Result of Service
The expected results include: - Environment, materials and tools necessary to support the well-being of witnesses are prepared. - List of records and materials/tools to be procured to support witnesses ‘well-being. - Feedback on tools kit contribution on new instruments or tools to assess and support witnesses is completed. - Comprehensive psychosocial risks assessments are conducted. - Psychosocial support for witnesses is provided. - Comprehensive report for each witness assessed and supported are completed. - Debriefings are conducted, and recommendations are shared with other team members in the context of risk assessment and protective measures. - Follow-up calls are conducted. - Brief report for each witness contacted in the context of follow-up call is completed. - MHPSS Emergency and Support Action Plan field information is updated.
Expected duration
Up to a maximum of 54 working days through 30 November 2026 according to the 2026 mission plan, subject to the relevant authorities approving the mission dates. Tentative schedule is: - 14 days in May-June 2026 - 30 days in September-November 2026 - 10 days during other throughout 2026
Duties and Responsibilities
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar ("Mechanism") was established by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 39/2, adopted on 27 September 2018, to investigate serious international crimes (i.e., crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide) and other violations of international law. The creation of the Mechanism was welcomed by the General Assembly in its resolution 73/264, adopted on 22 December 2018. Under the general supervision of the Witness Support Officer or Associate Witness Support Officer, the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Consultant will conduct assessment, facilitate and provide psychosocial support to witnesses before, during and after their interactions with the Mechanism. The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: - Conduct individual psychosocial assessments of witnesses, victims, and other persons engaged in the investigation process, identifying psychosocial risks and protective factors, including those related to mental health, physical health, and social conditions. - Ensure witness’ rest area is well-maintained, with adequate space for psychosocial assessment and psychological support. - Maintain record of material and tools required to support the wellbeing of witnesses. - Provide psychological support sessions for the witnesses, victims, and other persons engaged with the Mechanism. - Facilitate psychosocial referrals to professionals, including NGOs, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and social support services, helping witnesses navigate available resources and overcome potential barriers to support. - Advise investigative teams on the use of safe, ethical, and survivor-centered approaches for engaging with witnesses, particularly vulnerable witnesses. - Work closely with other members of the Mechanism's Witness Protection and Support Team to provide psychosocial recommendations to investigators and keep them informed of potential risks to witnesses throughout the investigation process. - Draft reports on psychosocial aspects of witness protection and support including brief reports related to follow-up calls and share these reports with the Mechanism's Witness Support Officer and Associate Witness Support Officer.
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced University Degree in Psychology (Clinical or Forensic psychology or related field) is required. A first-level university degree of the above in combination of at least two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of two years of professional experience in psychological assessment and support with vulnerable groups, such as victims of serious crimes and highly traumatized individuals, is required. Experience in mental health and psychosocial support, particularly in trauma, crisis intervention, and resilience-building is required. Experience working with vulnerable populations, including survivors of SGBV, children, and persons with disabilities is required. Experience with victims and refugees from the Rohingya population is desirable. Experience in liaising with external service providers, ensuring smooth referral processes and access to appropriate care is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Confidence in oral Rohingya, Burmese or other Myanmar languages is desirable.
Additional Information
Not available.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
