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:
Methods: Up to 12 focus groups (segmented by gender and age, 6-7 participants on average)
The scope of the work includes following aspects:
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 resultsOR
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 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, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. 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. 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. 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. 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. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies