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Position Title : Consultant to conduct qualitative research on the role and impact of Migrant health

Volunteers during health emergencies in Thailand

Duty Station: Home-based

Classification : Consultancy

Type of Appointment : Consultant Contract (3 months)

Desired Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : April 7, 2023

Reference Code : CFA025/2023 (EXT)

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

1. ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND SCOPE:

Migrants are a large and critical constituent of Thailands economy and society, to which their contributions are tremendous, various challenges render migrant populations in the country vulnerable, not least by the ongoing state of peril in their countries of originespecially the crisis in Myanmar that has been imbuing risks for Myanmar migrants to return toand difficulties in accessing essential services, including health care, which could hinder their right to health, the indispensable fundamental aspect of survival, and also forge the gaps in the countrys disease prevention capabilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated migrants pre-existing vulnerabilities and resulted in continued disparities in access to healthcare services for both documented and undocumented migrants due to language barriers, lack of access to information and health resources, health insurance that could accommodate the relevant costs, as well as security concerns. In addressing these challenges, stakeholders such as Migrant Health Volunteers (MHVs) became beneficial as intermediaries to access the migrant communities by overcoming language and cultural barriers and set in place a network of channels to communicate health information, relevant government health policies, as well as informing the migrants right to health and link them to access to health services.

Despite the MHVs essential role, there were merely 4,000 recognised by the Thai Health Foundation who were expected to cater to 3 million migrant workers, equating to one MHV per 750 migrant workers. During the pandemic, the MHV registration under the Department of Health Service Support increased from 4,000 to 7,000. The rise in number during the pandemic implies the increasing demand. However, the ratio of MHV against the number of migrants was still low. With IOMs continued effort to leave no one behind, we believe strengthening the sustainability of MHVs is essential to foster inclusive public health networks as well as serve as the bridge to connect migrant communities, local communities, and public health services, particularly in the context of post-COVID-19 recovery.

Impact of MHVs during and post-COVID-19 pandemic in workplace and migrant community context

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted Thailands socio-economic conditions. With multiple lock-downs and ad hoc policy implementation in workplaces, migrant workers access to health services and information stemmed from their community (non-direct/ public information pages, colleagues, friends and family) and/or their employers. During the outbreak, MHVs were also regarded as an important, effective actor to support migrant communities in overcoming barriers to accessing health services. However, the case studies and analysis of the impact of MHVs in the workplace as well as in rural areas during and post COVID-19 pandemic is not clearly demonstrated. With different context, advocacy actions shall be tailored to provide an evidence-based paper for both government and employers, specifically on the positive impact of MHV in supporting the dissemination of health information, knowledge on disease prevention, and better communication between government, public health personnel, employers, and the migrant populations.

With funding provided by the Embassy of Japan, IOM is seeking a consultant who possesses expertise and a strong connection with MHV network in active MHV provinces such as Tak and Bangkok, to conduct qualitative research on policy, challenges, and the impact MHVs have had during and post COVID-19. Based on the research and policy analysis report from this project, IOM will consider the possibility of designing advocacy actions focused on MHV sustainability that will lead to the better development in MHV structures and strengthen its network, seek improved engagement of relevant stakeholders, advocate pertinent policies, and, ultimately, to achieve the efficiency and effectiveness of an accessible, sustainable, migrant-friendly healthcare system.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and the overall supervision of the Migration Health Officer in Bangkok, the successful candidate will undertake a 3-month consultancy with no more than 35-working days to conduct research on impact of MHV during and post COVID-19 in workplace and migrant community in Tak, Bangkok and greater Bangkok areas. Through desk research, key informant interviews and focus group discussions to gather information from all stakeholders such as employers, government authorities, NGOs/CSOs, and MHVs, the responsibilities of the proposed consultancy are to:

The payment will be disbursed based on the submission of deliverables agreed by both parties as follows:

Note: Consultancy fees are inclusive of bank transfer fees for bank account outside of Thailand.

Deliverables in details:

The consultant will deliver key outputs as described above between April and June 2023 with more specific timeframes indicated below:

Time

Deliverable(s)

Day 1-7

Day 10

Day 11-24

30 April 2023

To be discussed and confirmed

30 June 2023

** Please note that the timeframes specified above are provisional.

3. REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

Experience:

Languages:

4. DESIRABLE COMPENTENCIES

Values

Core Competencies behavioural indicators

Other

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

Only candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighboring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered. In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighboring country located within commuting distance, and work permit, as applicable.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications to the IOM Bangkok Human Resources Unit at e-mail bkkrecruitment@iom.int with rchantarawar@iom.int and abureesirira@iom.int in cc by April 7, 2023 at the latest.

Kindly indicate the reference code CFA025/2023 followed by your full name in the subject line.

Applications should include:

a) Technical proposal (1-2 page)

b) Financial proposal (1-2 page)

c) A curriculum vitae

d) A duly completed IOM Personal History Form which can be downloaded from https://thailand.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl1371/files/documents/IOM%20Personal%20History%20Form%20with%20Declaration.xls

Posting period: From 27.03.2023 to 07.04.2023

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