Programme Officer (mental Health And Psychosocial Support (mhpss))

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a UN-related agency dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. It works with partners to save lives, protect people on the move, resolve displacement, and facilitate regular migration pathways. The organization fosters an inclusive and supportive workplace, valuing diversity and aiming to maximize the potential of migration.

Job Purpose

This role supports the coordination and implementation of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities within IOM's operations in the Central African Republic. The Programme Officer will provide essential technical guidance and supervision to MHPSS staff, ensuring the quality and consistency of services delivered in transit centers and Migrant Resource Centers. The position is crucial for developing and adapting MHPSS tools, Standard Operating Procedures, and referral pathways tailored to the local context. By facilitating the integration of MHPSS approaches across various migrant assistance programs and strengthening community-based psychosocial interventions, the role aims to enhance the resilience, reduce distress, and promote social inclusion among migrants and returnees. This includes identifying MHPSS needs, providing direct support for complex cases, and coordinating with national and international actors to ensure access to specialized care.

Responsibilities

The Programme Officer will coordinate and implement MHPSS activities in CAR, adhering to IOM standards and protection principles. This includes providing daily technical guidance and supervision to MHPSS staff, such as Clinical Psychologists, Counsellors, and Social Workers. The role involves developing, contextualizing, and implementing MHPSS tools, SOPs, and referral pathways. It also requires mapping services and coordinating with governmental, health, protection, and community actors to strengthen referral systems. The officer will mainstream MHPSS approaches across migrant assistance and Migrant Resource Centre activities, including community-based psychosocial interventions to build resilience and social inclusion. Responsibilities also include identifying MHPSS needs through assessments, providing direct support for complex cases, and coordinating with national mental health actors for higher-level care. Capacity building for frontline workers and partners on MHPSS topics is a key duty, alongside contributing to monitoring, data collection, reporting, and participating in interagency coordination mechanisms.

Work Experience

Experience is required in designing, implementing, or supporting MHPSS programs in humanitarian, migration, or low-resource settings. This includes supervising MHPSS staff, providing direct MHPSS services, and working with vulnerable populations. Experience coordinating referrals and working with multidisciplinary service providers is essential. Experience with IOM, UN agencies, or INGOs, and in complex operational settings, is desirable.

Skills

Strong knowledge of community-based MHPSS approaches and humanitarian protection principles. Excellent coordination, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to supervise and technically support multidisciplinary teams. Strong report writing and analytical skills. Ability to work independently under pressure in challenging contexts. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management tools. Familiarity with IASC MHPSS Guidelines is advantageous.

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