​​Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer ​(P)

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
   Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM contributes to the promotion of mental health and psychosocial well-being of migrants and host communities through mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programs and activities throughout all phases of the migration process. The full-scale war in Ukraine has created a profound mental health crisis affecting individuals across all age groups. Over 2.5 million homes have been damaged or destroyed with direct losses severely impacting housing, transport, energy, agriculture and water systems. Mental-health concerns are widespread, with more than 70 per cent of adults reporting anxiety, depression or severe stress. Trend analysis estimates that up to 2.7 million
people could be affected by strikes in 2026, requiring humanitarian assistance to cope with displacement, service interruptions, life-threatening burns/injuries, mental health trauma, damage, insecurity and protection risks. At the same time, Transition & Recovery and Development are considered scenarios where a great deal of help will be needed.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in IOM Ukraine and direct supervision of the Head of Programmes (Humanitarian), the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer  will contribute to the harmonization of the CO’s MHPSS programmatic approaches with  global standards and guidelines, development of tools and protocols, provision of technical support and capacity building, strategic planning and project implementation of Mental and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for the mission.

Responsibilities

1. Provide technical expertise for the development of SOPs, protocols and tools, contributing to the integration of MHPSS within IOM’s Humanitarian, Transition & Recovery and Development programming.
2. Coordinate project planning, implementation and monitoring as well as project reports, including financial and to the donors.
3. Guide and coordinate the work of project team and capacity building activities to accomplish the set goals. 
4. Liaise and maintain interaction with the national, regional and local authorities for coordinated planning and support throughout.
5. Participate in the national MHPSS coordination mechanism, the UN, international and local organizations, academia, supporting MHPSS in Ukraine as well as create and maintain a community of practice or expert network and a roster of consultants.
6. Coordinate with the relevant support units (Resources Management, Programme Support, Partnerships, Information Management, Supply Chain, communication) and heads of sub-offices for due compliance, accountability and regulation follow-up.
7. Conduct research and contribute to the identification of global best and promising practices; contribute to their integration into strategic and operational planning and tools for knowledge management. 
8. Provide technical background materials for IOM’s participation in relevant interagency meetings, fora, and regional and technical networks, when required.
9. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
    

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

•    Master’s Degree in Psychology (clinical, counselling), Counselling, Social Work (forensic or mental health) or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
•    University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
•    Participation in IOM corporate MHPSS Academic programs in Psychosocial Interventions in Emergency and Displacement or similar will be considered an asset.
•    Additional degree in Conflict Studies, Peacebuilding Studies, Anthropology is an asset.

Experience

•    Experience working with specialized national or international, governmental or non-governmental agencies providing MHPSS to veterans of war and their family members, internally displaced people, and returnees; 
•    Experience in the design and/or implementation of MHPSS interventions in conflict and/or post-conflict settings;
•    Experience coordinating knowledge management initiatives, and in designing and deliver training curricula, including in person or online;
•    Experience in liaising and building effective partnerships with national and international stakeholders, such as UN Agencies, research and academic institutions, international, regional and local organizations, governmental entities and civil society; and,
•    Direct psychotherapeutic, counselling or social work experiences in war or similar contexts.

Skills

•    Sound knowledge of the Interagency Peacebuilding environment;
•    Demonstrated capacity for program analysis and applied research; and,
•    Demonstrated capacity for the development and adaptation of tools and protocols.

Languages

IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) and/or Ukrainian is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.


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 five 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 – level 2.

• 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.

Managerial Competencies - Behavioural indicators – level 2.

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

 The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. 

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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