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

SVN No.: SVN 2018/279 (P)
Location: Lagos
Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2
Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, Six months with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 15 November 2018

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), the UK Government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have developed the Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in Africa (hereinafter “Joint Initiative”). Implemented in 14 countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and The Gambia) through 14 specific actions, it aims to protect the security, dignity and rights of migrants 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 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.
• A major component of the Joint Initiative in Nigeria is the provision of sustainable reintegration assistance to more than 9,500 returnees going back to various parts of the country.
• Reintegration can be considered sustainable when returnees have reached levels of economic self-sufficiency, social stability within their communities, and psychosocial well-being that allow them to cope with (re)migration drivers. Having achieved sustainable reintegration psychologically, socially and economically, returnees are able to make further migration decisions as a matter of choice rather than necessity.
• Working under the overall supervision of the, Deputy Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (MM), Lagos, in collaboration with Migration Health Unit and the technical supervision of the Regional Thematic Specialist (MHPSS), the successful candidate will be responsible for implementing and assisting with the management of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support portfolio as part of IOM Nigeria’s Migration Management Portfolio.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Assist with the coordination of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) team within the Migration Management Unit and ensure timely implementation of MHPSS related activities.
• Assist with the recruitment of, and train, supervise and provide guidance to MHPSS national staff, and assist with the administration of related HR requirements to facilitate successful team operation.
• Implement and monitor the delivery of non-compulsory counselling services available in transit areas which are tailored to the situation including child friendly activities in transit areas.
• Identify and refer people with immediate and urgent psychiatric needs.
• Support mapping of existing MHPSS services in the country and provide technical inputs for the establishment of a protocol and guidelines for referral and appropriate training for the staff and partners.
• Maintain and update mechanisms for the timely statistical reporting of cases and trends.
• Identify and document recurrent needs for the development of community-based projects to respond to these needs in the reintegration phase.
• Liaise with IOM mission’s AVM, reintegration, health and protection actors to facilitate the successful management of cases and the implementation of reintegration programmes.
• In coordination with the supervisor, develop a capacity building plan for the MHPSS service providers and coordinate its implementation.
• Assist with the development of training courses on psychotherapy and therapeutic-expressive activities.
• Participate in the development of new projects in coordination with the Programme Manager based on identified needs during project implementation.
• Monitor and provide suggestions regarding the integration of cross-cutting issues such as protection, gender, child protection, counter trafficking and other vulnerable groups are included in the project implementation.
• Undertake frequent duty travel to very challenging areas.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
  

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.
• Professional accreditation with a recognized psychological or psychotherapeutic or counselling or social work association-society a distinct advantage.

Experience:

• Experience in designing, managing psychosocial support programmes in emergency situations;
• Experience in providing psychosocial support in emergency situations;
• Experience in a complex humanitarian emergency or post-conflict environment;
• Knowledge and experience in facilitating training and developing curricula;
• Experience in clinical counselling psychology, or psychotherapy and counselling for social workers an asset;
• Participation to IOM corporate programme in Psychosocial Interventions in Emergency and displacement will be considered an asset;
• Familiarity with the region an advantage;
• Proficient in MS Office applications and basic knowledge of SPSS.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.

Desirable Competencies
Values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• 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.

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 action 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:

• 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 potential.
• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

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.
• The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.