Terms of Reference Vacancy title: Research Consultant Duty Station: San José, Costa Rica. Analysis and written work can be conducted off-site. Type of Appointment: Consultancy (maximum of 6 months). Estimated start date: 11 March 2019 IOM seeks to recruit a qualified consultant to conduct a study on Migration Health Capacities in 11 Caribbean Countries. This activity is to be carried out under the management of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and is funded by U.S. Department of State Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) through a larger project entitled the Western Hemisphere Migration Capacity-Building Program. The study will be carried out via consultancy during a six-month period. The consultancy does not envision travel to Caribbean countries, however telephone and written communication with key stakeholders in the Caribbean will be necessary to gather data, and activities may be carried out remotely or in San Jose, Costa Rica at IOM offices. All work will be conducted in English. Background and Rationale In 2018 IOM undertook a new and innovative study of ten Caribbean countries, producing an expansive snapshot of migration governance capacities on issues ranging from international cooperation, to counter-trafficking, migrant health and access to social services. Funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), the reports and subsequent Regional Report provide a glimpse at the capacities of governments to provide health services to foreign nationals as well as migrant screening at border crossing points (BCPs). The reports present a background of ten countries of the region, through concrete evidence and data, combined with the inputs of regional stakeholders to provide a larger perspective on opportunities for improvement in regional governance and cooperation. In 2019, under the PRM-funded Western Hemisphere Program, IOM is provided the opportunity to improve access to data in the areas of migration and health. Based on the information provided by the 11 reports, IOM will conduct an in-depth study on key countries focusing on the needs identified by governments and IOM regional thematic specialists regarding Caribbean health systems capacity to respond to health risks associated to human mobility. 2.3.2. Migration and Health in the Caribbean stakeholder mapping and desk review
to conduct a desk review of current planning and response procedures in place in Caribbean countries for detection, containment, treatment in situations of pandemic and pandemic risks. This would help identify target countries for policy and technical support in those lacking such procedures or in need of updating procedures to respond to current and future health risks. Local, regional and global human mobility is a complex and dynamic phenomenon, which can amplify the spread of communicable diseases and the impact of public health events. With the goal of improving prevention, detection and response to the spread of diseases along the mobility continuum (at points of origin, transit, destination and return) and its Spaces of Vulnerability (SOVs), where migrants and mobile populations (MMPs) interact with stationary and local communities, IOM developed the Health, Border & Mobility Management framework (HBMM). HBMM is a conceptual and operational framework, with focus on border areas, that unifies border management with health security and ultimately supports the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). HBMM also endeavors to build human mobility competent health systems at both the community and primary health care levels, which is essential for global health security. Such systems are responsive to the dynamics of human mobility and are inclusive. Understanding human mobility dynamics through HBMM is essential for the development of public health interventions to prevent, detect and respond to international health threats and, thereby, supports the realization of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA). It enables the identification and prioritization of SOVs, where public health measures need to be strengthened, and knowing the origins, routes and destinations of travelers facilitates the prediction of disease transmission patterns. The operationalization of HBMM is guided by the four pillars of the World Health Assembly Resolution on migrants health (WHA 61.17), and adapted to the border, health and mobility perspective. The scope of HBMM activities ranges from collection and analysis of information on human mobility dynamics to disease surveillance and strengthening response mechanisms along mobility corridors. Although some of these core activities may appear to be, and can be, implemented independently, they are ultimately interrelated, mutually supportive, and essential in realizing, mainstreaming, and sustaining HBMM s goal of improving prevention, detection and response to the spread of diseases along mobility pathways. Also, preparedness for detection of, response to, and recovery from health crises need to be multi-sectoral, responsive to population mobility and cross-border dynamics, and engage multiple agencies in both response and resilient recovery. Understanding mobility is an essential component of evidence-based, public health programming, which combines and correlates conventional information on epidemiology, burden of disease, and health systems capacity with the various health risks associated with human mobility. This study aims to analyze how health systems in certain Caribbean countries are currently prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to relevant health threats along the mobility continuum, particularly regarding epidemic prone diseases, according to IOM s HBMM. Such analysis will also provide relevant recommendations on how these countries could strengthen their health systems, so that they are better prepared to respond in case of a health threat.
Objective: Analyze Caribbean countries health systems capacities to prevent, detect and respond to health threats along the mobility continuum according to the Health Border Mobility Management Framework Specific objectives 1. Identify Caribbean countries existing resources on HBMM s four pillars: a. 1) policies and legal frameworks on health, mobility and border management; b. 2) operational research, evidence, data gathering and sharing; c. 3) enhanced capacity of health systems and border management services; d. 4) intersectoral and multi-country partnerships and networks. 2. Describe Caribbean countries current mobility patterns, including migration routes, migrant profiles, current inflows and outflows. 3. Describe Caribbean countries health systems structure, relevant health indicators and health threats, with a focus on epidemic prone diseases. 4. Identify existing migration and health stakeholders in Caribbean countries relevant for the implementation of the HBMM framework, including at border crossing points (BCPs). 5. Identify existing staff training and response procedures for detection, containment and treatment epidemic prone diseases at BCPs. 6. Provide recommendations to strengthen Caribbean countries health systems capacity to implement the HBMM framework in case of a health threat. 7. Identify areas for further study. Countries to be included in the Study are: 1. Antigua and Barbuda 2. The Bahamas 3. Barbados 4. Dominica 5. Grenada 6. Guyana 7. Jamaica 8. St. Kitts and Nevis 9. St. Lucia 10. St. Vincent and the Grenadines 11. Trinidad and Tobago The findings and recommendations from this study will aim to provide relevant data regarding Caribbean countries capacity to respond to health threats along the mobility continuum, along with the identification of relevant recommendations to strengthen health systems existing capacities to implement a multi-sectoral and multi-country response in case of a health threat.
Main duties and responsibilities The study will be conducted under the supervision and close cooperation with the IOM Regional Office for North America, Central America and the Caribbean, located in San José, Costa Rica. The consultant(s) will take responsibility for the quality of the study and report and should include the following tasks: 1 Study outline Deliverable Description Timeline The Study outline must include: Index Main data sources to be explored Study report structure (including mobility patterns, health indicators for epidemic prone diseases, HBMM pillars, analysis, recommendations) Method (including proposal of instruments to be developed) Timeline 10% payment 2 Weeks 2 Study Report first draft The Study Report first draft must include: Instruments developed to gather data from key informants All data resulting from the desk review, organized according to report sections (in line with approved report structure) Emphasis on: Stakeholder mapping (key informants), mobility patterns and epidemic prone diseases in the Caribbean. First results of data regarding country resources to implement HBMM framework. 25% payment 8 Weeks 3 Study Report Second Draft The second Study Report must include: Finalized sections regarding stakeholder mapping, mobility patterns and epidemic prone diseases in the Caribbean. Identified country resources to implement HBMM framework. 25% payment 6 weeks 4 Study Final Report The study Final Report is a formal document that must be presented as a final document, incorporating all validated findings without any pending comments. It should compile all the information necessary to obtain the study s objective. 8 weeks
Including: Background Objectives and Method Validation of all preliminary findings. Results on: Caribbean countries existing resources on HBMM s four pillars; Caribbean countries current mobility patterns; Caribbean countries health indicators; migration and health stakeholders Recommendations to strengthen Caribbean Countries Health Systems capacity to implement the HBMM framework in case of a health threat 40% payment Main tasks of the consultant related to the assignment Communicate regularly with the IOM/Sub-regional Coordinator for the Caribbean, Research Coordinator and Migration Health Officer for the Americas. Review documents provided by IOM. Deliver documents and other deliverables in a timely manner as stated in the action plan, or as amended in conjunction with consultant(s). Maintain a neutral and professional approach during the desk reviews, contact with key informants, and through the overall process of the study. Ensure that all and any relevant data be documented throughout the study and share findings, whether used in final report, with IOM. Provide a comprehensive report with clear identifications of priority issues and recommended actions to address those issues of priority and needs. Main tasks of IOM related to the assignment Share any relevant resource and documentation, including online resources, publications, and contact information for relevant government and NGO officials. Provide quick and reasonable access to relevant IOM stakeholders. Review all submitted documents in a timely manner. Estimated duration of the contract The contract of the assignment should be of a maximum of six months (1 March 2019 31 August 2019). Reporting line The consultant will report directly to the Migration Health Officer for the Americas, in coordination with the Research Coordinator and the Sub-regional Coordinator for the Caribbean. Qualifications and competencies Education
The lead consultant shall have a master s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology or related field. Professional experience conducting epidemiological or health systems related research will be considered in lieu of a master s degree when the consultant holds a bachelor s in health sciences (health, nursing or related technical field). Skills and experience 2-3 years experience in public health or epidemiology with good understanding of health systems and public health policies Experience working in Caribbean related projects is considered an advantage. Experience working on migration issues and/or health systems is considered an asset. Excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills in English (native English or native equivalent speakers preferred). Ability to communicate in Spanish Experience in report writing in English Experience in working in complex institutional environments. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. How to apply: Please only respond to the following email address: COSanJoseVacancies2@iom.int, attaching your CV and interest letter (one page maximum, attachments should not go over 2MB), by March 3, 2019 (Applications received after the deadline will not be considered). Selection process: After the application period closes, the hiring team will carefully review all applications and invite shortlisted candidates to an interview. A writing sample might be requested if the hiring team deems it necessary. Only candidates that meet the required profile will be considered. Publication period: From 8/2/2019 to 3/3/2019