Project Officer (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)) (P)
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related organization established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. This Project Officer role is situated within the IOM Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) mission, specifically in Tanganyika province. The position operates under the Chief of Mission and MHPSS Program Coordinator, contributing to a five-year initiative focused on improving living conditions in security-critical contexts through Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).
Job Purpose
The Project Officer (MHPSS) is responsible for the comprehensive management, oversight, and coordination of a significant five-year initiative aimed at enhancing the living conditions of populations in security-critical areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This role directly contributes to fostering peace through Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Tanganyika province. The purpose is to ensure the effective implementation of the project, funded by the German Development Bank KfW, by providing technical and operational guidance, developing capacity-building plans, and coordinating with various stakeholders to achieve project objectives. The role is crucial in delivering essential MHPSS services and promoting social cohesion in a challenging environment, aligning with IOM's mandate to support people on the move and in crisis.
Responsibilities
The Project Officer will manage and monitor the budget for the KfW-funded MHPSS project, ensuring compliance with IOM regulations and donor visibility. This includes providing technical and operational guidance to a multidisciplinary team of specialists and leading capacity-building initiatives for staff and partners based on IOM guidelines. The role involves close liaison with governmental health programs and other relevant entities, and representing IOM in MHPSS forums. Key duties include leading training for stakeholders, developing and executing awareness campaigns on psychosocial support and social cohesion, and overseeing rehabilitation plans for community spaces and small-scale projects. The officer is also responsible for producing high-quality progress and financial reports, managing project information, and ensuring timely submission of all required documentation.
Work Experience
Required experience includes project development, management, and reporting, with a focus on assessing MHPSS needs in complex emergency and post-conflict settings. The role demands experience in coordinating community-based MHPSS, integrating MHPSS into post-recovery activities (livelihood, social cohesion, DDR), and working with peace brokers and community initiatives. Experience in clinical supervision, capacity building of mental health professionals, and working with vulnerable groups is beneficial. Prior experience with international humanitarian organizations in a multicultural setting is also valuable.
Skills
Key skills include effective coordination with implementing partners and stakeholders, strong information sharing capabilities, and demonstrated leadership. The role requires proven interpersonal and teamwork skills, excellent communication and report-writing abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Previous participation in IOM's "Psychosocial Interventions in Emergency and Displacement" program and knowledge of protection principles are advantageous.