Consultoría local A: Profesional en Psicología para Equipo Móvil de Protección
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a leading UN agency dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. It works with partners to save lives, protect migrants, drive solutions to displacement, and facilitate legal migration pathways. IOM fosters an inclusive and supportive workplace, aiming to harness migration's full potential and strengthen support for people on the move.
Job Purpose
This consultancy focuses on strengthening protection actions for migrants in transit and returning to Costa Rica, aligning with the "Route-based action in Latin America" project. The role involves direct engagement with vulnerable migrant populations, particularly those affected by changing migration patterns and increased vulnerability in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). The psychologist will provide direct support, identify protection needs and risks, and facilitate referrals to specialized services. The objective is to ensure a rights-based, evidence-driven response that is sensitive to gender, age, and diversity, in line with IOM's protection standards and approaches, contributing to the well-being and safety of migrants.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain a service mapping for vulnerable migrants in the GAM, including referral pathways. Provide direct assistance, guidance, and information to migrants in transit and community spaces regarding rights, protection services, health, social assistance, and voluntary return options. Identify protection needs and risks, such as violence, exploitation, and gender-based violence, using project tools. Refer individuals requiring specialized attention to appropriate institutions and service providers. Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for identifying and addressing vulnerable situations. Offer brief individual psychological counseling. Create a monitoring system for referrals to ensure continuity of care. Identify priority locations for mobile protection interventions and participate in community activities, awareness campaigns, and coordination meetings with local stakeholders and institutions. Document all activities, maintain records, and prepare reports on implemented actions, population reached, and identified needs. Ensure all interventions adhere to principles of confidentiality, informed consent, and non-discrimination.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required. Previous experience in community-based protection activities within related intervention areas is advantageous. Experience in communication and working with diverse cultural backgrounds is desirable, as is familiarity with social issues and IOM's migration mandate.
Skills
Psychological counseling, direct assistance, needs and risk identification, referral mechanisms, community engagement, coordination with institutions, documentation, reporting, adherence to protection principles (confidentiality, informed consent, non-discrimination), empathy, discretion, social awareness.