Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Associate (m/f/d)

Job Description

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates. Second tier candidates include all external candidates.

Context:

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants affected by the ongoing emergency.

IOM’s operations cover diverse thematic areas such as: Humanitarian Relief Assistance, Protection (including Gender based Violence and Child Protection), Shelter and Non-food items, Health and Psychosocial Support, Resettlement, and Movement Management.

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Office, the overall supervision of the MHPSS coordinator and under the direct supervision of the MHPSS Officer, and in collaboration with relevant units at Headquarters and onsite, the incumbent will be responsible and accountable for the following:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Facilitate individual and group counselling sessions.

2. Provide administrative support on intervention plans with mental health specialists such as clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, social workers etc., and make referrals to specialized services as requested, when needed.

3. Assist families and primary caregivers in supporting their family members with mental health and behavioral challenges.

4. Conduct preliminary assessments and document cases from the initial consultation to the end.

5. Support the development of appropriate intervention and recovery plans for individuals, couples, families and groups.

6. Support the development of referral pathways and organize referrals to specialized mental health care in coordination with the MHPSS officer.

7. Organize platforms and workshop on disseminating key information and advocacy messages on MHPSS.

8. Support partnership and capacity building and to strengthen local and international NGOs, assist with the provision of coaching and networking.

9. Report all services provided; including follow-up and new cases, as well as visibility materials of all MHPSS activities.

10. Assist to build the capacity of IOM staff, on MHPSS related issues through workshops and trainings.

11. Participate in the continuous monitoring and evaluation of the program and in the logistical elaboration of the programmatic phases of intervention.

12. Assist to assess clients[singlequote] risk, considering their mental health & social needs when performing interventions.

13. Measure the effectiveness of interventions & suggest changes where required. 16. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Bachelors’ degree (or higher) in Psychology or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with at least three years of relevant professional experience, preferably in similar roles;

OR

Completed High School degree from an accredited academic institution, with at least five years of relevant working experience, preferably in similar roles.

Experience

• Proven work experience as a Mental Health Counselor or similar role;

• Experience in MHPSS programming, psychosocial support, community based activities, especially in an emergency context;

• Experience working with at-risk community members;

• Demonstrated ability to draft and prepare clear and concise formal correspondence and project reports;

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a multi-cultural setting;

• Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills;

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with persons of diverse cultural and national backgrounds;

• Excellent communication and analytical skills;

• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Languages

REQUIRED

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

DESIRABLE

Working knowledge of German, Dari and/or Pashto is an advantage.

Required Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• 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 1

• 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 action and delegated work.

• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

IOM’s competency framework can be found under the following link.

Other

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.

The appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

This post is subject to local recruitment. Only applicants holding a valid residence and work permit in Germany will be eligible for consideration.