EC-CO-017/25 CONSULTANCY SPECIALIZED CARE FOR GIRLS, BOYS AND ADOLESCENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND/OR NEURODIVERSITY AND THEIR FAMILIES
Qualifications of CONSULTANCY SPECIALIZED CARE FOR GIRLS:
- Location: Quito
- Vacancy No: 16358
- Salary: N/A
- Organization: IOM International Organization for Migration
- Deadline: 8/19/2025
Brief details about CONSULTANCY SPECIALIZED CARE FOR GIRLS:
About
Information about the organization that has offered the job:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) works under the principle that safe, orderly, and regular migration benefits both migrants and societies. A fundamental part of its work is supporting States in managing migration, promoting respect for human rights and international cooperation, and providing humanitarian assistance to those in need.
In Quito, IOM operates the Migrant Assistance, Guidance, and Referral Center (AMOR Center), a direct-care center for people on the move and host communities, where projects are developed that promote integration, social inclusion, and access to rights. Since 2022, the AMOR Center has implemented a specialized care model for children and adolescents (CHI) with disabilities or neurodevelopmental conditions, seeking to offer comprehensive care that helps overcome the challenges faced by this priority group.
The main objective of this strategy is to reduce barriers to accessing health services for children with disabilities or neurodivergence, especially in contexts of mobility. A prior assessment showed that families with children in this situation often face greater difficulties accessing health, education, and food services.
Recognizing the identified needs and with the aim of generating access routes to the rights of persons with disabilities, the following actions have been implemented:
- Identification and initial care of children and adolescents with suspected disabilities or with previous diagnoses.
- Referral to specialized health services, including access to diagnosis, therapies, and supportive testing.
- Workshops and support groups for caregivers, which may include psychological support.
- Early cognitive stimulation workshops for children ages 0 to 4, with educational kits provided.
- Raising awareness among public officials and care staff on addressing children with disabilities or neurodivergence in the context of human mobility.
- Vocational training workshops for caregivers, aimed at strengthening their economic independence.
To continue this work, IOM, with funding from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will carry out a project at the AMOR Center, focused on providing specialized care to children and adolescents and their families, strengthening inclusive spaces, raising awareness among key stakeholders, and supporting the development of skills and livelihoods for caregivers.
Department/Unit of the Organization to which the consultant provides services:
Protection Unit and AMOR Center
Protection Unit and AMOR Center
Responsibilities
Tasks to be performed within the framework of this contract :
- Operational planning and coordination
- Prepare and present a work plan that includes a detailed schedule of activities, methodologies to be used, and their connection to established performance indicators and goals.
- Report in a timely manner to the IOM project team, through the project manager, all relevant events and planned actions within the framework of the project.
- Direct care for girls, boys and adolescents
- Conduct early stimulation sessions for children using IOM-validated methodologies at the AMOR Center, including the delivery of kits to participating families.
- Provide specialized care to children and adolescents with disabilities or neurodevelopmental conditions, including: i) Screening and comprehensive interviews to identify needs; ii) Referral of cases to specialized centers and health services, in coordination with IOM-designated units; and iii) Monitoring families regarding their participation in the project and the assistance provided.
- Gather information on medical recommendations regarding necessary technical aids for the children and adolescents being cared for, and coordinate possible support actions with the AMOR Center.
- Family and community strengthening
- Design, coordinate, and facilitate self-care workshops and spaces for mothers, fathers, and/or caregivers, promoting their active participation. The content and methodology must be developed and validated in advance by the IOM.
- Support the organization and implementation of capacity-building workshops for public officials, non-governmental organizations, partners, and civil society on disability and neurodiversity issues, with a focus on human mobility and inclusion.
- Monitoring, evaluation and documentation
- Prepare the technical reports and progress reports required for contract supervision, based on the activities carried out.
- Support monitoring and evaluation processes by gathering information on compliance with indicators and verification methods, as well as identifying lessons learned and potential improvements.
- Systematize experiences and lessons learned from key activities carried out under your responsibility.
- Any other task that may be requested, provided that it is within your professional competencies and related to the objective of the project.
Qualifications
Education
The consultant must have the following profile:
- Third-level degree in Clinical Psychology, Child Psychology or Psychorehabilitation.
- Relevant fourth-level degree in Mental Health, Education or Child Psychology, Psychopedagogy.
Experience
- At least 3 years of experience in direct care for children and adolescents and their families in situations of human mobility and in the host community.
- Experience working directly with children and adolescents with disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Technical skills:
- Capacity for design, systematization and participatory analysis.
- Other desirable technical skills include psychosocial care, psychological first aid, and direct case referral.
- Ability to organize groups and network.
- Work with NGOs, humanitarian partners and other United Nations agencies is desirable.
- Handling digital tools, Microsoft Office 365 and remote collaboration platforms
Language
The official languages of the IOM are English, French, and Spanish.
Proficiency in the required language(s) will be specifically assessed during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Necessary travel
All activities will take place in Quito, Ecuador.
Values
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respect and promote individual and cultural differences. Promote diversity and inclusion to the extent possible.
- Integrity and transparency: Respect strict ethical standards and act in a manner consistent with institutional principles, rules, and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrate the ability to work calmly, competently, and with commitment, and to deal with daily challenges with sound judgment.
Essential competencies – behavioral indicators
- Teamwork: Develop and promote effective collaboration across all levels to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Achieving results: Produce and achieve quality results in a timely and service-oriented manner. Direct your efforts toward action and be committed to achieving results.
- Knowledge management and sharing: Continually seek opportunities to learn, share knowledge, and innovate.
- Accountability: Taking ownership of the Organization’s priorities and assuming responsibility for one’s own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourage and facilitate clear and open communication. Explain complex issues, ensuring that they inform, inspire, and motivate.
Notes
- Any offer made to the candidate in connection with this vacancy announcement is subject to confirmation of funding.
- The appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for the appointment, verification of residency, visas, and authorizations from the relevant government, where applicable.
- The IOM covers consultants free of charge against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Indemnity Plan (CP) for the duration of the consultancy. The 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 accidents and illnesses and must provide written proof of such coverage before beginning work.
- IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct inconsistent with the purposes 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 origin, or disability.
- The IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise). The IOM does not request any bank account information.
- IOM only accepts fully completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.