MHPSS Disability and Inclusion Expert

Project Context and Scope

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has significantly increased the vulnerability of certain population groups, particularly older persons and persons with disabilities. These individuals face heightened protection risks and often encounter barriers in accessing humanitarian assistance. In response, IOM Ukraine, under the Response Plan for Ukraine, is committed to developing a more systematic and inclusive approach to Age and Disability Inclusion across its humanitarian response.

To support this effort, IOM is establishing a Disability and Inclusion Consultant Roster. Under the direct supervision of the Senior MHPSS Associate, Consultant will play a key role in strengthening IOM's internal capacities to mainstream D&I within the programmes. Their responsibilities will include delivering thematic sessions, collecting and documenting good practices, and providing program-wide recommendations. The consultancy will adopt a multidisciplinary and integrated approach, ensuring that cross-cutting themes—such as gender, protection, and disability inclusion—are effectively mainstreamed throughout all programming.

This initiative aims to improve the quality, efficiency, and relevance of IOM's humanitarian response by ensuring that services are inclusive, rights-based, and aligned with international standards. The Consultant will contribute to the development of inclusive tools, training materials, and reporting systems, while also supporting local initiatives and territorial communities in delivering accessible and dignified services. By doing so, the roster will help build a more resilient and equitable response framework that leaves no one behind.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

3R (Response, Resilience and Recovery) Unit, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

RESPONSIBILITIES

Tasks to be performed under this contract

The Disability and Inclusion Consultant will support IOM Ukraine in strengthening inclusive practices across its humanitarian programming, with a focus on ensuring accessibility, participation, and protection of persons with disabilities and older persons. The Consultant will contribute to internal capacity building, inclusive program design, and the development of tools and guidance that promote disability-inclusive approaches across sectors. Examples of tasks to be performed under this contract:

• Capacity Building & Training

• Deliver thematic training sessions to IOM staff, implementing partners and stakeholders on inclusive communication, accessibility, and rights-based approaches to disability inclusion.

• Conduct online and in-person sessions on how to interact with persons with different types of disabilities.

• Provide training on how to conduct focus group discussions (FGDs) with persons with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities.

• Assessment & Research

• Support and co-design participatory assessments, including FGDs and data collection with persons with disabilities.

• Analyze collected data and contribute to the development of evidence-based recommendations.

• Tool & Guidance Development

• Review existing activities, tools, and processes to develop a comprehensive training package on inclusive programming.

• Develop and disseminate guidance materials and best practices for disability inclusion in humanitarian response.

• Accessibility & Inclusion Audits

• Conduct accessibility audits of program physical sites and digital platforms (e.g., websites).

• Provide practical training on conducting accessibility audits and implementing improvements.

• Provide technical guidance on adapting, equipping and rebuilding program physical sites and digital platforms to be inclusive, based on international standards.

• Awareness & Advocacy

• Design and support the implementation of awareness campaigns on disability inclusion, based on research findings.

• Promote inclusive cultural, recreational, and social initiatives that foster participation and visibility of persons with disabilities.

• Documentation & Reporting

• Compile good practices, lessons learned, and program-wide recommendations.

• Ensure proper documentation of all training sessions, audits, and campaign activities.

• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• The successful implementation of the required activities, reaching the target number services and or individuals outlined in the contract with the proper quality of service delivery in line with IOM guidelines.
• The fulfillment of the time on the job required as indicated in the contract, which will be confirmed through a detailed time sheet.

QUALIFICATIONS

IOM Ukraine is seeking motivated, attentive, and responsible professionals with demonstrated experience in Disability and Inclusion, community-based work, and humanitarian programming. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in inclusive training delivery, accessibility assessments, participatory research, and the development of practical tools and guidance for inclusive programming.

Applicants should be comfortable working in multidisciplinary teams and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including persons with disabilities, older persons, and local partners. A proven track record of taking initiative, applying innovative approaches, and adapting tools to local contexts will be considered a strong asset.

The role requires flexibility and readiness to travel across various regions of Ukraine, including for field-based accessibility audits and in-person training sessions. Consultants must also be prepared to respond to emerging needs and support inclusive practices in emergency settings.

The Consultant should meet the following requirements:

• Education: A bachelor's degree in Disability Studies, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Inclusive Education, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field is required. A master's degree is an asset.
• Experience: At least two years of professional experience in disability inclusion, protection, or community-based programming within humanitarian or development contexts. Experience working with persons with disabilities, older persons, and other vulnerable groups is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Demonstrated experience in delivering inclusive training, conducting accessibility audits, facilitating participatory assessments (including with persons with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities), and developing guidance or tools for inclusive programming.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, including persons from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Languages: Fluency in Ukrainian is required, with at least a working knowledge of Russian. Proficiency in English is considered an asset.
• Mobility: Willingness and ability to travel frequently across different regions of Ukraine, including for field-based training and accessibility assessments. Flexibility to respond to emerging needs and emergency situations is essential.
• Assets: A track record of innovation, initiative, and adaptability in local or field-based settings will be considered a strong advantage.

IOM's official languages are English, French and Spanish.

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

Travel required

• Travel across Ukraine is required.

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 three 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

• 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, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

• 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.

• 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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

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