Senior Roving Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer

Position Title: Senior Roving Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P4

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 04 July 2024

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

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. 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, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Fiji; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

Under the overall supervision of Head, Protection Division and direct supervision of the Head of the Mental Health, Psychosocial Response and Intercultural Communication Unit (MHPSSIC), and in coordination with the Head of the Humanitarian Response Division, the Senior Roving MHPSS Officer will be responsible and accountable for developing, coordinating and implementing IOM’s strategy, policy and programming in the field of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Humanitarian Emergencies.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Policy and Strategy Formulation

Provide authoritative technical and programmatic MHPSS related advice and inputs for relevant policies, strategies and programmatic frameworks in the Humanitarian Preparedness and Response domain, including:

• Prepare timely position statements, presentations, strategic guidance, briefings and otherdocuments and advice for the Head of MHPSSIC Unit and the Head of HP Division;
• Ensure the inclusion and implementation of dedicated MHPSS chapters and components in key strategies, policies and position papers;
• Monitor and assess relevant policy, strategy and programmatic developments in relation to mental health, psychosocial response and intercultural communication needs in humanitarian emergencies with particular regard to displaced and migrant populations and advise the Head of MHPSSCI Unit accordingly;
• Establish, promote and strengthen communications and collaboration between Global MHPSSCI, Humanitarian Response Division, Humanitarian Protection Unit, and Health in Emergency Unit on MHPSS matters.

External Liaison and Resource Mobilization

Advocate for and influence key partners and decision-makers on issues related to mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of displaced populations, crisis affected populations, and migrants in humanitarian emergencies, including:

• Represent IOM at the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support; coordinate IOM co-chairs of field based Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group (IASC RG) on MHPSS, and co-chair or coordinate the co-chairing of relevant global working groups;
• Develop the strategy for fund raising and resource mobilization for MHPSS programs and program components in Humanitarian Emergencies;
• Establish strong liaison with the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster for issues related to MHPSS.

Technical Supervision, Management and Representation

• Substantively contribute to the development and implementation of IOM’s global guidance notes, indicators, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in relation to dedicated mental health and psychosocial support and intercultural communication policies, programs, activities and procedures in emergency preparedness and response;
• Supervise proposal development and the preparation of narrative and financial donor reports submitted by missions, Regional Offices (ROs) and Global Emergency teams;
• Act as secondary reviewer or endorser for MHPSS dedicated programs and project components under the Humanitarian Preparedness and response coding;
• Provide direct technical supervision to all Professional, National Officers, and General Service MHPSS experts, project officers, program officers of humanitarian emergency programs;
• Develop and maintain, in collaboration with relevant organizational units, a sound MEAL framework, assessing, monitoring, synthesizing, interpreting and evaluating relevant IOM MHPSS in emergency data. This includes collaboration and coordination with Data Unit of the Protection Division, the IQ team and the Strategic Results Framework (SRF) team;
• Advocate for and promote the inclusion of MHPSS and migration in emergency related subjects in relevant conferences, academic courses and interagency events, either directly or by instructing other colleagues;
• Lead and/or participate in relevant thematic expert groups;
• Prepare technical and programmatic briefings, reports and presentations on various topics related to mental health, psychosocial and intercultural communication needs of displaced and crisis affected populations.

Capacity building

Build the capacity of the IOM emergency personnel, and implementing partner organizations’ personnel in the relevant fields, based on global tools, most notably the IOM Manual on Community Based MHPSS in Emergency and Displacement, including:

• Develop and implement an MHPSS in emergency capacity building plan, based on a capacity-needs assessment;
• Guide and advise on the inclusion of mental health and psychosocial components in IOM’s trainings for Emergency Roster, Emergency Response, Emergency surge and Emergency Response and Induction Training (ERIT);
• Guide and advise on the inclusion of mental health and psychosocial components in IOM’s trainings for humanitarian emergency counterparts.

Direct Management and Managerial Support

• Be part of the IOM surge teams in emerging crises situations, strategizing, mobilizing resources and initiating emergency MHPSS interventions; this function requires frequent and unpredictable field mission travel for up to 70% of the incumbent’s working time;
• Supervise and provide managerial support to MHPSS managers and officers of Humanitarian response programs;
• Monitor and evaluate managerial and financial aspects of the program, including reporting.

Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Psychiatry, Psychology (General, Clinical, Counselling, Social or Community), Social Work, Anthropology, Education, Social Animation from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.
• For holders of non-clinical degrees, a suitable number of exams in clinical and counselling psychology or related subjects is an advantage.

Experience

• Previous participation in IOM run academic courses on MHPSS and population mobility like the Summer School in Psychosocial interventions in Migration, Emergency and Displacement is a distinctive advantage;
• Relevant seven years (nine years for bachelor’s degree holders) of experience in providing psychosocial support in emergency situations and to crises affected populations.
• At least seven years (nine years for bachelor’s degree holders) of experience in the development and management of MHPSS programs in the UN or IASC sector;
• Relevant experience in the Counter Trafficking, Unaccompanied Minors, and Demobilization and Reparation sectors will be considered an asset; and,
• Proven academic teaching experience will be considered as an asset.

Skills

• Proven understanding of humanitarian diplomacy;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Sound judgment, ability to analyze information and make decisions rapidly to resolve operational problems;
• Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to adhere to strict deadlines;
• Strong leadership, management, and coordination ability;
• Sound communication and interpersonal skills; and,
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and backgrounds.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

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

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

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required 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 3

• 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 3

• 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.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board 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, and background verification 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.

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