CALL FOR APPLICATIONS-DISABILITY INCLUSION RESEARCH CONSULTANT

Project Context and Scope:

IOM 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 Unit’s disability inclusion research efforts.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:

The consultant will be contributing to IOM’s Protection Unit, under the broader Humanitarian, Recovery, and Resilience Division. In recent years, IOM Pakistan’s 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.

National Consultant: Tasks to be performed under this contract:

The objective of this consultancy is to inform IOM’s protection programming by producing evidence-based analysis and actionable recommendations that enhance inclusion, accessibility, and protection outcomes for persons with disabilities across IOM’s areas of intervention.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

The 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 to,

Methodology

The Consultant will adopt a mixed methods approach, combining desk research with field-based qualitative data collection.

1. Desk Review:

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.

Qualitative Data Collection:

Conduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and/or Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with

• Persons with disabilities (adults above 18
• Caregivers and family members
• Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
• Service providers and frontline actors

Representation will be ensured across gender, age, and disability types (physical, sensory, intellectual, psychosocial).

1. Geographic Scope:

Fieldwork may take place in:

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
• Balochistan
• Sindh
• Punjab
• Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)

Expected Outputs:

The Consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:

1. Inception Report:

• Detailing the methodology, sampling plan, data collection tools, and workplan.
• Submitted in English and revised following IOM’s feedback

Data Collection Summary:

• Documentation of completed KIIs/FGDs and emerging themes.

Draft Report

• Identifying key protection risks, needs, and challenges faced by persons with disabilities among vulnerable communities in Pakistan
• Final Report
• Data validation with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities.
• Incorporating feedback from IOM.
• Optional Outputs (as agreed with IOM):
• Presentation or internal workshop to disseminate findings.

Education, Experience and/or skills required

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, International Development, Disability Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field will be considered an advantage.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in research, protection, or disability inclusion within humanitarian or development contexts.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative research and analysis, particularly with marginalized or vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of disability inclusion frameworks, protection principles, and accessibility standards.
• Previous experience working with IOM, UN agencies, or other international organizations is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of the sociopolitical context of Pakistan and familiarity with Afghan displacement dynamics.
• Commitment to ethical research principles, including “Do No Harm,” confidentiality, informed consent, and participation of persons with disabilities.

LANGUAGES:

• 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 English.
• Fluency in English and Urdu is required.

Only short-listed candidates who are matching required criteria for the consultancy will be contacted by IOM.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this call for applications is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security clearances.

IOM provides equal opportunity to all qualified female and male.

TOTAL POSITIONS

1

POSTED ON

December 24, 2025

EXPIRY DATE

January 1, 2026

BUSINESS

UN-IOM

CATEGORY

Project Management

JOB TYPE

Consultant

MINIMUM EDUCATION

Bachelors

CAREER LEVEL

Consultant

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

5 Years