Senior Consultant (Participatory Study on Employment Barriers & Livelihood Needs)

Project Context and Scope Displacement affected families in Ukraine face persistent livelihood barriers, including limited job opportunities, low wages, and skills mismatches. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with children are particularly disadvantaged. Income insecurity drives both return and secondary displacement, yet existing data often overlooks the lived experiences behind these challenges.

The participatory research uses qualitative methods to capture the voices and perspectives of IDPs and returnees themselves, shedding light on how employment challenges, skills gaps, and social vulnerabilities intersect with aspirations for return, integration, and recovery. By grounding policy discussions in lived experiences, the research aims to inform strategies that not only create jobs but also ensure dignified and sustainable livelihoods for those most affected by displacement. 

Geography of study: Urban and rural locations in Western, Eastern and Southern Ukraine (to capture settlement-type and regional differences). 

Populations:

• IDPs (various displacement durations) 
• Returnees (last 12 months and 12-24 months) 

Methods: Up to 12 focus groups (segmented by gender and age, 6-7 participants on average)

The scope of the work includes following aspects: 

1. Secondary Data Review: Identifying relevant sources and analysing them. 
2. Methodology & tools: based on study objectives, develop a rigorous methodology, a participant mobilisation strategy and comprehensive questionnaire tool for FGDs.
3. Data collection: to identify and contact participants for each focus group, provide necessary specifications for procurement of suitable venues for focus group discussions, record and transcribe discussions to facilitate accurate, high quality thematic analysis.
4. Analysis and reporting: prepare supporting documents for the analysis of the findings (tracking and highlighting of key findings), and prepare the final report in English, word document, of publishable quality with relevant data visualisations. Prepare slides for the presentation of key findings to stakeholders including donors, government and partners.  

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: Data & Analytics Tasks to be performed under this contract
Category B Consultant hired to design and conduct participatory research on employment barriers and livelihood needs among IDPs and Returnees in Ukraine.

1. First deliverable – Secondary Data Review Report is submitted on time and supports the development of the methodology and the tools – Delivered by November 14, 2025.
2. Second deliverable – Methodology, Sampling and tools for FGDs: based on study objectives, develop a rigorous methodology, a participant mobilisation strategy and comprehensive questionnaire tool for FGDs – Delivered by December 14, 2025
3. Third deliverable – Data Collection and Analysis: Provide comprehensive and well-organized data sets, including interview transcripts in Ukrainian and English, and any other relevant data, in a suitable format for analysis, as well as supporting documents on conducted FGS (attendance list) Delivered by January 14, 2026
4. Fourth deliverable – Analytical Report: A comprehensive report in English summarizing the study findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations. Prepare and deliver presentations on the study to the relevant coordination forums. Delivered by February 14, 2026

The study and final report should provide tangible evidence and deliver actionable recommendations to contribute to national strategies and operational response.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results  

1. Timely submission of deliverables according to the agreed-upon schedule.
2. Quality and comprehensiveness of the analytical report, including clear findings, logical conclusions, and actionable recommendations.
3. Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret data accurately and effectively.
4. Ability to organize and facilitate FGDs to meet agreed  deadlines with high-quality outputs. 

Education

• Master’s Degree in Social Science, Research, Development, Anthropology, or related field from an accredited academic institution and at least 5 years of relevant professional work experience 

Or

• Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of professional work experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in conducting research studies, and other related areas. 
• Experience working with international organizations, preferably in the context of humanitarian or development projects will be considered highly advantageous. 
• Understanding and experience working in the sphere of Durable Solutions will be a strong advantage
• Excellent writing and analytical skills are required.
• Awareness of qualitative research methods.
• Knowledge on the migration context of Ukraine.

  Languages

• Ukrainian – Fluency required
• English – working knowledge 

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

• Yes, around Ukraine.

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

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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