Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) consultant
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Consultancy 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.
Project Context and Scope
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Cambodia and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, the MHPSS Consultant will support the implementation of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities for migrants, with a focus on well-being promotion, psychosocial support, and community-based interventions.
Protection / IBG
Design, plan, and implement a range of MHPSS activities for migrants, including group sessions, psychoeducation, recreational and structured psychosocial activities, ensuring adaptability to different contexts (including partner shelter premises and other community settings).
Facilitate safe and inclusive spaces that promote psychosocial well-being, social cohesion, and emotional support among migrants.
Provide basic psychological support and Psychological First Aid (PFA) to migrants experiencing distress, in line with IOM and international MHPSS guidelines.
Identify individuals in need of specialized mental health or protection services and ensure safe, confidential, and timely referrals to appropriate service providers.
Support the integration of MHPSS approaches into protection programming, ensuring activities are culturally appropriate, gender-sensitive, and trauma-informed.
Coordinate closely with IOM units, implementing partners, and service providers to ensure coherent and complementary service delivery.
Contribute to the development of activity plans, tools, and materials for MHPSS interventions, ensuring flexibility to respond to emerging needs.
Maintain regular engagement with migrant communities to assess psychosocial needs, feedback, and satisfaction, and adapt activities accordingly.
Collect and manage relevant activity data, ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, and compliance with IOM data protection standards.
Provide capacity-building and guidance to partners and frontline staff (e.g., shelter personnel) on basic MHPSS principles and supportive communication.
Support logistical and administrative aspects of MHPSS activities, including materials, scheduling, etc.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
The performance of work will be evaluated based on the following indicators:
Timely and effective implementation of MHPSS activities.
Quality, relevance, and adaptability of psychosocial interventions delivered.
Compliance with established deadlines and reporting requirements.
Demonstrated application of international MHPSS standards and principles (e.g., do no harm, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity).
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Mental Health, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.
Formal training in MHPSS, counselling, or psychological first aid is highly desirable.
Experience
Demonstrated experience in implementing MHPSS programmes, preferably in humanitarian, migration, or protection contexts.
Experience facilitating group activities and community-based psychosocial interventions.
Experience working with vulnerable populations, including migrants, survivors of trafficking, or individuals in distress is an asset.
Strong understanding of trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches.
Experience coordinating with NGOs, government entities, and service providers.
Ability to work flexibly in diverse settings, including shelters and community spaces.
Skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Proven ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt to evolving programme needs.
Proficiency in standard office software (MS Word, Excel, etc.).
Languages
For this consultancy, Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Khmer is an added Value.
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:
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
Notes
IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
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, 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
