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

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a UN-related agency focused on promoting humane and orderly migration. The IOM Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) implements a Protection Approach safeguarding individual rights. This role, based in Kinshasa, is crucial for coordinating and monitoring Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities within the DRC mission.

Job Purpose

The Project Officer (MHPSS) is responsible for the overall coordination and monitoring of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities within the IOM Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically in Kinshasa. This role operates under the supervision of the Chief of Mission, Migrant Protection Coordinator, and Programme Coordinator (MHPSS). The purpose is to ensure the effective implementation of MHPSS components within projects, providing essential services and support to migrants. The officer will guide a multidisciplinary team, develop capacity-building plans, and liaise with governmental and non-governmental partners to uphold the rights and well-being of individuals affected by migration, in line with IOM's protection mandate and international standards.

Responsibilities

Manage the implementation of MHPSS project components for migrant protection and psychosocial support services in Migration Reception Centers (MRCs), referring critical medical cases as per guidelines. Provide technical and operational guidance to a multidisciplinary team including psychologists, social workers, and animators. Develop and coordinate capacity-building plans for MHPSS staff and partners, utilizing IOM manuals and technical notes. Liaise with governmental health authorities and represent IOM in MHPSS forums in Kinshasa. Lead training activities for stakeholders on migrant assistance. Develop communication materials to promote protection and psychosocial support for migrants. Produce and submit timely progress, financial, and narrative reports, ensuring compliance with project management and M&E requirements. Contribute to information management by providing regular updates and summaries.

Work Experience

Required experience includes project development, management, and reporting; assessing MHPSS needs in complex emergency/post-conflict contexts; coordinating MHPSS services in AVR programs and Migration Reception Centers. Experience with peace brokers, community initiatives, clinical supervision, and capacity building is an asset. Prior work with international humanitarian organizations or in multicultural settings is beneficial. Experience working with migrants, refugees, IDPs, and GBV survivors is also noted.

Skills

Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and teamwork skills. Excellent communication and report-writing abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Fluency in English and French (oral and written) is required. Working knowledge of Spanish or other official UN languages is an advantage. Knowledge of protection principles and IOM policies is beneficial. Previous participation in IOM's 'Psychosocial Interventions in Emergency and Displacement' program is an asset.

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