MHPSS Consultant: Socio-Cultural Animator

Algiers

Organization: IOM - International Organization for Migration
Location: Algiers
Grade: Senior Executive level - Assistant Director - General level - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Public Health and Health Service
- Communication and Public Information
- Humanitarian Aid and Coordination
- Culture and Sport
Closing Date:

Job Description

Project Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and a member of the United Nations system. In Algeria, IOM provides assistance to migrants, particularly those experiencing heightened vulnerability due to displacement, trauma, and limited access to care. Migratory journeys often involve exposure to stressors such as violence, exploitation, uncertainty, and isolation, which can severely impact mental health and psychosocial well-being.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services are essential to protect and support migrants, contributing to the sustainability of broader assistance efforts. Within this framework, socio-cultural activities are recognized as powerful tools to foster resilience, promote emotional healing, and strengthen social cohesion.

This consultancy will focus on the design and facilitation of socio-cultural activities (cinema screenings, thematic debates, collective events, cultural workshops, celebrations, etc.) that are culturally relevant, inclusive, and aligned with MHPSS objectives. These activities will provide safe spaces for expression, connection, and recovery, while encouraging community participation and cohesion.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

Migrant Assistance and Protection Unit (PXD)

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract

1. Needs Identification

Conduct participatory assessments to identify cultural and social preferences among beneficiaries.
Gather community input to adapt activities to their expectations and traditions.

2. Activity Design and Facilitation

Design and facilitate diverse socio-cultural activities: ex: film screenings, debates, music and dance workshops, cultural celebrations, and collective events.
Ensure inclusivity and accessibility, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Create safe and welcoming environments for participation.

3. Strategic Alignment

Ensure all activities are aligned with MHPSS objectives: fostering resilience, promoting social cohesion, and enhancing emotional well-being.

4. Monitoring and Reporting

Document participation, feedback, psychosocial impacts, and challenges.
Submit monthly progress reports and a final report with recommendations for sustainability.

5. Programme Structure

Maintain a daily presence in the center where she/he is assigned to ensure consistent support

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

Identification of community-preferred socio-cultural practices.
Implementation of culturally relevant and inclusive activities.
Clear alignment of activities with MHPSS objectives.
Consistent presence in the center where she/he is assigned
Timely submission of monthly and final reports.
Quality and accuracy of documentation.

Qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in social sciences, education, psychology, sociology, or related fields.

Experience

Minimum of two years of professional experience in community-based programming, MHPSS, or socio-cultural initiatives.
Proven expertise in designing and facilitating socio-cultural activities with psychosocial objectives.

Skills

Strong competencies in participatory assessment, facilitation, monitoring, and reporting.
Familiarity with IOM’s MHPSS framework is highly desirable.

Languages

Fluency in French and English; knowledge of a Sub-Saharan dialect is a strong asset.

Travel required

The consultancy will be based in Algiers.

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

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 3 months with possibility of extension
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

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