Consultant to conduct qualitative research on the role and impact of Migrant Health Volunteers during health emergencies

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 : March 26, 2023

Reference Code : CFA025/2023

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 Thailand’s 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 origin—especially the crisis in Myanmar that has been imbuing risks for Myanmar migrants to return to—and 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 country’s 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 MHV’s 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 IOM’s 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 Thailand’s 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:

• Conduct a desk review by performing a review of the existing literatures, policies and regulation regarding MHVs in target areas and contexts, structure and relevant mechanism, focusing on successes of MHV network in the contexts of migrant communities and companies/worksites/industries;
• Provide preliminary results – covering the areas of, but not limited to, (a) socio-demographic and roles of MHVs, (b) resources, (c) capacity-building and knowledge managements, and (d) policy, regulation and legal provisions;
• Identify and liaise with key migrant communities in targeted locations, pertinent governmental agencies, employers, and NGOs/CSOs active in the areas such as World Vision Foundation of Thailand, PROUD Association, Raks Thai Foundation, etc., for further coordination;
• Conduct qualitative data collection – undertake field visits and conduct key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders (n=10) such as governmental agencies, employers, and NGOs/CSOs involved at the implementing-level and the policy levels, as well as conduct focus group discussions with MHV (n=10) to assess the impact and challenges of MHV during and post COVID-19 in different areas and contexts;
• Analyse qualitative data and determine development needs with comparison between target areas and contexts;
• Draft and finalize a 10–15-page reader-friendly report, including Identify recommendations in all aspects in accordance with the research’s findings;
• Prepare a presentation of the results and recommendations for MHV sustainability and conduct validation workshop with relevant stakeholders;
• Liaise with IOM team on the revision of the draft according to IOM’s feedback and submit copy-edited final version.

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

• First Deliverable – A kick-off meeting with IOM, an Inception report including stakeholders mapping and desk research data
• Second Deliverable – Presentation of research findings and recommendations (the first draft of the final report)
• Final Deliverable – Validation workshop with IOM and relevant authorities (a copy-edited final report)

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

Deliverables in details:

1. A kick-off meeting with IOM to officially initiate the activity and ensure mutual understanding of the action plan, timelines, methodology, and reporting;
2. An inception report including stakeholders mapping and desk research data for IOM’s review and approval;
3. Presentation summarizing the research findings, analysis, and recommendations;
4. Validation workshop with IOM relevant and relevant authorities prior to finalizing the report;
5. A copy-edited final report including key points but not limited to:

• Literature review and policy analysis
• Comparative case studies
• Research findings and analysis
• Conclusion and recommendations

The consultant will deliver key outputs as described above between April and June 2023 with more specific timeframes. For more details: please visit https://thailand.iom.int/careers.

3. REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Social Sciences, international Development, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in research, preferably in the area of public health with a minimum of 3 years in the field of migration health
• Proven experienced in producing qualitative research with high quality
• Experience in working with Migrant Health Volunteers is a strong asset
• Knowledge of existing policies, laws, and regulations that concerns MHV’s system and migration health in Thailand
• Established networks in migrant workers’ communities, civil society organizations and good relationship with local government authorities in the mentioned locations

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Thai (oral and written) is required, and the research must be delivered in English.

4. DESIRABLE COMPENTENCIES

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintain 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.

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 action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

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.