Project Assistant (Transitional Justice)- Non-Specialized MHPSS services (Yazidi Survivors Law)

Context/Reporting line:

Since 2014, minorities in Iraq have been suffering from the atrocities conducted by ISIS, leaving them with different needs at different layers. Survivors have gone through intense traumatic experiences leaving them with acute stress, trauma and depression, amongst other direct and indirect psychological consequences.

On March 1, 2021, the Iraqi Council of Representatives adopted the Law on Support to Yazidi Women Survivors (Survivors Law). This law represents a watershed moment in Iraqi efforts to address the legacy of ISIL crimes against Yazidis and victims from other minorities, as it officially recognizes acts of genocide against Yazidi and other communities. It provides access to variety of rights and benefits to women and girls survivors of conflict related sexual violence, as well as children abducted by ISIS, including monthly pension, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS). 

However, capacity of Iraqi institutions to provide MHPSS is weak and depleted due to decades of conflict and systemic shortcomings. In areas where survivors currently live and especially in areas of their origin (Tal Afar, Sinjar and Bashiqa) state capacity to provide even basic services is scarce. NGOs working in these areas are also struggling with MHPSS technical capacity and resources, leaving survivors basically without any services.  

While Government of Iraq is working on establishing the MHPSS center under YSL framework, IOM intends to address ongoing needs of survivors through strengthening capacity of selected group of civil society organizations working with survivors in Tal Afar, Sinjar and Bashiqa and support them to provide tailored non-specialized MHPSS that aims to foster healing, resilience, and rehabilitation for these survivors.

Under the general supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator (Peace Bldg&Stabl), the overall supervision of the Programme Officer (Transitional Justice), the administrative supervision of the Head of Sub Office (HoSO) and the direct supervision of the National MHPSS Officer (Yazidi Survivors Law framework), in close coordination with MHPSS programme, the successful incumbent ill perform the following duties;

Core Functions / Responsibilities

1. Support civil society organizations in Sinjar/Tal Afar/Bashiqa in delivery of the Non-Specialized MHPSS services for survivors of ISIS genocide.
2. Assist civil society organizations in implementing non-specialized MHPSS services, preparing work plans and follow up with the implementation of the work plans.
3. In close coordination with the IOM National YSL-MHPSS Officer, provide technical support, coaching and on the job capacity building for civil society organizations in the provision of quality non-specialized MHPSS services.
4. Guide and assist civil society organizations in monitoring, evaluation and preparing clear and concise reports of all MHPSS activities.
5. Assist in administrative data collection and processing, including data entry in the internal data processing and monitoring systems (portal, budget trackers, timesheets, etc.), in line with internal protocols and SOPs.
6. Build civil society organizations’ capacities in conducting needs assessments to be able to support and facilitate implementation of projects and activities.
7. Any other duty as may be assigned by Supervisor.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Educational Psychology, or other relevant social sciences from an accredited academic university or institution with three years of relevant professional experience, or:
• High school diploma degree with five years of professional relevant experience

Experience and Skills:

• Experience working in the humanitarian or development sector,
• Experience in mental health, psychosocial support and capacity building programs.
• Experience in capacity building for local NGOs or social programmes is a strong advantage.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills and the ability to engage with a wide range of people including people of culturally diverse backgrounds.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Arabic.
• Working knowledge of Turkmen language is an advantage.

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 actions and delegated work.

Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

While this vacancy is open to both Internals and Externals, priority shall be given to qualified Internal applicants.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via this link:

https://jobs.my-soc.org/apply/20240808124154/sFQdRLaqfXNiU0uxTAMCDJbpE    

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly completed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.