Under the overall supervision of the MHPSS / Protection Program Manager & the direct supervision of the National Program Officer (MHPSS) & closely coordinating with the Protection Officers (Gender Based Violence (GBV), Mainstreaming & Counter Trafficking (CT)). Being a member of IOM’s Psychosocial Support (PSS) team, the successful candidates’ primary role will be to implement MHPSS / protection activities in Katsina state.

• Working with the PSS team to identify community resource persons for an MHPSS / protection assessment exercise & service mapping activities. 

• Develop community mobilization & engagement protocols based on the needs, concerns & other risk factors identified during the MHPSS / protection assessment.

• Organize & lead culturally appropriate community mobilization & engagement activities, that include all members of the community (women / men, girls / boys, people with disabilities, elderly, children & youth, etc.). 

• Working with the team to develop culturally sensitive messages & material for MHPSS & protection awareness raising & training. 

• Disseminate community based messages related to health, psychosocial concerns, GBV, Protection from Sexual Exploitation & Abuse (PSEA) & Trafficking In Persons (TIP) for the affected population.

• Support the establishment & / or renewal of community support safety nets.

• Identify cases that require specialized intervention & refer them to the appropriate service providers (Counsellor / Protection Assistant) in close coordination with the Protection Assistant & MHPSS National Program Officer, & respond to cases referred by other organizations. 

• Organize support & discussion groups & forums with the community & coordinate with the PSS team members as to the need to integrate vulnerable individuals within the psychosocial groups’ activities.

• In coordination with the Protection Assistant & MHPSS National Program Officer, mobilize participants for community based activities & capacity building training, ensuring that the program’s activities are effectively communicated & carried out in participatory & inclusive ways.

• Report daily activities.

• Undertake duty travel to very challenging areas when necessary. 

• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

This role will work under the overall supervision of the MHPSS / Protection Program Manager & the direct supervision of the National Program Officer (MHPSS) & closely coordinating with the Protection Officers (Gender Based Violence (GBV), Mainstreaming & Counter Trafficking (CT)).

• University Degree from accredited institutions in Social Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, or in a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training & experience.

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, including capacity building functions within the humanitarian field.

• Experience in working on community level, e.g. with NGOs or Civil Society Organizations (CSO's) is an advantage. 

• Experience in working with different groups of the community (e.g., youth, elderly, people with disabilities) is an advantage. 

• Open & positive attitude & ability to communicate in a sensitive manner with all members of the community.

• Genuine care & respect for the needs of vulnerable populations with a strong belief in empowering marginalized & disenfranchised people. 

• High integrity & willingness to conduct her / himself transparently & open to scrutiny.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, ability to work under (time) pressure, with minimal supervision & in a culturally diverse team.

• Strong interpersonal skills & demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with community members, local staff & other stakeholders.

• Excellent analytical & communication skills.

• Ability to independently carry out tasks, proactivity, ability to multitask & to prioritize. 

• Knowledge of social & development issues in Nigeria, particularly within the area of responsibility. 

• Excellent report writing skills.

• Written & spoken English & Hausa

• Knowledge of Fulfulbe is an advantage.

• Inclusion & respect for diversity respect & promote individual & cultural differences, encourage diversity & inclusion wherever possible.

• Maintain high ethical standards & acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles / rules & standards of conduct.

• Demonstrates the ability to work in a composed, competent & committed manner & exercises careful judgment in meeting day to day challenges.

• Develops & promotes effective collaboration within & across units to achieve shared goals & optimize results.

• Delivering results produces & delivers quality results in a service oriented & timely manner, is action oriented & committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing & sharing knowledge continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge & innovate.

• Takes ownership for achieving the organization’s priorities & assumes responsibility for own actions & delegated work.

• Encourages & contributes to clear & open communication, explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring & motivational way.

• Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example & demonstrates the ability to carry out the organization’s vision, assists others to realize & develop their potential.

• Empowering others & building trust creates an atmosphere of trust & an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best & develop their potential.

• Work strategically to realize the organization’s goals & communicates a clear strategic direction.

This role has no team management responsibillity.

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for this role.