability Inclusion Research Consu…

Job Identification 18180Posting Date 12/19/2025, 05:27 AMApply Before 01/01/2026, 07:00 PMContract Type Consultancy (Up to 11 months)Initial Contract Duration 8 monthsVacancy Type ConsultancyRecruiting Type ConsultantGrade UGAlternative Required Language 1 EnglishProject Context and ScopeIOM works to strengthen the protection environment in Pakistan, supporting both displaced Afghan nationals as well as other at-risk individuals and communities. Under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Protection) and Protection Officer, and the direct supervision of the National Protection Officer, the Disability Inclusion Consultant will be responsible for supporting the Protection Units disability inclusion research efforts.Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:The consultant will be contributing to IOMs Protection Unit, under the broader Humanitarian, Recovery, and Resilience Division. In recent years, IOM Pakistans protection portfolio has expanded to cover activities related to protection case management, community-based protection, gender-based violence, legal aid and assistance, as well as protection monitoring and analysis. In addition, the Protection Unit is conducting protection mainstreaming, through the provision of capacity building, and training, as well as close coordination with other units and divisions across the mission.Tasks to be performed under this contractThe objective of this consultancy is to inform IOMs protection programming by producing evidence-based analysis and actionable recommendations that enhance inclusion, accessibility, and protection outcomes for persons with disabilities across IOMs areas of intervention.Core Functions / ResponsibilitiesThe Consultant will design and implement a research study assessing protection risks, access to essential services, and specific vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities in Pakistan.Specifically, The Consultant Is Expected ToDesign data collection tools, including Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).Map participants and field locations across target provinces.Identify and, where required, coordinate with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) or specialized facilitators/interpreters (e.g., sign language interpreters, mobility-support specialists, guides for blind participants) to ensure accessible and inclusive data collection.Prepare and submit an Inception Report, detailing methodology, sampling, tools, and workplan.Conduct and coordinate data collection activities. Data collection should prioritize diversity and accessibility, including the provision of reasonable accommodations (e.g., sign interpretation, transport, accessible venues).Produce a Data Collection Summary, documenting completed interviews/discussions, and emerging themes.Identify key protection risks, needs, and challenges faced by persons with disabilities among vulnerable communities in PakistanAssess barriers and enablers related to access to protection and essential services, including healthcare, education, livelihoods, and legal assistance.Analyze protection risk profiles, highlighting how legal, social, and institutional frameworks influence their experiences.Develop and provide practical and programmatic recommendations for IOM and partners to strengthen disability inclusion within ongoing and future protection interventions.Produce a Report summarizing the findings and may also support dissemination through a presentation or internal workshop and the development of factsheets tailored for IOMs thematic units.MethodologyThe Consultant will adopt a mixed methods approach, combining desk research with field-based qualitative data collection.Desk Review:Qualitative Data Collection:Review existing data, reports, and studies from IOM, UNHCR, WHO, NGOs, and other relevant actors focusing on disability inclusion, access to services, and protection risks for persons with disabilities in Pakistan.Conduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and/or Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with:Persons with disabilities (adults above 18)Caregivers and family membersOrganizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)Service providers and frontline actorsCommunity representativesRepresentation will be ensured across gender, age, and disability types (physical, sensory, intellectual, psychosocial).Geographic Scope:Fieldwork May Take Place InKhyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)BaluchistanSindhPunjabIslamabad Capital Territory (ICT)Language:Data collection may be conducted in Urdu and/or relevant local languages, with translation and technical support as required. However, all reports and transcripts should be submitted in EnglishPerformance indicators for the evaluation of resultsExpected OutputsThe Consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:Inception ReportDetailing the methodology, sampling plan, data collection tools, and workplan.Submitted in English and revised following IOMs feedback.Data Collection Summ