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

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) - Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Assistant (MM/MHPSS)

SVN No.: SVN2018.115
Location: Lagos
Organizational Unit: Migration Management - (Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support/MHPSS)
IOM Classification: G4
Type of Appointment: Special Short Term (SST) Grade Equivalent Contract (Renewable)
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Context

• 2017 report on irregular migration across Mediterranean, indicated that the between 2009 and 2017, most of the migrants who arrived in Italy were from the sub-Saharan region and majority were Nigerian. Irregular migration, particularly along the Central Mediterranean route from Nigeria- North Africa- Europe, is extremely dangerous. These migrants experience more gross human rights violations and mortalities compared to any other migration route around the globe. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has intensified efforts to protect the high number of migrants rescued at sea, and along the central Mediterranean route, by strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders in transit countries, and work with Government stakeholders, UN Agencies, and civil society in countries of origin, to address the drivers of irregular migration and strengthen direct assistance for vulnerable migrants.
• In response to this, the European Union (EU) and IOM developed a joint initiative to provide sustainable reintegration and protection assistance to vulnerable migrants, including unaccompanied and separated minors, victims of trafficking, people living with disabilities, migrants with medical needs, victims of kidnapping, and victims of abuse and torture. Irregular migrants are often separated from their familiar social safety nets, stressors associated with the hazardous journey, their new realities and pre-existing conditions can increase their psychosocial vulnerabilities. Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions that go beyond the clinical assessments to include interventions on prevention, recreation, protection and education interventions are essential in strengthening resilience among this group of migrants.
• Working under the overall supervision of the Project Officer (MM/MHPSS) and the direct supervision of the Senior Project Assistant (MM/MHPSS), the successful candidate will contribute to the implementation of activities under the Migration Management unit.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support in implementation of the MHPSS components of the AVRR programme and activities under the Migration Management unit in Lagos, Nigeria.
• Support organization of 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 the team in the 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 document and file all vulnerable cases for reference and monitoring including regular update of beneficiaries’ information.
• Assist in the day-to-day implementation of the AVRR programme and activities, within the component of MHPSS.
• Assist in collecting, preparing and presenting information through periodic and ad-hoc reports on MHPSS activities, and support coordination and exchange of information with national institutional, professional and academic counterparts.
• Provide general/basic counselling to the returnees to support smooth psychosocial reintegration within family and community in coordination with protection focal points.
• Assist in monitoring MHPSS component activities including those implemented by the local partners.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of four years relevant experience (two years’ experience for degree holders) from an accredited institution in Psychology, Counselling, or any other related Social Science course;
• Minimum of two years of relevant experience in programmes, preferably in standalone MHPSS programmes or programmes with MHPSS components with non-governmental organisations.
• Experience working with vulnerable groups, counselling, protection interventions in an International NGO or UN Agency
• Work and/or academic experience focusing on migrant/mobile and/or at-risk groups preferably.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality is mandatory.
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national / international institutions;
• Experience in the area of migration, refugees and reintegration of migrants and victims of trafficking;
• Ability to work under stressful working conditions such as tight timelines and managing large groups of beneficiaries;
• Strong analytical, organizational and reporting skills;
• Good communication, inter-personal and negotiation skills
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government and Non-Governmental counterparts, international organizations, civil societies and/or private sector entities;
• 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.

Languages:

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

Required Competencies
The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following 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 1

• 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.

Other:

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

Application Closing Date
27th November, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Applications via email to: [email protected] indicating position applied on subject line

Note

• Only candidates residing in the country of the duty station within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
• Women with the above qualifications are encouraged to apply.
• In order for the applications to be considered valid, IOM only accepts applications with a cover letter not more than one page specifying the motivation for application, addressed to "Human Resources, International Organization for Migration (IOM)" and with a subject line "SVN2018.115 Lagos. Project Assistant (MM/MHPSS) G5".
• All applications should include a functional email address, mobile numbers and detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
• Please note that this position is open only to Nigerian National applicants and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.