Project Assistant (MM/MHPSS) at International Organization for Migration - IOM

SVN No.: SVN2018/49
Location: Lagos
Organizational Unit: Migration Management - (Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support/MHPSS)
IOM Classification: G5
Type of Appointment: Special Short Term (SST) Grade Equivalent Contract (Renewable)
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Context

• Irregular migration along the Central Mediterranean route is increasingly dangerous for migrants. Crossing the Mediterranean to Italy is by far the deadliest route, with 1 death recorded for 35 arrivals (IOM, 2016). In addition, over 70% of the migrants interviewed by IOM on their arrival in Italy report that they were victims of trafficking or other exploitative practices during their migratory journey along the routes of the Central Mediterranean.
• To meet these challenges, the European Union (EU) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have developed the Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in Africa (hereinafter “Joint Initiative”). Complementing this programme, IOM is also planning to implement additional projects that aim to protect the security, dignity and rights of returning migrants from along this important and dangerous migration route and to help improving the reintegration of returnees through an innovative approach.
• This will be achieved through different types of interventions including protection and assistance to vulnerable and stranded migrants, assistance for voluntary return, support for sustainable reintegration in the communities of origin, the dissemination of accurate information on migration to migrants, potential migrants and communities, and the collection of data on migration flows.
• The Initiative and complementing projects will aim at strengthening the technical and material capacities of the authorities and organizations involved in these areas so that they can ultimately take over policies and programmes related to the protection and reintegration of migrants in the region, with a view to improving the governance of migration in the region.
• Working under the overall supervision of the Project Officer (MM/MHPSS) Lagos, and the direct supervision of the Senior Project Assistant (MM/MHPSS), Lagos, and in close collaboration with the Project Manager (MM), Lagos, the successful candidate will contribute to the implementation and monitoring of the MHPSS component as required under the Migration Management Unit, with a view to strengthen local actors’ capacities especially at state level to provide improved mental health and psychosocial support as well as reintegration support services as required within the thematic areas of the Migration Management Unit.
• IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Provide overall support in the day-today implementation of the AVRR programme and activities under the Migration Management unit in Lagos, Nigeria, with a specific focus on the MHPSS component.
• Provide overall support in training activities for IOM colleagues and other partners’ staff involved with returnees in MHPSS support, including Psychological First Aid and other relevant PSS trainings (e.g; understanding emotional issues among returning migrants, positive communication skills, basic MHPSS concepts, etc.);
• Assist in the design and timely implementation of community level sensitization on MHPSS issues through psychosocial and recreational activities adapted to the needs, age and abilities of migrants.
• Support the provision of reintegration assistance within the case management, specifically for vulnerable cases of returning migrant, and ensure the documentation and filing of all vulnerable cases for reference and monitoring including regular update of beneficiaries’ information.
• Assist the day-to-day implementation and monitoring of the AVRR programme and activities, within the component of MHPSS.
• Collect, prepare and present information through periodic and ad-hoc reports on MHPSS activities, and support coordination and exchange of information with national institutional, professional and academic counterparts.
• Liaise with relevant governmental, non-governmental (NGOs), international organizations as well as other relevant stakeholders.
• Provide general counselling to the returnees to support smooth psychosocial reintegration within family and community in coordination with protection focal points
• Provide technical support on the activities of the local NGOs supported by the program component.
• Monitor MHPSS component activities including those implemented by the local partners by reviewing a variety of records, including control of plans, progress reports, project inputs, identify issues and propose adjustments as necessary.
• Provide support to the protection screening and needs assessment of the qualitative and quantitative impact of psychosocial support activities at individual, family and community level.
• Undertake duty travel to challenging areas when necessary, including field visits to the beneficiaries’ and monitor developments.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Clinical Psychology, or other branch of Psychology / Counselling, and in the field of mental health and psychological support;
• Minimum of five years (three years for Bachelor’s degree holders) relevant professional experience in clinical psychology, or other branch of psychology / counselling, and in the field of mental health and psychological support; in particular, assistance to migrants is valued;
• Demonstrated Knowledge on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Program. Knowledge on counselling skills and protection mechanisms and mainstreaming within case management;
• Experience, interest and knowledge in the field of migration, trafficking of human beings, smuggling of migrants;
• Excellent reporting and communication skills;
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Good knowledge of information technology and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and SharePoint;
• Knowledge of traditional, social practices and cultural norms as well as general migration related issues in the country;
• Solid knowledge of project development, administration and evaluation concepts and procedures;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts, international organizations, civil society organizations/NGOs, and private sector entities;
• Experience in supporting all aspects of project management and familiarity with international standards and EU regulations is advantageous, preferably within the United Nations or within the international humanitarian field.
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, relevant government counterparts, other national / international institutions and other private sector entities.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Native Language; Fluency in multiple languages advantageous;

Required Competencies
Behavioural:

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following competencies:

• Accountability - takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms
• Client Orientation - works effectively well with client and stakeholders
• Continuous Learning - promotes continuous learning for self and others
• Communication - listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience
• Creativity and Initiative - actively seeks new ways of improving programmes or services
• Leadership and Negotiation - develops effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Performance Management - identify ways and implement actions to improve performance of self and others.
• Planning and Organizing - plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility;
• Professionalism - displays mastery of subject matter
• Teamwork - contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs, perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation.
• Technological Awareness - displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;
• Resource Mobilization - works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM (optional depending on position level).

Other:

• Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.