Accessibility Assessment Consultant

Job Description

Project Context and Scope

The objective of the consultancy is to undertake an accessibility assessment of IOM Regional and Country Office in Cairo, Egypt, to understand the disability-related barriers that users (IOM personnel, partners, beneficiaries, government officials, and others) might face when reaching, entering, circulating and using the RO/CO facilities and services. The aim is to improve accessibility within the organization’s facilities, services, and digital platforms (website, communication/technology channels, documents, physical spaces) by proposing a comprehensive Accessibility Improvement Plan, coordinating the implementation of a set of selected accessibility recommendations according to the plan, and producing a guidance note on ensuring effective use, durability and maintenance of accessibility works/modifications, to ensure sustainability. The assignment will be allocated at Category B Consultancy.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

As an international inter-governmental organization with a global mandate, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is present in over 170 countries and has over 550 field offices worldwide. Understanding the diversity of its workforce as one of the aspects that make the Organization qualified to deal with the complex issue of migration, IOM recognizes the importance of accessibility to ensure inclusion of persons with disabilities and a more enabling environment for everyone, in line with the requirements from the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), Indicator 6 – Accessibility and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). UNDIS is a comprehensive policy and accountability framework aimed at promoting sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion across all aspects of the UN’s activities.

Within IOM, several key policies and strategies have been adopted, including the IOM People Strategy and its Implementation Plan (2024-2028), which have a specific focus on disability inclusion. One of the key activities from these documents is the focus on defining minimum accessibility standards for IOM (e.g. for premises, systems, documents, learning) and coordinate with IOM security to start accessibility assessments and ratings in key offices around the world.

Accessibility is broadly understood as the ability to access or benefit from services, products and devices and/or environments, with the greatest possible level of independence, safety and dignity. It ensures that all individuals can access and benefit without barriers, enabling full participation and independent living. Articles 2 and 9 of the CRPD recognize accessibility as a precondition for the effective participation of persons with disabilities in the workplace and a vital tool for ensuring the enjoyment of equal rights.

Being a field-focused organization and working in offices in over 170 countries, one of the current priorities of IOM is to improve the accessibility of its country and regional offices. The Organization aims to undertake a pilot accessibility assessment of IOM MENA Regional Office and Country Office, with a view to progressively implement the assessment recommendations. The objective of this engagement is to ensure accessibility in compliance with international accessibility standards, and other relevant laws and guidelines applicable to the MENA Region.

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract

1. First deliverable: Production of inception report and work plan containing (but not limited to) proposed accessibility assessment methodology and next steps; key participants to be included in the assessment, ensuring meaningful participation of persons with disabilities; estimated timelines to be delivered by email on 5th December 2024 and the payment to be made with 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

2. Second deliverable: Prepare and conduct a comprehensive on-site accessibility assessment of the IOM Regional and Country Office in Cairo, Egypt based on existing IOM guidance and external resources. This assessment will assess the current state of compliance with accessibility standards when it comes to physical accessibility, accessibility of internal and external communications, staff awareness about accessibility and inclusive workplace safety practices, with active participation of staff with disabilities to be delivered by 28th Feb 2025 and the payment to be made with 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

3. Third deliverable: Provide an assessment Report with clear and actionable recommendations for improvements based on the assessment. Propose technical and design solutions to eliminate identified accessibility barriers and create a roadmap for achieving compliance with accessibility standards. The accessibility assessment report should include an accessibility improvement plan with recommendations for accessibility modifications (covering physical, information/communication, awareness, and other relevant areas), along with cost estimates for each modification and prioritizing recommendations based on relevant criteria such as feasibility, cost, and time required for implementation. Workshop(s) on validation of the accessibility assessment findings and adoption of the accessibility improvement plan for the IOM RO and CO Cairo, Egypt will also be conducted to be delivered by email on 14th March 2025 and the payment to be made with 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

4. Fourth deliverable: Develop guidance notes to ensure the effective use, durability, and maintenance of accessibility modifications, including a framework for continuous monitoring and reporting of accessibility compliance (which can include establishing accessibility KPIs and benchmarks) to be submitted by email. Organize 2 on-site training sessions for relevant staff on accessibility principles, guidelines, tools and maintenance of accessibility modifications. Build the team’s capacity to integrate accessibility considerations into daily workflows and decision-making processes to be delivered on 21st March 2025 and the payment to be made with 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

5. Fifth deliverable: Coordinate the implementation and monitoring of selected accessibility modifications, providing guidance to procurement teams and contractors on best practices for accessibility during implementation of modifications, while ensuring the active participation of people with disabilities in the monitoring process. Delivery of final monitoring report the implementation status of the accessibility improvement plan by email to be delivered by 4th April 2025 and the payment to be made with 15 days of receipt and approval of the required deliverable.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Submit a detailed accessibility assessment report. Ensuring that the assessment process includes relevant representatives from different departments of IOM and accessibility expertise.
• Submit a list of prioritized recommendations with timelines for implementation.
• Introduce accessibility guidelines and best practices documentation for internal use.
• Design training materials and sessions for staff on accessibility.
• Submit final report after the implementation phase, including compliance certification (if applicable).
• Implementation of the guidance note on the maintenance of accessibility modifications in the specific country/office context.
• Travel to 5 country offices within the MENA Region to conduct the accessibility assessment.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in engineering from an accredited academic institution with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in accessibility auditing, consultation, and training within the development or humanitarian sector; or
• University degree in the above field with 4 years of relevant professional experience in accessibility auditing, consultation, and training within the development or humanitarian sector.
• Familiarity with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and other relevant accessibility laws and accessibility standards.
• Experience working with web and mobile accessibility tools (such as WAVE, Axe, Lighthouse) is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of foundational concepts in relation to accessibility and disability inclusion.
• Proficiency in assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, magnifiers, etc.).
• Strong communication skills, particularly in explaining technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including designers, developers, and project managers.
• Ability to deliver within the timeframe.
• [Optional] Certification in accessibility standards (e.g., Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC).

Languages

• Fluency in English is required, Arabic/French will be an advantage.

Travel required

• The consultant might be required to travel to the country offices under the region. IOM will bear the costs of all travels on duty in line with IN/6 Travel Policy.

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

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. 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. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates may be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination. Consultants engaged to work on a home-based consultancy who do not need to travel do not need to provide vaccination records, regardless of the length of the consultancy contract.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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