Expedited SVN: Programme Officer (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)) (P)
Organizational Context
IOM, established in 1951, is a leading UN agency promoting humane and orderly migration. It assists governments and migrants by saving lives, protecting people on the move, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. This role is under the supervision of the Chief of Mission and the technical guidance of the Global MHPSS-CI Unit.
Job Purpose
The Programme Officer (MHPSS) plays a crucial role within IOM's Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program, specifically focusing on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). This position is vital for ensuring that migrants, particularly those with irregular status, receive safe and dignified return assistance. The role contributes to the overall well-being of migrants by integrating MHPSS approaches into AVRR activities, providing direct support, and strengthening referral pathways. The officer's work directly impacts the quality of life for vulnerable individuals by addressing their psychosocial needs during a critical transition period, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and humanity of IOM's migration services.
Responsibilities
The Programme Officer (MHPSS) is responsible for coordinating and implementing MHPSS activities within transit and Migrant Resource Centres, ensuring adherence to IOM standards and protection principles. This includes providing technical guidance and supervision to MHPSS staff, developing and contextualizing MHPSS tools and protocols, and mapping services to strengthen referral pathways. The role involves facilitating the integration of MHPSS approaches across migrant assistance programs, designing community-based psychosocial activities, and establishing mechanisms for identifying MHPSS needs. Direct psychosocial support and case consultations for complex cases are also part of the duties. Furthermore, the officer will coordinate with national mental health actors, organize capacity-building activities, contribute to monitoring and reporting, and participate in interagency coordination mechanisms to identify and address operational challenges and service gaps.
Work Experience
Required experience includes designing, implementing, and coordinating MHPSS programs in humanitarian or low-resource settings, and supervising MHPSS staff. Proven experience in providing direct MHPSS services, working with vulnerable populations, and supporting capacity-building initiatives is essential. Experience in coordinating referrals with multidisciplinary service providers and working in complex operational settings is highly desirable.
Skills
Key skills include a strong understanding of community-based MHPSS approaches and humanitarian protection principles. Excellent coordination, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to supervise multidisciplinary teams. Strong report writing and analytical skills, the capacity to work independently under pressure, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management tools are also required. Knowledge of IASC MHPSS Guidelines is advantageous.