Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, ensuring that the rights and dignity of migrants are respected. IOM's mission includes addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including refugees and internally displaced persons, and providing support in areas such as health, protection, and community stabilization.

Job Overview:
The Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer will play a crucial role in implementing protection and mental health initiatives in response to emergencies in Plateau, Kaduna, and Taraba states. This position requires the incumbent to coordinate and support psychosocial support activities, ensuring that mobile teams are effectively deployed and monitored. The officer will provide technical support to these teams, ensuring adherence to guidelines and project indicators. Additionally, the MHPSS Officer will contribute to capacity-building efforts, assist in project proposal development, and promote the integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender and child protection into project activities. The role demands a proactive approach to liaising with stakeholders and maintaining accurate documentation of project activities, as well as the ability to adapt to challenging field conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MHPSS Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the implementation of psychosocial support activities through coordination of mobile teams, including developing workplans and tracking project progress.
• Providing technical support and monitoring to PSS teams through regular supervisions and on-the-job training.
• Offering direct MHPSS technical support in collaboration with the Programme Manager and technical staff.
• Developing and implementing a capacity-building plan for PSS teams.
• Assisting in the coordination of MHPSS-protection activities and monitoring project budgets.
• Liaising with government actors, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society to ensure effective project implementation.
• Consolidating reports from PSS teams and contributing to weekly and biweekly reporting.
• Maintaining accurate documentation and filing systems for project activities.
• Contributing to new project proposals based on identified needs. 1
• Promoting the integration of protection and gender issues into project activities. 1
• Undertaking duty travel to challenging areas as necessary. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Programme Manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma with seven years of related experience or a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counselling, social sciences, or related fields from an accredited institution, along with five years of professional experience. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Participation in IOM corporate training in MHPSS is considered an asset, as is experience supporting NGOs in cross-border activities and providing technical support to field teams. Strong computer skills, particularly in MS Office applications, are essential, with advanced Excel skills being an advantage. Familiarity with databases and basic knowledge of statistical software such as SPSS is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma with extensive experience or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as psychology, counselling, or social sciences. Candidates must have graduated from accredited institutions recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that their qualifications meet international standards.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant professional experience, specifically seven years of related experience with a high school diploma or five years with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience in providing technical support to implementing partners or field teams is crucial, as is participation in IOM corporate training in MHPSS. Candidates should also have experience working with national and international NGOs, particularly in implementing cross-border activities.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of the local language, which is essential for effective communication in the field. Additionally, proficiency in IOM’s official languages—English, French, and Spanish—will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates with a valid residence and work permit for Nigeria will be considered. The appointment is contingent upon funding confirmation and medical fitness certification. Recommended candidates may remain eligible for similar positions for up to 24 months. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.