Regional MHPSS Assistant

Context:

Irregular migration along the Mediterranean route remains to be increasingly dangerous for migrants. Crossing the Mediterranean is by far the deadliest route, with over 26,924 missing migrants recorded since 2014 in addition to those who perish along the desert. In addition, migrants are exposed to various forms of violence, abuse and exploitation, including trafficking in persons, during their migration journey and end up with varying physical and mental health issues and worsened economic status.

IOM works closely with member states to address these issues and facilitating orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people through planned and well-managed migration governance. IOM is implementing programmes along these routes focusing on enhancing protection, combatting irregular migration and human trafficking while strengthening capacities of local actors and structures. With support from the European Union (EU), IOM has developed targeted interventions in 16 countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan and The Gambia) to protect the safety, dignity and rights of migrants along this important and dangerous migration route and to help in improving the reintegration of returnees through an innovative approach. This will be achieved through different types of interventions including protection and assistance to vulnerable and stranded migrants, provision of direct assistance through search and rescue support, identification, referral and direct assistance to vulnerable migrants, assistance for voluntary return, and support for sustainable reintegration.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Regional Programme Coordinator (MPRR-SSA) and direct supervision of the Regional (SSA) MHPSS Officer, in collaboration with relevant units and offices, the successful candidate will provide support to the implementation of the targeted interventions MHPSS component and support the promotion of mental health and psychosocial well-being.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Assist in in the planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of MHPSS activities, in collaboration with other members of the Central Coordination Unit.
2. Coordinate Support the coordination of assistance to individual cases of concern, with MHPSS needs, supported under the Regional Direct Assistance Fund (RDAF) in line with IOM standards and guidelines and in collaboration with relevant MHPSS focal points at the country and regional level.
3. Collect and archive individual documents related to migrants assisted under RDAF, in line with IOM’s data protection principles and compile programmatic information and data on MHPSS direct assistance provided under the fund.
4. Assist in carrying out assessments of migrant MHPSS needs and ressources at the regional level as well as training needs for MHPSS focal points and others relevent colleagues.
5. Assist in supporting the Country Offices in their planning, implementation, coordination and monitoring of MHPSS activities, as well as in providing technical support.
6. Assist in compiling and sharing information on MHPSS tools and best practices.
7. Assist in setting up and maintaining coordination and knowledge management platforms.
8. Assist in the promotion of mental health and psychosocial well-being and the mainstreaming of MHPSS principles accross the programme.
9. Organize remote or in person trainings, meetings, workshops and other events with relevant colleagues at the regional, country and global level (by supporting preparation of agenda, material needed, attendance sheet notably) and ensure timely information sharing, reporting and follow up.
10. Draft correspondence, reports, briefing notes, graphics, presentations and other forms of documentation needed for the targeted interventions.
11. Organize internal meetings for the follow up of the targeted interventions MHPSS activities, take notes and file appropriately.
12. Participate in meetings and conferences as per need.
13. Undertake duty travel as per need.
14. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Bachellor’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Counselling or Social Work, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant experience; or,
• High School diploma with relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• Good understanding of psychosocial support and/ or migration issues, in particular migrants’ rights and migrants’ MHPSS is a strong advantage.
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
• Previous experience with regional programmes and/or working with different countries in Sub-Saharan Africa is an asset.

Skills

• Good understanding of social protection and/ or migration issues, in particular migrants’ rights and migrants’ protection is a strong advantage.
• Strong computer skills and high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word and Teams Tasks.

Languages

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

Required

For this position, fluency in French and English is required (oral and written).

Required Competencies:

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

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 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.

Other

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, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.