Introduction

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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. 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 and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM’s Approach to Protection promotes a coherent and accountable organizational role in safeguarding the rights of individuals across operational contexts, in line with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee definition. Working with States as primary duty bearers, IOM programs aim at ensuring full respect for the rights of the individual in accordance with the letter and the spirit of relevant bodies of laws to ensure that individuals’ and communities (rights holders)’ exposure to risks of violence are reduced and addressed and that their rights are upheld and needs fulfilled. This approach is implemented through operational pillars – thematic guidance, direct assistance, convening and dialogue, advocacy and communication, training and capacity building and data, research and learning – guided by core commitment to protection mainstreaming, accountability, inclusion, sustainability, systemic change and effective partnership.

The IOM Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seeks to appoint Mental Health Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Project Associate. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the supervision of the Migrant Protection Coordinator, the direct technical supervision of the Programme Coordinator (MHPSS), the MHPSS Project Associate will assist MHPSS officer in implementing MHPSS activites implemented in Kinshasa.   
 

1. Provision of multilayered psychosocial services to vulnerable migrants in Migrant Reception Centers in Kinshasa, including early identification of migrants in distressed conditions and severe mental health cases.
2. Provide focused psychosocial support and timely assistance to unaccompanied minors and identify those migrants who might require specialized mental health care, including referral to mental health institutions/specialists and follow-up on case management modalities.
3. Identify strategies to promote mental health and psychosocial support and design operational plans to enhance access of vulnerable migrants to integrated psychosocial  services based on rapid MHPSS assessments and diagnostics.
4. Develop training materials for IOM staff and Implementing Partners considering relevant IOM MHPSS, Protection, AVR, and Reintegration resources.
5. Train MHPSS focal points to support the implementation psychosocial support activities in MRC, as well as national stakeholders and local service providers related to the migrants’ arrival, post-arrival and reception assistance, including translators.
6. Provide training sessions to IOM staff, including translators, drivers and security operators, in MRC on Psychological First Aid and (PFA) to assist migrants who are in critical conditions and/or in deep state of distress.
7. Ensure that confidentiality and the right to privacy is maintained regarding confidential information.
8. In accordance with structured reporting requirements and informal reporting needs, prepare clear and concise reports of all activities undertaken.
9. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

•  Degree in Clinical Psychology, Counselling or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience.
• Professional accreditation from a recognized medical, psychological or counselling association-society is an advantage.
   

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

•  Experience in assessing and analysing MHPSS needs in complex emergency and post-conflict contexts;
• Experience in providing multi-layered MHPSS services in AVR programs and Migration Reception Centers;
• Experience in working with psychosocial focal points, translators;
•  Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV);

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting.

Skills

• Previous participation to IOM corporate programme in “Psychosocial Interventions in Emergency and Displacement” will be considered an asset;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with persons of diverse cultural and national backgrounds;
• Proven interpersonal and teamwork skills;
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills;
• Knowledge of protection principles and IOM policies and procedures is an advantage; and,
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
   

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

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

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

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

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 2

• 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 2, if with direct reports

• 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. 

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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 will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies