Consultant- Funding Consideration for Grassroots CSOs/OPDs

Context/Reporting line:
Persons with disabilities in Iraq have been disproportionately impacted by the decades of war, armed conflict,
terrorism, violence, and the economic hardship. The Federal Government of Iraq, Kurdistan Regional
Government, United Nations agencies, international non-governmental organizations and civil societies are
making efforts toward addressing the multiple, intersecting barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
Unfortunately, these efforts have been hampered by a lack of resources, competing institutional priorities,
insufficient institutional will and the prevalent use of the charity approach, where persons with disabilities are
pitied, rather than empowered, through a right- based approach to disability inclusive mainstreaming.
In 2019, IOM Iraq launched the IOM Iraq Disability Inclusion Strategy 2019—2021. Drawn from the United
Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy Entity Accountability Framework, the IOM Iraq strategy seeks to ensure
that persons with disabilities are equitably included and consulted so their requirements are identified and met
in IOM Iraq activities, using a rights-based approach. In 2020, IOM Iraq’s Community Stabilization Unit
(CSU) developed the Framework: CSU’s approach to mainstreaming disability inclusion into programming in
2020 to ensure the inclusion of persons with diverse disabilities in all CSU projects and initiatives.
In 2021 IOM Iraq released a report Persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in Iraq:
Barriers, challenges and priorities. The report is based on key informant interviews conducted with 81
representatives of 53 Organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) across 18 governorates. The report
notes the key challenge of OPDs is the lack of funding, with a recommendation to further investigate
possible ways to provide funding to fund OPDs that meets humanitarian and development agency financial
and administrative due diligence requirements. For example, grant opportunities delivered through
implementing partners, seconding staff, or substitute capacity.
Because OPDs often operate informally and lack the back infrastructure of an organization required to be
eligible for funding, they face similar struggles as grassroots CSOs and community informal networks in
accessing funding. As such, this piece of work will focus on OPDs, but it is envisaged that it may be informed
by and contribute to grassroots CSOs and community informal networks also accessing resources and support.
Enabling Organisations of persons with disabilities to access funding and resources is a critical path in the
localisation agenda. IASC Results Group 5 on Financial Financing, in line with Grand Bargain commitments
IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Applications from qualified female
candidates are especially encouraged, as well as the internal and external candidates are eligible to
apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, the internal candidates are considered as
first-tier candidates.
has provided clear information to donors in line with the Grand Bargain commitment, for flexible funding
arrangements. It may be possible to draw lessons from this level of funding to apply to a grassroots approach.
Under the overall supervision of the Senior Program Coordinator of the Community Stabilization Unit and the
direct supervision of the Disability Inclusion Officer, the Consultant will develop a brief endorsed by IOM Iraq
listing a number of possible ways to resource and fund OPDs in Iraq, key guiding principles and scoping of key
considerations for long term capacity support to OPDs.
Core Functions / Responsibilities
The consultant is expected to develop a brief/factsheet endorsed by IOM Iraq listing a number of possible ways
to resource and fund OPDs in Iraq.
Methodology:

1. Inception meeting with IOM.
2. Desk review.
3. Develop consultation methodology and workplan for approval by IOM.
4. Conduct interviews in English with stakeholders (list will be provided by IOM, consultant can suggest
   additional interviews). IOM will provide translation or interpretation for any interviews that cannot be
   conducted in English.
5. Draft a brief including:
   a. overarching principles that should guide funding and resourcing mechanisms for OPDs.
   b. an outline of a number of possible ways to resource and fund OPDs in Iraq in the short term.
   c. scoping of key considerations for a four-year capacity strengthening plan for OPDs in Iraq.
6. Final draft will be presented to key staff at IOM Iraq to check that documented ways meet due diligence
   and other requirements of IOM Iraq.
7. Consultant to incorporate feedback.
8. Final brief (maximum 12 pages) by 31 December 2021.
   The consultant must attend weekly calls regarding this contract with the IOM Disability Inclusion Officer.
   Outputs
   The following output are expected to be delivered by the consultant:
    Draft consultation strategy and workplan due 2 weeks after signing contract.
    First draft submitted in English 21 November 2021.
    Final draft brief submitted in English by 30 November, ready to be circulated for endorsement by IOM
   Iraq.
    Final brief submitted by 31 December in English, maximum 12 pages.
   Payment Modality
   Payment will be made once, upon the finalization and approval of the work, at the end of the assignment.
   Required Qualifications
   Education:
    Bachelor’s degree in political Science, Education, Social Sciences, or any other related field from an
   accredited university or institute.
   Experience and Skills:
    At least 7 years of work experience in localization, grassroots civil society and/or disability inclusion.
    Excellent knowledge and experience in governance, procurement, logistics, finance.
    Previous experience similar assignment with IOM, UN or donors is an advantage.
    Working alongside persons with disabilities and OPDs – desirable.
    Knowledge of Iraqi culture and the dynamics – desirable.
   Languages:
    Fluency in English is required.
    Arabic and Kurdish would be an advantage.
   Behavioral Competencies
    Work prioritization and ability to multitask.
    Shares knowledge and experience.
    Positive, constructive attitude.
    Ability to work and act under pressure with discretion in politically sensitive environment with a
   minimum of comfort.
    Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.
    Ready to work independently, under tight deadlines.
    Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
    Ability to work in a multi-cultural team environment with a positive attitude.
    Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
    Strives for supportive working environment and positive working relationship.
    Creates a respectful office environment free of harassment, retaliation, and promotes the prevention of
   sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).